Thank you very much George. You certainly cleared up a mystery for me which was why didn't Price just bypass the heavily fortified Ft at Pilot Knob now I know. I am thinking that Price figured that since the majority of Union Forces By Sept 1864 were in Virginia and Georgia and Mo was in turmoil due to active bushwacking now was the time to strike. I base that because Rosecrans was desperate to bring in reluctent Kan milita and he also had to encourage 90 day enlistments from Ill. Price had great ambition has did many other military leader before and since and like many of them "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". I do look forward to you updates

Thanks Again,
Leonard