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Military Command of
Colonel John M. Richardson
Colonel John M. Richardson was known in Missouri as the "Original Lincoln Republican", he had a reputation for being a strong leader, serving in public office, practiced law and at the start of the Civil War in Missouri, naturally stepped into a military role.
Just at the start of the Civil War in Missouri, John M. Richardson gives us this perspective in a brief letter describing the tensions in Missouri:
O. D. Filley, Esq.:
Dear Sir:
Everything is quiet here, but both parties appear feverish and restless. The Union men hope the Price and Harney arrangement may be carried out, but they have no confidence in its being done. Rains has commenced organizing under the military bill, and if he gets his secession bands armed we will, no doubt, have war in our midst. Some of our secessionists from Missouri are in Arkansas, soliciting aid, but to what extent I am unable to inform you. Arkansas is doing what she can to concentrate troops near our borders. They are entrenching themselves at Harmony Springs, near Maysville.
Your friend,
John M. Richardson
Springfield, MO. May 30, 1861
John M. Richardson's military career has not been thoroughly researched as yet, as he was mustered in at three different times. However, it is known that his military career first began prior to the organization of the 14th Calvary.
He was first mustered into service in mid 1861, as a 2nd Lt. in the 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, under General F. Sigel's command with the Mounted Riflemen. During this service he was promoted to Captain. He was involved in the Battle at Blue Mills Landing on September 17, 1861.
On September 23, 1861, Brig.-General Thomas A. Harris reports of the battle:
"....Colonel Franklin, of Schuyler County, Captain McCulloch, Captain Davis, Captain Richardson, Captain Grant and Adjt. William F. Davis, all of Colonel Green's regiment are entitled to honorable mention for their gallantry, zeal and great endurance."
He further reports that Captain Richardson was severally wounded in this battle, though no given details.
It was shortly thereafter that Capt. Richardson raised his own regiment. He was mustered in again on January 24, 1862 in Bennet’s Mill, Dallas County, Missouri, as commanding officer and the beginning of the 14th Missouri State Militia Volunteer Calvary. He supplied his own horse and gear, though the Militia would have done so.
On May 26, 1862, he was promoted to Colonel from the Union governor Gamble.
At some point in the early summer of 1862, Richardson was attacked and lost some supplies and horses. There was an inquiry into these allegations and it was questioned whether Col. Richardson acted in control of the situation or "sympathizing with the bandits" and allowed them an easy attack. No formal charges exist in his military file.
Provost Marshal's Office Inquiry On February 4, 1863 he was mustered out of the service under the 14th Calvary, the unit disbanded in March, 1863.
Col. Richardson was once again mustered into service in an unknown unit, in March 1864 and finally retired on January 3, 1865, being 45 years old. There is reference to him during this time in his military career, though no mention of a specific regiment, as being on special duty, leading scouting units. It is easy to understand, Missouri's land being on the edge of the front near the end of the war and Richardson's zest for challenge - it may be just the special assignment he was looking for and one that made him a reputation as the leading Colonel of scouting regiments.
When the union regained control of Springfield, Richardson returned to law. One of his first responsibilities back into his law practice, in July 1865, when the Union and State of Missouri recaptured the courthouse in Springfield, Colonel John Richardson was appointed by County Court to prosecute the United States for rent and damage to the Court House and to obtain possession of it.
Copyright ©2000, Jeanette Shiel
Copyright ©2000, Art Freeman
All Rights Reserved.