Some of the officers were suspicious that the Rebels were not in force at Wilson Creek, but when Fremont announced it officially there could be little room for doubt.
Every thing was put in readiness for battle.

Generals of division were ordered to be ready to move at a moment's notice.

The pickets were doubled, and the grand guards increased to an unusual extent.

Four pieces of artillery formed a portion of the picket force on the Fayetteville road, the direct route to Wilson Creek.

If an enemy had approached on that night he would have met a warm reception.
About seven o'clock in the evening, a staff officer, who kept the journalists informed of the progress of affairs, visited General Fremont's head-quarters.