I agree wholeheartedly that mills became focal points in the combat in south-central Missouri from Phelps and Pulaski Counties south through the Arkansas line. That region became so devastated that the mills were probably the best source for forage for southerners' horses, since many farmers didn't feel safe enough to plant grain. The Union supply system shipped forage from far away to supply the needs of its bases and outposts in this region. The guerrillas knew this and watched for the Union cavalry details to go out to bring back wagonloads of forage, especially if the Feds could only send a small detail.

Reading Kirby Ross' Hildebrand book, I noted several mentions of mills in his operating area further to the east, too.

Bruce Nichols