Of course, all were anxious for a battle, and hailed this intelligence with delight.

At the same time there were rumors of trouble from another direction--trouble to the commander-in-chief.

The vague reports of his coming decapitation were followed by the arrival, on the 2d of November, of the unconditional order removing General Fremont from command, and appointing General Hunter in his stead.
Just before the reception of this order, "positive" news was received that the enemy was advancing from Cassville toward Springfield, and would either attack us in the town, or meet us on the ground south of it.

General Hunter had not arrived, and therefore General Fremont formed his plan of battle, and determined on marching out to meet the enemy.
On the morning of the 3d, the scouts brought intelligence that the entire Rebel army was in camp on the old Wilson Creek battle-ground, and would fight us there.

A council of war was called, and it was decided to attack the enemy on the following morning, if General Hunter did not arrive before that time.