Missouri State Militia (Union)

Home Guard In Missouri at the beginning of the Civil War, volunteer Unionist Home Guard regiments were formed with the support of Federal authorities to oppose secessionist Governor Claiborne Jackson's efforts at organizing secessionist strength, and his efforts to prevent Missouri enlistments into Federal service.

Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon was given authority by the War Department to organize the Home Guard units throughout Missouri on June 11, 1861.

"[2] On November 6, 1861 Provisional Missouri Governor Hamilton Rowan Gamble reached an agreement with Abraham Lincoln to form a new full-time state militia equipped and financed by the United States but under control of the Missouri governor with officers appointed by him.

[1][4] The new Missouri State Militia (MSM) was primarily a mounted force active throughout the remainder of the war.

[1][5][6] On February 13, 1862 however, the United States Congress limited the size of the force to 10,000 in an effort to control expenses.

[8] As the Missouri State Militia began organizing and training in early 1862, the warming weather also increased guerrilla activity.

[9] Despite setbacks and a surge in Confederate activity even north of the Missouri River, the militia cavalry proved to be an effective offensive force in confronting guerrillas, recruiters, and raiders within the state during the Summer of 1862.

Thirdly, the militia served primarily in their own state, aside from limited periods in Arkansas and Kansas.

There was considerable controversy surrounding the actions and officers of men of the Missouri State Militia Cavalry.

"[12] Also relieved by Pleasonton in the same action was Colonel James McFerran of the 1st Missouri State Militia Cavalry "whose regiment was straggling all over the country, and he was neglecting to prevent it.

"[13] Colonel Henry S. Lipscomb of the 11th Missouri State Militia Cavalry was relieved for not pursuing Joseph C. Porter more vigorously during the summer of 1862[14][15][16] and the regiment was consolidated with the 2nd.

With Confederate General Sterling Price openly supporting guerrilla activity in Missouri, on March 13, 1862, the Union head of the Department of the Missouri, Henry Halleck, issued orders stating that such activity was "contrary to the laws of war" and directing that such combatants "will be hung as robbers and murderers.

"[9] The following month, Confederate President Jefferson Davis legitimized guerrilla warfare by authorizing bands of "partisan rangers" to be formed to operate behind Federal lines.

"[9] The order further offered the partisans an out, stating that they would be spared should they surrender to Federal authorities and take an oath of allegiance and be placed on parole.

In contrast to these controversies, Governor Hamilton R. Gamble, praised the Missouri State Militia as "very efficient."

In speaking of the Missouri State Militia, General John M. Schofield claimed that "these troops will compare favorably with any volunteer troops I have seen," specifically complimenting the Missouri State Militia in regard to drill, discipline and efficiency.

In 1864, a large number of soldiers in the Missouri State Militia were recruited to US cavalry regiments, with bonuses given for their enlistment.

[18] On June 23, 1865, orders were given that all remaining troops and officers of the Missouri State Militia would be mustered out.

[24] Mustered out March and April, 1865 1 officer and 65 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded.

Jul 1863 - District of St. Louis [24] Mustered out March and April, 1865 14 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded.

There were no accidental deaths, 2 missing in action, 2 dishonorably discharged, 1 dropped from the rolls, 1 drowned.

District Central Mo [24] 22 June 1863 - Mustered out 21 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded.

2 Feb 1863 - Organized from 13th MSM Cavalry, and companies C, D, E, F and G of the 12th MSM Cavalry Feb 1863 - District of Rolla Oct 1863 - District of Rolla [24] Mustered out March and April, 1865 19 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded.

There were 3 accidental deaths, 16 missing in action, 2 dishonorably discharged, 3 dropped from the rolls, and 2 rejected by medical officer.

Dec 1861-May 1862 - Organized at Jefferson City, Bolivar, Warsaw and Linn Creek May 1862 - Unattached, Dept.

[24] Mustered out February and April, 1865 1 officer and 30 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded.

There were no accidental deaths, 1 missing in action, 3 dishonorably discharged, and 3 rejected by medical officer.

As many other western military units, they were often armed with quality weapons later in the war than eastern armies.

[28] The cavalry specifically had a number of foreign weapons, including the French LeFaucheux military pinfire revolver.

Those weapons identified with specific regiments were found in the Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance...