General Fremont. Union Troops Cheered in Missouri

People in Missouri supported both sides of the Civil War.

In this Harper's Weekly drawing, from the 31st of August, 1861, we see a crowd of Missourians cheering on General Fremont as he and his Union soldiers leave Saint Louis for Bird's Point, Missouri.

The text, accompanying the drawing, tells us:

"WE publish on this page ... THE DEPARTURE OF GENERAL FREMONT WITH TROOPS FROM ST. LOUIS FOR BIRD'S POINT, MISSOURI. He had with him four regiments of infantry, several detached companies of riflemen, two companies of artillery, and a number of guns.

"The force left in eight steamers, and was enthusiastically cheered by the people. With this reinforcement, the troops at Bird's Point number 8000, and are able to stand any attack from the rebels."

Credits

Image, information and quote:

Harper's Weekly
August 31, 1861
Page 555

Library of Congress.