CHAPTER X.
TWO MONTHS OF IDLENESS.
A Promise Fulfilled .-- Capture of a Rebel Camp and Train .-- Rebel Sympathizers in St.Louis .-- General Halleck and his Policy .-- Refugees from Rebeldom .-- Story of the Sufferings of a Union Family .-- Chivalry in the Nineteenth Century .-- The Army of the Southwest in Motion .-- Gun-Boats and Transports .-- Capture of Fort Henry .-- The Effect in St.Louis .-- Our Flag Advancing.
Early in the December following the events narrated in the last chapter, General Pope captured a camp in the interior of the State, where recruits were being collected for Price's army.

After the return of Fremont's army from Springfield, the Rebels boasted they would eat their Christmas dinner in St.Louis.Many Secessionists were making preparations to receive Price and his army, and some of them prophesied the time of their arrival.

It was known that a goodly number of Rebel flags had been made ready to hang out when the conquerors should come.

Sympathizers with the Rebellion became bold, and often displayed badges, rosettes, and small flags, indicative of their feelings.

Recruiting for the Rebel army went on, very quietly, of course, within a hundred yards of the City Hall.