After he made the promise, Cairo was threatened by General Pillow, and the re-enforcing column turned in that direction.

General Lyon was left to take care of himself.
By the latter part of July, our situation had become critical.

Price's army had been re-enforced by a column of Arkansas and Louisiana troops, under General McCulloch.

This gave the Rebels upward of twelve thousand men, while we could muster less than six thousand.

General Price assumed the offensive, moving slowly toward Springfield, as if sure of his ability to overpower the National forces.