This force consisted of four companies of cavalry, and was intended to form a full regiment.

It was composed of the best class of the young men of St.Louis and Cincinnati.

From the completeness of its outfit, it was often spoken of as the "Kid-Gloved Regiment." General Fremont designed it as a special body-guard for himself, to move when he moved, and to form a part of his head-quarter establishment.

The manner of its organization was looked upon by many as a needless outlay, at a time when the finances of the department were in a disordered condition.

The officers and the rank and file of the Body-Guard felt their pride touched by the comments upon them, and determined to take the first opportunity to vindicate their character as soldiers.
When we were within fifty miles of Springfield, it was ascertained that the main force of the Rebels had moved southward, leaving behind them some two or three thousand men.