I can now place this as likely occurring July 29-30, 1862. Porter reportedly sacked Paris the evening of July 29 and destroyed the flag and flagpole in the process, prompting McNeil to leave Palmyra that night with 120 men of 2nd MSM Cavalry and a 12-pound howitzer. He met Cox at Clinton, Monroe County (aka North Fork 12 miles nne Paris), who had 160 men and 2 small steel cannon, manned by elements of 1st MSM Cavalry and 3rd Indiana Battery.

By the time McNeil and Cox and their 280-man (not 1000) force arrived the morning of July 30 the Confederates had moved on, and the reckoning postponed until Kirksville a week later, with Cox’s role there meriting laudatory mention in McNeil’s after-action report.

Anyway, I’m hoping to dig up any additional info on Porter’s July 29 occupation of Paris and the destruction of the flag, and McNeil’s subsequent occupation on July 30 and his threat to burn the town and execute the two men Cox was ordered to take into custody.