Price–Harney Truce facts for kids

The Price–Harney Truce was an important agreement signed on May 21, 1861. It was made between William S. Harney, a general in the United States Army, and Sterling Price, who led the Missouri State Guard. This happened right at the start of the American Civil War. The truce tried to stop fighting from breaking out in Missouri.

The Camp Jackson Affair

Before the truce, a big event called the Camp Jackson affair happened. Union army troops, led by Captain Nathaniel Lyon, captured the Missouri Volunteer Militia. This militia had gathered near St. Louis. As Lyon marched the captured militia through a crowd, a riot started. Soldiers fired into the crowd, and several people were killed.

After this riot, the Missouri State Legislature passed a new law. This law created the Missouri State Guard to replace the old militia. The governor then made Sterling Price a major general and put him in charge of this new State Guard.

What the Truce Said

General Harney was not in St. Louis when the Camp Jackson affair happened. When he came back, he met with Price. They signed a joint statement to "remove misunderstandings and calm public excitement." Their goal was to "restore peace and good order" to Missouri. This meant following the laws of both the US government and the state government.

The Price–Harney Truce said that federal forces would keep order in the St. Louis area. State forces would be in charge of keeping order in the rest of Missouri. Harney believed the agreement meant the Missouri State Guard had to protect Union supporters in Missouri. He also thought they should keep the state loyal to the Union. Harney told Price that some parts of Missouri's new "Military Bill" needed to change. This was to avoid problems with the federal government's power.

Why the Truce Ended

Many Union supporters in Missouri did not like the truce. This included powerful Congressman Frank Blair. They asked President Lincoln and the War Department to remove Harney from his command. There were reports of bad treatment against Union supporters in Missouri. Also, Governor Jackson kept talking with the Confederate Government.

Because of this, Lincoln approved Harney's replacement. Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon took over command on May 30. Harney was known as a careful Unionist who followed rules. Lyon, however, openly spoke against slavery. He also had strong connections with Union groups in Missouri. Lyon becoming commander effectively ended the truce with Price.

A Meeting That Failed

On June 11, Missouri Governor Claiborne Fox Jackson held a final meeting. It took place at the Planter's House Hotel in St. Louis. He hoped to avoid open conflict in the state. Governor Jackson openly supported the Confederacy. Price had supported the Union, but with conditions, until the Camp Jackson Affair.

During the meeting, Lyon angrily refused Price's requests. Price wanted federal forces to stay only in the St. Louis area. He also wanted Lyon to break up "Home Guard" companies. These were local groups started by Missouri Unionists. Lyon refused to accept any limits on his military actions in the state. He eventually stopped the meeting. Lyon told Governor Jackson and General Price that such limits on federal power "means war."

The Start of War in Missouri

Price and Jackson went back to the State Capitol in Jefferson City. They worked to gather State Guard forces. They expected open warfare with Union forces. Three days later, Lyon landed troops at the state capital from steamboats. He took over the city without any fighting.

Lyon's mixed force of volunteers and regular soldiers then defeated the State Guard. This happened at the Battle of Boonville on June 17, 1861. This victory gave Union forces control of Jefferson City. They also gained control of the Missouri River line and an important railroad.

Missouri Gets a New Government

Governor Jackson had fled to the southern part of the state with the Guardsmen. So, the State Constitutional Convention met. They declared the governor's job empty. They then appointed Hamilton Gamble, a former state chief justice, as governor. He led the Provisional Government of Missouri, which was a temporary government. Gamble served from 1861 until he died in 1864.