Bazel F. Lazear, a native of Ashley, Pike County, Missouri, enlisted in the Home Guards during the early days of the Civil War, became a major in the 5th Missouri State Militia in 1861, and in 1862 became a lieutenant colonel in the 12th Missouri State Militia. In 1863 he was transferred to the 1st Missouri Cavalry M.S.M. The letters he wrote to his wife from 1861-1865 related mainly to his activities in breaking up guerilla bands in Missouri. The letters in this article cover the years 1863 and 1864. They are written from Lexington, Warrensburg, and Jefferson City. Mentions Bushwackers, Quantrill, Shelby, General Egbert B. Brown, etc.
For an earlier publication of his letters, see Missouri Historical Review, V.44, No. 3, April, 1950, p. 254-273 for some of his earlier letters. See Also V.44, No. 4, July, 1950, p.387-401, V.45, No.1, October, 1950, p.47-63.
