The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BATTLE OF LEXINGTON

The Battle of Lexington, Missouri was an assault and capture on August the 20th, 1861, by 28,000 Confederates, led by McCulloch. Mulligan, with a National force of 3000, held the town. Repeated attacks were made and thirteen pieces of artillery were brought to bear upon the besieged, but the latter held out bravely for a long-time. Finally the Confederates constructed movable breastworks of hemp bales and, rolling these before them, they compelled Colonel Mulligan to surrender unconditionally, the water supply of the town having given out and he being severely wounded.
Research Battle of Lexington