With Porter in North Missouri: A Chapter in the History of the War Between the States-J. A. Mudd

"The history of a Confederate recruiting raid behind Union lines in northeast Missouri during the summer of 1862.

Joseph C. Porter-Although he had no military experience, Porter was a natural leader, quickly elected lieutenant colonel (an official commission would come later) in the Missouri State Guard. He fought at Athens, Shelbina, Lexington and Pea Ridge (or Elkhorn Tavern, March 1862).

In the spring of 1862 he returned home, on the orders of General Sterling Price, to raise recruits throughout northeast Missouri. His duties included the establishment of supply drops, weapons caches and the construction of a network of Southern-sympathizing informants. The recruited were under threat of being hanged if captured by the Federals."