General Lyon determined to fall upon the enemy before he could reach Springfield, and moved on the 1st of August with that object in view.
On the second day of our march a strong scouting party of Rebels was encountered, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which they were repulsed.
This encounter is known in the Southwest as "the fight at Dug Spring." The next day another skirmish occurred, and, on the third morning, twenty-five miles from Springfield, General Lyon called a council of war.

"Councils of war do not fight" has grown into a proverb.

The council on this occasion decided that we should return to Springfield without attacking the enemy.

The decision was immediately carried out.
The beginning of August, in Southwest Missouri, is in the midst of the warm season.

The day of the march to Dug Spring was one I shall never forget.