At Centralia, from an eye witness Dr. Sneed to US Major Johnson after the massacre and looting in town
"On the ground, Doctor Sneed asked him if he intended marching out to attack them. "I do," he emphatically responded. Dr. Sneed remonstrated and urged him not to risk a fight with the guerillas. "They largely outnumber you," he said," and they are much better armed and mounted,
having four good revolvers each and splendid horses."
Johnson, intending to pursue Anderson and his command
"And they are armed only with revolvers?" he again queried. "Well, they may have the advantage of me in numbers but I will have the advantage of them in arms. My guns are of long range and I can fight them successfully at a distance." Soon after he added, " I will fight them anyhow."
Anderson, being chewed out by Todd, almost stepped down when the pursuing federals were spotted
battle at the farm
"Not a revolver in the crowd " he exultingly exclaimed to Arch. Clements.
Surely, if Clements was carrying 14 revolvers/guns, this would have stood out in these eye witness accounts. I can see how 4 can easily become 14, in myth and literature.at
The above from a history of Boone County, compiled from witnesses and citizens, published in 1882
Cheers
GC