This bill of sale lists supplies and services purchased from Joseph Engle. Thomas Franklin signed the bill, and he is listed as a Captain in the Dallas County Home Guard in the Missouri State Archives’ Soldiers’ Records database. Engle charged $2.50 a day for shipping goods on a two horse wagon. This document warrants further investigation into shipping charges during the War. It would be interesting to compare shipping rates between counties with varying numbers of guerrilla attacks. The bill is dated August 10, 1861 the same day as the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Connections between the purchase of these supplies and the Battle is unlikely, as the Dallas County Home Guard probably did not know the Battle was taking place. This document adds to the understanding of economic conditions in the Ozarks during the War.

Contributed by Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

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