In the meantime the Civil War had been in progress and in 1862 Mr. [Leonard] Matthews, Chester H. Crum and John Riggin were sent with guns on their shoulders to arrest all who did not enlist in the militia.

​-St. Louis, The Fourth City, Volume 2; p. 762

Leonard Matthews

John Riggin

A game of base ball came off yesterday morning on the Laclede Ball Grounds, between the Commercial, Jr., and the Baltic Base Ball Clubs, which resulted in favor of the former.

-Missouri Republican, May 24, 1863

Vicksburg under siege

Louisa Kearny's grave

St. Louis, August 28, 1862, 

Capt. Bredell:  You see your letter was appreciated, that I answer it so soon; and I hope this mail will get safely through.  St. Louis is very stupid now.  We have nothing in the way of amusement, and there is not the visiting there used to be, for we have no beaux to visit; indeed, our streets would be deserted if it were not for shoulder-straps.  Your friend, Mr. Fullerton, is fourth sergeant in the Hallack Guard, and went up to Lexington; but succeeded only in burning and sinking some little boats belonging to private individuals, for which the Democraturges they should have some public demonstration for their personal bravery. 

...Mary and I spent the day last Tuesday with your mother.  She read us your letter, where you thought the young ladies should take care of the "little fellows."  We are very much obliged for the suggestion and think of forming a society immediately....

Our neighbor across the street is as savage as ever.  His daughter is Secretary to the "Ladies' Union Aid Society," and her favorite song is "John Brown's bones lie mouldering in the grave," which we have the full benefit of.  How some people fall to their proper level... 

John Riggin is in town again, and I expect there is soon to be a fight, as he always leaves about that time.  He was up here before and brought a negro man that he had stolen from the South. 

Oh! what would we not give to see our old Hero marching through the streets.  We have waited a long time, but I trust that before many months you will all come to release us from the hateful fetters that bind us, for nearly every day they come out with some new order; and this morning a man signing himself "Justice" thinks the women and children should be sent, with all traitors, out of the Federal lines.... 

Remember me to all my friends South, and if that brother of mine is with you, tell him to send me word.  I had a letter from him from Springfield, in which he said he was going back to Mississippi. 

I have set you such a good example that I hope to hear again from you, and with my best wishes and kindest regards for yourself, 

Believe me your friend, 

Miss L.