"RESCUE OF COLONEL SMITH'S COMMAND AT MONROE, MISSOURI, BY GOVERNOR WOOD OF ILLINOIS."
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This drawing, depicting the Battle of Monroe, is from the August 17, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly.
In that same issue, we learn this information about what happened during the skirmish:
"ON page 518 we illustrate the RESCUE OF COLONEL SMITH'S COMMAND from an overwhelming rebel attack by a force of Union cavalry under Governor Wood, of Illinois.
"Colonel Smith's command occupied the brick college building at Monroe, and the rebels, 1200 strong, had surrounded it and planted cannon so as to destroy the building and its inmates. A flag of truce had been sent out, but it was disregarded.
"Three hundred mounted men were at once sent to the rescue. On arriving at Monroe they formed a junction with Colonel Smith's force, who had intrenched themselves in the academy buildings.
"The rebels, 1200 strong, were grouped around over the prairies, out of the reach of Colonel Smith's rifles. They had two pieces of artillery, which were brought to bear, but the distance was so great that their balls were almost spent before they reached our lines.
"Colonel Smith's artillery, of longer range, did considerable execution. The fight lasted until dusk. The last shot from Colonel Smith's guns dismounted one of the enemy's.
"Just at that moment Governor Wood, of Illinois, fell on their rear with the cavalry sent from Quincy on Wednesday, completely routing them, and taking seventy-five prisoners, one gun, and a large number of horses.
"Twenty or thirty of the enemy were killed ; but not a man of the Union forces was killed, although several were severely wounded."
Credits
Image, Library of Congre
From Harper's Weekly
August 17, 1861
Image, Page 518
Information and quotes, Page 522
