CHAPTER VI.
THE BATTLE OF WILSON CREEK.
The Return from Dug Spring .-- The Rebels follow in Pursuit .-- Preparations to Attack them .-- The Plan of Battle .-- Moving to the Attack--A Bivouac .-- The Opening Shot.--"Is that Official ?"--Sensations of a Spectator in Battle .-- Extension of Distance and Time .-- Characteristics of Projectiles .-- Taking Notes under Fire .-- Strength and Losses of the Opposing Armies .-- A Noble Record .-- The Wounded on the Field.--"One More Shot."-- Granger in his Element .-- General Lyon's Death.
The return of General Lyon from Dug Spring emboldened the enemy to move nearer to Springfield.

On the 7th of August the Rebels reached Wilson Creek, ten miles from Springfield, and formed their camp on both sides of that stream.

General Ben.

McCulloch was their commander-in-chief.

On the night of the 8th, General Lyon proposed to move from Springfield for the purpose of attacking their position.
The design was not carried out, on account of the impossibility of securing proper disposition of our forces in season to reach the enemy's camp at daylight.
During the 8th and the forenoon of the 9th, preparations were made for resisting an attack in Springfield, in case the enemy should come upon us.