I think establishing a post at Patterson was a good idea. And it was done early in the war; Union troops were only occasionally stationed at Greenville, but it offered little defensive attributes. Patterson had good forage, water, and an excellent defensive position. And, unlike Greenville, there were a number of Union men in the area such as William Patterson, James English, and Hugh Fulton. Additionally, there were more Union men not too far removed, at Brunot and what is now known as Coldwater.

As part of Davidson's movement towards Arkansas, the dim trail from the Arcadia Valley to Patterson was improved upon by the 25th MO, acting as engineers. A telegraph line was also established.

The post, manned by the 3rd MSM, was overwhelmed by Marmaduke's forces on April 20, 1863, but they gave a pretty good accounting of themselves, falling back several miles to, and holding, a position on Big Creek. They were active on the telegraph and this notification set in action the movements of Union troops which resulted in the action at Cape Girardeau.

The post and fort at Patterson seems to have been a constant thorn in the side of Confederate irregulars in the area, probably more than we know. As a listening post, it seems to have been pretty successful, also giving an alert during Price's raid, before it was overwhelmed again.

Barnesville was not a constantly-occupied post like Patterson, nor was it in friendly territory. It was a bit more of a stretch...

I have more on this, if someone is interested.

Scott House