The rallying-cry at that time was in behalf of the State, and the people were told they must act for Missouri, without regard to any thing else.

In no part of the country was the "State Rights" theory more freely used.

All the changes were rung upon the sovereignty of States, the right of Missouri to exclude United States soldiers from her soil, the illegality of the formation of Union regiments, and the tyranny of the General Government.
The flags under which Missouri soldiers were gathered clearly blended the interests of the State with secession.
Our troops entered Booneville amid demonstrations of delight from one portion of the inhabitants, and the frowns and muttered indignation of the other.

The Rebels had fled, a part of them by land, and the balance on a steamboat, toward Lexington.

Quiet possession obtained, there was time to examine into the details of the fight.