Latest from Missouri--Price and McCulloch.
We find the following interesting facts in regard to the movements of Generals McCulloch and Price in the Memphis Avalanche, of the 9th inst.:We conversed yesterday with a gentleman formerly attached to Church hill's Arkansas regiment, and who was in the battle at Oak Hill. He informs us that great injustice has been done to Gen. McCulloch in certain partial statements which have been made in the public press. He says that Gen. McCulloch's difficulties commenced with interference of the commander of the State forces of Arkansas, who persuaded the State troops to disband, and that the day after the Oak Hill affair every regiment and company in the Arkansas service had started home.--He says that Gen. McCulloch, being left with a force numbering at times less than 1,500 men, called for more troops; and that Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas failed to furnish them; and that he was even left without the means of arming the few companies which came to his assistance. Nevertheless, McCulloch started with his force to Kansas; but on a consultation with Price, it was agreed that he should come back to Benton county, Arkansas, to protect Confederate stores at Fayetteville, and to approach. Springfield, while Price should move from Cassville to the same destination. This was Gen. McCulloch's first retreat.
On a consultation held about the first of November, it was agreed that McCulloch should fall back to Bentonville, and Price go to Cassville for winter quarters. There, according to our information, they remained till. Fremont retreated towards St. Louis, when Price commenced moving toward the Missouri river. According to our informant, it was not Price's intention to go toward St. Louis when he left McCulloch, though it is probable, from his having issued a proclamation for 50,000 men, that he has since changed his mind and resolved to go forward.
Our informant states that if McCulloch had had only 15,000 men after the battle of Oak Hill, there would not now be one Federal soldier in Missouri outside of St, Louis. He says further that there is not a braver man, or a General who is more considerate of the welfare of his troops, than Gen. McCulloch, and he is satisfied that if he ever has a chance, he will make his mark as one of the most successful Generals in the Confederate service.
In this connection we may state that while Gen. Price, aided by Gen. Jackson; is marching northward and gathering an army as they go--Gen. McCulloch's force — consisting of five skeleton regiments all told — have gone into winter quarters in the vicinity of Fort Smith, while Gen. McCulloch himself is expected in this city this morning, en route for Richmond.
