This picture, from Harper's Weekly August 3rd, 1861 issue, depicts the Battle of Carthage. Click on the image to expand its view.
The National Park Service provides this information about the battle (which included Missouri's erstwhile governor, Claiborne Jackson, fighting for the South):
"Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon had chased Governor Claiborne Jackson and approximately 4,000 State Militia from the State Capital at Jefferson City and from Boonville, and pursued them. Col. Franz Sigel led another force of about 1,000 into southwest Missouri in search of the governor and his loyal troops.
"Upon learning that Sigel had encamped at Carthage, on the night of July 4, Jackson took command of the troops with him and formulated a plan to attack the much smaller Union force. The next morning, Jackson closed up to Sigel, established a battle line on a ridge ten miles north of Carthage, and induced Sigel to attack him.
"Opening with artillery fire, Sigel closed to the attack. Seeing a large Confederate force—actually unarmed recruits—moving into the woods on his left, he feared that they would turn his flank. He withdrew. The Confederates pursued, but Sigel conducted a successful rearguard action.
"By evening, Sigel was inside Carthage and under cover of darkness; he retreated to Sarcoxie. The battle had little meaning, but the pro-Southern elements in Missouri, anxious for any good news, championed their first victory."
Location of the Battle: Jasper County, Missouri
Purpose of Campaign: Operations to Control Missouri during 1861
Date of the battle: July 5, 1861
Principal Commanders:
Col. Franz Sigel [US]
Governor Claiborne Jackson [CSA]
Forces Engaged:
Brigade [US]
Missouri State Guard divisions [CSA]
Estimated Casualties:
244 total (US 44; CSA 200)
Credits
Digital image, Library of Congress
From Harper's Weekly
August 3, 1861
Page 486
Information and quotes regarding the Battle of Carthage, National Park Service.
