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Cover of An account of the battle of Wilson's Creek, or Oak Hills, fought between the Union troops, commanded by Gen. N. Lyon and the Southern, or Confederate troops, under command of Gens. McCulloch and Price, on Saturday, August 10, 1861, in Greene county, Missouri

An account of the battle of Wilson's Creek, or Oak Hills, fought between the Union troops, commanded by Gen. N. Lyon and the Southern, or Confederate troops, under command of Gens. McCulloch and Price, on Saturday, August 10, 1861, in Greene county, Missouri

Written by Thomas W. Adams,R. I. (Return Ira) Holcombe

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About this book

"An Account of the Battle of Wilson's Creek, or Oak Hills" by Holcombe & Adams is a historical account, published in the late 19th century, detailing events of the American Civil War. This work focuses on the battle fought on August 10, 1861, between Union forces led by General Nathaniel Lyon and Confederate troops under Generals McCulloch and Price in Greene County, Missouri. The book presents a comprehensive view of the battle, utilizing authentic sources and narratives from those who participated, memorializing both Union and Confederate troops who fought in the engagement. The beginning of this account sets the stage by describing the key military movements leading up to the Battle of Wilson's Creek. It highlights the division of sentiments in Southwest Missouri during the Civil War, the arrival of Union troops in Springfield, and the subsequent preparations by Confederate forces. The narrative addresses key figures like General Lyon and Colonel Sigel, detailing their actions leading up to the battle and the atmosphere of anticipation and tension. The opening provides a clear foundation of the circumstances that culminated in one of the early and intense confrontations of the Civil War, piquing the reader's interest in the unfolding military strategies and the personal experiences of the soldiers involved.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in An account of the battle of Wilson's Creek, or Oak Hills, fought between the Union troops, commanded by Gen. N. Lyon and the Southern, or Confederate troops, under command of Gens. McCulloch and Price, on Saturday, August 10, 1861, in Greene county, Missouri, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Historical
  • Serious
  • Informative

Adams and Holcombe's "An Account of the Battle of Wilson's Creek, or Oak Hills" serves as a crucial historical record of one of the American Civil War's early and intense confrontations. Published in the late 19th century, this work meticulously details the events of August 10, 1861, in Greene County, Missouri, where Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon clashed with Confederate troops led by Generals McCulloch and Price. The book provides a comprehensive, fact-based narrative, drawing upon authentic sources and first-hand accounts to chronicle the military movements, strategic decisions, and the human cost of the engagement. It effectively sets the stage by describing the divided sentiments in Southwest Missouri and the escalating tensions that culminated in this pivotal battle, ensuring a memorialization of soldiers from both sides.

The division of sentiments in Southwest Missouri was not merely political; it was a chasm that rent families and communities.

Key themes

The Nature of Warfare and Conflict
The book meticulously details the brutal realities of early Civil War combat, from strategic planning and troop movements to the direct engagement and casualties. It explores the chaos, courage, and tragedy inherent in large-scale military conflict, providing a visceral understanding of battle.
Military Strategy and Leadership
Central to the account is the examination of the strategic decisions and leadership qualities of the commanding generals. The book analyzes the plans, maneuvers, and command structures of both Union and Confederate forces, highlighting the impact of individual leaders on the battle's outcome.
Sectionalism and Regional Division
The book explicitly addresses the deep 'division of sentiments in Southwest Missouri' as a crucial backdrop to the conflict. It illustrates how local loyalties and broader national tensions manifested in a border state, driving individuals and communities to choose sides and engage in internecine warfare.

Worth discussing

How does the book's late 19th-century publication date influence its perspective on the Civil War, particularly in terms of impartiality or focus?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

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