Pownall, Thomas

(1720-1805), came to America from England in 1753. He immediately sympathized with American political tendencies, He was Governor of Ma achusetts from 1756 to 1760. While a member of the British Parliament from 1767-1781 he ardently opposed oppre ive measures toward the colonies, He wrote ‘‘ Colonial Constitutions,’’ “The Administration of the Colonies”’ and ‘‘ Description of the Middle States of America.’’ Prairie Grove, Ark. At this place Union leaders Blunt and Herron with 12,000 troops defeated nearly twice as many Confederates under Hindman and Marmaduke, December 7, 1862. Hindman attacked Herron while that general was separated from the main command. Herron returned the attack, pushing his batteries acro Illinois Creek and effectually silencing the Confederates for a time. Meanwhile Blunt arrived and attacked the Confederate flank, as it was about to execute a flank movement against Herron. This resulted in defeat for the Confederates though they occupied a strong position.