nine days later, Gen. Lyon was left in command of the department.  At this time the rebel general took occasion, in a proclamation to the people of Missouri, to feel assured that ’the successor of Gen. Harney would certainly consider himself and his government in honor bound to carry out this agreement (the Harney-Price) in good faith.’  But his assurance was without foundation.  The temper of the new commander had been tried in the Camp Jackson affair, and an interview between Price, Jackson and other prominent secessionists and Gen. Lyon, resulted, after a few hours’ consultation, in the declaration of the Union general that the authority of his government would be upheld at any cost and its property protected at all hazards.  Three days later, Jackson fled to Booneville, fearing an attack upon Jefferson City, which was immediately occupied by Gen. Lyon, who was received with acclamation by the citizens.  Unwilling to grant by delay what he had refused to an underhand diplomacy,—­opportunity to the enemy to possess the government property, or entrench themselves strongly in their new quarters,—­the general, with characteristic promptness, ordered an advance upon Booneville.  The rebel force was stationed above Rockport, but retreated, after a skirmish which did not assume the proportions of a battle; and the Union army, two thousand strong, entered the town, where the national colors and the welcomes of the inhabitants testified their joy at the change.

The army of General Lyon, amounting at one time to ten thousand, had decreased by the first of August—­the term of enlistment of many of the soldiers having expired—­to six thousand; and it was with this number that, having swept the south-west, and believing the enemy intended to attack him at Springfield, he advanced to meet them at Dug Springs.  The army of the enemy was larger and their position a strong one, but they were unable to hold it, and, after a sharp skirmish, fled in disorder, while Gen. Lyon continued his march toward Springfield.  His situation had now become a critical one.  The reinforcements for which he had telegraphed in vain, and in vain sent messengers to entreat from the chief of the department, Gen. Fremont, then in St. Louis, did not arrive.  His army was subsisting on half rations, and wearied with exhausting marches over the uneven country in the extreme heat of midsummer.  And now, for the first time, hope seemed to desert the general.  Under his direction the cause had hitherto triumphed in Missouri.  Now, with zeal unabated and courage unflinching, he must fall before the enemy he had so successfully opposed, or retreat where retreat was disaster, disgrace, and defeat.  No wonder that, as from day to day he looked for the expected aid as men in drought for the clouds that are to bless them, he grew restless and perplexed and despairing; no wonder that the face that had never before worn the lines of indecision, should now lose its accustomed cheerfulness and glance of calm purpose, and challenge