The Enrolled Missouri Militia, 4th Military District, order book documents the actions of the EMM in southwest Missouri from 1862 through 1863. The collection represents the bureaucratic task of organizing, supplying, training, disciplining, and maintaining a military presence in the Ozarks. The EMM conducted scouting missions and patrols to defend against guerilla activity, and also participated in January 8, 1863 Battle of Springfield, Missouri and January 9-11, 1863 Battle of Hartville.

The William Dameron papers document the incarceration of William and his attempt to obtain parole. In October of 1864, William was captured as a Confederate prisoner of war in Stone County, Missouri. He taken to Springfield, Missouri and later transferred to St. Louis for incarceration. William proclaimed Union loyalties, service in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and forced conscription into the Confederate Army. He wrote his wife asking for assistance in obtaining his freedom. This collection contains two letters home, and his prisoner of war examinations.