TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 34 (Part III) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1891 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL BECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Seoretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXIVIN FOUR PARTS. PART ILLCORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891 Page 2 A. 35~~ Page 3 PART 111.VOL. XXXIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MIS- SISSIPPI STATES AND TERRITORIES, FROM APRIL 1, 1864, TO MAY 22, 1864.* UNION COIRRIESPONDENCE, IETCJ HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, April 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. P. STONE, Chief of Staff, Alexandrta: GENERAL: Colonel Irwin being unwell, I am directed by him to acknowledge receipt of your note of 30th March. Colonel Holabird left here yesterday on the Laurel Hill. Captains Hawes and Mahler have been inform.ed of the importance of immediately forwarding all available light-draught steam-boats, and both have assured me that they are doing all that they can in this matter. Captain Mahler re- ports that the steam-boats Shreveport and James Battle will leave for Alexandria this p. in., at 4 oclock and 6 oclock, respectively; that the Sallie Robinson and Mittie Stevens are coaling preparatory to immediate departure for the Red River, and the Red Chief, Star- light, and Louisiana Belle are undergoing necessary repairs, on the completion of which they will be loaded and sent at once I am also directed to inclose copy of telegram sent you this a. in., informing you that the steamer Laurel Hill left yesterday afternoon without the headquarters mail, and staUng the reason therefor; also copy of the pass held by the orderly charged with the mail. Colonel Irwin further directs me to say that he will have this matter thoroughly investigated at once. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. DUER IRVING, Acting-Assistant Adjutant- General. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 1, 1864. Col. S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster, New Orleans, La.: COLONEL: Herewith please find an estimate of tools required by the engineer in charge of the temporary fortifications at this place. His estimate for saws, files, & c., is very indefinite; but as the arti- cles are needed here I have to request that the following number (3) * Including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Indian Territory, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas, and the Department of the Northwest, embrac- ing Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. ~ For Union and Confederate Correspondence from January 1, 1864, to March 31, 1864, see Part II, and from May 23 to June 30, 1864, see Part IV Page 4 4 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANSMISSISSIpPj. [CRAP. XLVI. may be shipped, viz, 4 sets carpenters tools; 20 kegs spikes, assorted sizes; 20 kegs nails, assorted sizes; 23 saws, assorted, all to be in- voiced to Capt. James R. Del Vecchio. The steamers Luminary and Meteor have jnst started to cross the rapids by order of Major- General Banks. They are entirely unsuited for service in the upper river, and I have so represented to the commanding general. There is quite an accumulation of forage here now, but I am in hopes that small boats from the upper river will be here soon to take it away. I hauled iji 144 bales of cotton yesterday, which I shall ship as soon as I have transportation. My train is out to-day for sugar. I expect to get in 120 bales of cotton to-morrow, and if I am let alone can haul in quite a quantity of C. S. A. cotton. The cotton buyers are in trouble here and are after me with a sharp stick; they go to General Banks and he tells them to come to me, and I send them back to get the order in writing, and of course they do not get it. General Stone has furnished me lists of quite a large amount of C. S. A. cotton, which I shall ship as soon as I can haul the property in. I have to request that you send me up a sup- ply of marking ink and brushes, say 20 gallons of marking ink and 10 brushes. I am unable to make an estimate of funds for the cur- rent month, as everything is so unsettled. I owe about $300, and Captain Del Vecchio as much more. 1 have to request you to send me $5,000 in small bills in a portable safe, and invoice the same to me. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. WELCH, Assistant Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Capt. D. N. WELCH, Alexandria, April 1, 1864. Depot Quartermaster: CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs that you order the Meteor to follow the movements of the Rob Roy, crossing the rapids behind her. She will join the other subsistence boats with General Smiths fleet, reporting as soon as possible to Lieutenant-Colonel Woodruff, chief commissary, General Franklins command. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, Assistant DRAKE, Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Steam-boat Black Hawk, Alexandria, La., April 1, 1864. Capt. R. T. DUNHAM, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: You will please take charge of the dispatches herewith, directed to Maj. Gen. W. B. Franklin and Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, respectively, and proceed on the gun-boat Gazelle to the point now occupied by General Smith, about 2.5 miles above this place. On your arrival you will please deliver to General Smith all the dis- patches, requesting him to forward to General Franklin by first opportunity those directed to that officer. An orderly from these headquarters will accompany you, having in charge the official mail for General Franklins command, and yo Page 5 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 5 will please request General Smith to take him on his transport and facilitate his journey to General Franklins headquarters. The Ga- zelle gun-boat will remain at General Smiths present position until the arrival of the major-general commanding. You will please remain on her and report in person on board the steam-boat when she shall arrive there. Very respectfully, I am, captain, your most obedient servant, GRAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. SUPT.S OFFICE, U. S. MILITARY RAILROADS4 DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Algiers, La., April ii, 1864. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General, Defenses of New Orleans: MAJOR: It is represented to me by employ& and others along the line of the Jackson railroad that a project is in contemplation by rebels on the mainland near Manchac to cut or destroy the road in that vicinity; that they are collecting boats on the farther side of Lake Maurepas, with a view of coming in through Bayou De Sair and Capturing the guard at that place, then to await the arrival of the train and take possession of that to run up to the fort. From the information I have in regard to the country I consider the plan feas- ible, as the small guard at De Sair might be very easily surprised. I am also informed by my foreman of contrabands at Big Prairie, 4 miles above Kenner Station, that 2 men in Confederate uniform (apparently officers), heavily armed, came into his camp early yes- terday morning and had breakfast with the negroes. They made many inquiries in regard to our forces on the road, and finally went back through the woods toward the lake, as they had come m. I would request permission to arm the conductor, engineer, and train hands, and would suggest the propriety of furnishing a guard, either from here or Camp Parapet, to go up with the trains each day. The loss of either engines or cars would be almost irreparable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. A. MORSE, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. [First indorsement.] IIDQRs. DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, April 5, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Roberts, commanding District of Carrollton, for action. By command of Major-General Reynolds. JOHN LEVERING, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CARROLLTON, Carroilton, April 6, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Captain Hawke, for his information. I have ordered a daily guard of 1 Commissioned officer and 20 men to go from here and return with the train. There should be no delay in getting the launch with the howitzer onto the lake, and accompanied by the skiffs, a reconnaissance should be made, wit Page 6 6 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. strength to destroy any boats guerrillas may be gathering, should these reports prove tine. The picket at De Sair Station must be vigilant, and any defenses that will prevent a surprise and capture there should be made without delay. Obstructions should be made to the entrance of the little bayou that comes into the railroad at De Sair. Recollect, skiffs cannot come in in the night. Probably felling trees would answer this purpose. Please give your personal attention to these matters. B. S. ROBERTS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN, Comdg. 19th and Detach. 13th Army Corps: GENERAL: Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, with his command, moves up the river early to-morrow morning, and unless obstructed will prob- ably reach Grand Ecore late to-morrow. He will disembark his command at Grand Ecore and be ready to co-operate with you should you need additional force in that neighborhood. Informa- tion of not very reliable char%cter was received at these headquar- ters yesterday evening that the enemy were concentrating at Fort Jesup, and that they intended to attack your flank or rear, or make a dash of cavalry in this direction. It seems pretty certain that Greens force of cavalry was to have made a junction with Taylor and Walker near Fort Jesup on Wednesday and Thursday, but it is most probable that their inten- tion was to retreat together on the road through Mansfield to Shreve- port. With the addition to his force of Greens cavalry, Taylor will be enabled to more respectably cover his retreat than he otherwise could have done. Boats containing 190,000 rations for your com- mand have passed the rapids, and accompany General Smiths trans- port fleet. Considerable forage has also gone forward. The major- general commanding will leave this to-morrow for Grand Ecore. Very respectfully, I am, general, your most obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN WESTERN LOUISIANA, Eight miles from Natchitoches, April 1, 186410.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE, Comdg. Cavalry, Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have received your dispatches of 5 and 7 p. m. I wish that to-morrow you will send out the bulk of your force, in fact all that is available, to find out where the enemy is and feel him severely. The whole ot my force will be at Natchitoches to-morrow, so that your whole train, except such as is necessary for one or two days consumption, can be left at Natchitoches. I am unable to form any idea of the truth of the story of Steeles scouts, for I do not know what arrangements were made with regard to co-operation with him or by him. I shall be in town to-morrow by 11 oclock a. m. Respectfully, yours, W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General, Commanding Page 7 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPO~DENOE, ETO.IINION. 7 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Gomdg. Detach. 16th and 17th Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that you em- bark without delay, with as many of your command as can be pro- vided with steam-boat transportation, and proceed to the vicinity of Grand Ecore, in company with the Lexington and two other gun- boats assigned to the duty of escorting your fleet by Rear-Admiral Porter. You are authorized to place on board the Meteor and the Colonel Cowles (steam-boats carrying supplies) as many men as they can safely transport, having regard to the good condition of the sup- plies. Should the enemy attempt at any point on the river to prevent the passage of the fleet, you will, in co-operation with the naval com- mancler, use your forces to dislodge him and clear the passage of the river. On your arrival at Grand Ecore you will please disembark your troops and send back to your present position sufficient transports to bring up that portion of your command now lacking transporta- tion, and concentrate your forces at Grand Ecore. Jt is not deemed advisable by the commanding general that the Iberville (ordnance boat) should be used for the transportation of troops. Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Briqadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detach. 16th and 17th Army Corps, Near Rapids of Red River: GENERAL: You will doubtless find that General Franklins advance has occupied Natchitoches by the time you arrive at Grand Ecore, and will please open communication with him at the earliest practica- ble moment. Should the enemy be in his neighborhood you will of course co-operate with him in any movement should he desire it. Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Commanding Department of Arkansas: GENERAL: My forces are moving on Shreveport, the advance prob- ably now above Natchitoches. The gun-boats are reconnoitering the river above. Please inform me as to your positions and inten- tions. N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commandin Page 8 8 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS POST, Lewisburg, Ark., April 1, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: In obedience to General Orders, No. 26, headquarters detach- ment Seventh Army Corps, Department of Arkansas, Little Rock, March 24, 1864, I have the honor to forward the inclosed report* of my command, located at this post, and respectfully submit the fol- lowing information regarding matters at this point and snrrounding counties: I relieved Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, Fiftieth Indiana In- fantry, at this post, agreeably to General Orders, No. 26, headquar- ters Seventh Army Corps, Department of Arkansas, March 11, 1864, having as my command two battalions of the Third Arkansas Cav- alry. There being a large amount of Government cotton at the Armstrong and Carroll plantations, 6 miles west of Lewisburg on the river, I was obliged to station one squadron at these points for its protection. There was also a fine grist and saw mill stationed on Cadron River, 15 miles east of Lewisburg, 1 mile from the Arkan- sas, from which the troops stationed had derived a large amount of breadstuffs, and knowing the disadvantages attending the transpor- tation of subsistence stores from Little Rock I deemed it advisable to station a squ~adron to garrison this point, this leaving me six squadrons to garrison this post. I found on my arrival very many destitnte families in this locality, the majority of them unable to provide for themselves. These I have assisted as far as in my power. My command has been kept actively employed in scouting the country for a distance of from 60 to 120. miles nort~i and west, some of the expeditious having had engage- ments with the guerrillas, resulting in nearly every instance to our advantage. The country from and above Little Red River to across the Boston Mountains is. in a very desolate, unsettled state, full of bushwhackers, thieves, and rebel sympathizers. There are numer- ous bands of guerrillas in the mountains, reported to be detachments from General McRaes command, who is stationed near White River, with a force of about 600 or 700. These detachments, in numbers of from 20 to 50, are constantly scouring the country in that locality, committing every depredation devisable by the human mind, and, be- ing well mounted, having a thorough knowledge of the country and very many sympathizers and friends, are almost impossible to reach by any scout from this point of such numbers as I am able to send, my picket, provost, and fatigue duty being so heavy that one squad- ron is all I can spare at any one time. I shall use my utmost en- deavors to protect all loyal citizens in every pursuit, and also to bring to justice every enemy of the Government, and any informa- tion gained shall be promptly furnished you. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. W. FULLER, Lieutenant- Golonel, Gommanding Post. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS Helena, Ark., April 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, U. S. Army: SIR: Within the last two weeks five midnight raids have been niade on the leased plantations south and north of this place, and * Not found Page 9 CRAP. XLVI] CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 9 1 white man, many negroes, and about 100 mules carried off. The area of these operations is about 20 miles long and 5 miles wide. The lakes, swamps, bayous, and canebrakes make it impossible to guard the district~ Last night the largest haul was made, and to-day I have five parties watching the outlets, as I believe the mules and the robbers are still in the canebrakes, which are surrounded by the marshes and lakes. While I am zealously attempting to protect the lessees I have deprived myself of nearly all my cavalry. My whole white force is 300 cavalry and 231 infantry. How can I get more ? I have repeatedly applied for them. I have built the second fort, with a block-house, 11 miles below here. It is my design to try to afford protection by carrying out the spirit of the following orders: GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, No. 4. In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 5, 1863. The habit of raiding parties of rebel cavalry visiting towns, villages, and farms where there are no Federal forces, and pillaging Union families, having become prevalent, department commanders will take immediate steps to abate the evil, or make the loss by such raids fall upon secessionists and secession sympathizers of the neighborhood where such acts are committed. For every act of violence to the per- son of an unarmed Union citizen, a secessionist will be arrested and held as hos- tage for the delivery of the offender. For every dollars worth of property taken from such citizens or destroyed by raiders an assessment will be made upon secessionists of the neighborhood and collected by the nearest military forces, under the supervision of the commander thereof, and the amount thus collected paid over to the sufferers. When such assessments cannot be collected in money, property useful to the Government may be taken at a fair valuation, and the amount paid in money by a disbursing officer of the Government, who will take such property up on his returns. Wealthy secession citizens Will be assessed in money and provisions for the support of Union refugees who have and may be driven from their homes and into our lines by the acts of those with whom such secession citizens are in sympathy. All collections and payments under this order will be through disbursing officers of the Government, whose accounts must show all money and property received under it, and how disposed of. By order of Maj.Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. But I suggest to you that you issue a War Department order mod- ifying it. I have no order to carry this one out by my department commander. Let district commanders be authorized to capture property from rebels, and, after having appointed a board of officers to determine the amount and kind of losses by the lessees, let them receive equivalents in the same kind of property, horses, mules, har- ness, wagons, & c. If the lessees get money according to the above order it will take so long to get the mules, & c., they have lost that they will fail in making a cotton crop. I have given the public to understand that if the lessees cannot raise cotton neither can the rebels. I do not intend to make any raid until I can do it to some purpose. I hope for an early reply. Your obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 10 10 LOUISIXNA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SUB-DISTRICT, Jefferson City, ]JIo., April 1, 1864. Capt. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Warrensburg, Jib.: CAPTAIN: I am in receipt of yours of the 31st ultimo, directing me to inquire into the necessity of stationing troops at Boonville. For answer, I will state that there is no necessity of any troops beiiig stationed at Boonville at this time. I am having the whole sub- district traversed by six companies. These six companies march in various directions, by squadrons, and frequently parts of squad- rons. They have not heard of any enemy, and if this system of scouting is continued it will be impossible for an enemy to get into the country and remain. It is so injurious to soldiers to quarter or station them near towns that I hope no order will be given to station my command at any place; at least not until the plan I am now pursuing as hereinbefore mentioned has proved unavailing. There is not in the service a better captain than Captain Vansickler. He never drinks; he never plays any kind of games of chance, and is attentive to his business, and is capable. He failed to p lease the citizens at Boonville. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE H. HALL, Colonel Fourth Cay., Ill. S. ilL, C~oradg. First Sitb-Dist. HEADQUARTERS, Clinton, [Ahjo.,] April 1, 1864. Col. JAMES McFERRAN: On Wednesday, the day appointed for enrollment, the whole peo- ple turned out. I organized a company of No. 1 men in the forks of Grand and Osage Rivers, under Captain Good, whom all say is a most excellent citizen, loyal to the core. I also organized a company on Honey Creek, the officers of which are of the best character. Another conipany of good men on Deep Water will be organized. Two hundred and twenty-three men enrolled at this place, and I swore them all in, and will organize two companies out of them next Saturday. I have scarcely witnessed such deep feeling of ear- nestness in my life. There were at least 500 men ~here. I formed them all in front of the court-house, and before I swore them in I gave them a little talk, in the strain in which yon did while here. I told them that we could not fight always; that we had now warred until we were all ruined, and we now had set out to run a new race. The past must be forgotten; the dead must bury their dead; by- gones must be by-gones. I tried to make them see the boon they bad lost by the war, the poverty and want that was now upon them, and the peace and prosperity that stood before them if they would in good faith stand one by the other for ~he future in the observance of the laws and each others rights. Colonel, I have never had the honor to spend such an hour. The old men wept like children, and I do really believe that every man on the ground in good faith ded- icated himself to his counTtry, and I feel grateful that you came to this part of the country. You have manufactured a sentiment for peace that will revolutionize this whole country. I trust in God that General Brown may be kept with us. We owe him a deeper debt o Page 11 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 11 gratitude than any man in Missouri. His soldierly and just policy to our district will give him more honors than generally falls to the lot of man to wear. I will leave a small garrison at Calhoun, and bring the larger por- tion of the company here in a few days. I have required of a4 the commissioned officers of these new organizations to subscribe to the oath prescribed by our last Legislature, and I will accompany the muster-roll with the affidavit of each one, which, I think, will effect- ually check all charges of disloyalty, at least as far as the officers are concerned. My trunk has not yet come to hand. It may have been returned to the stage station at Warrensburg, as it went through to Dresden by mistake. I came to Warrensbnrg on the 24th day of March from Kansas City (make inquiry first). General, my compliments to Kenney, Sergeant Johnson, Smith, and all others included. I will send the muster-in rolls of the new organizations next week. I am, general, your friend and servant, HENRY NEILL, Major First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 1, 1864. Major MELTON, Comdg. in the Field, Rolling Prairie, via Gassville, Mo.: In your movements in Arkansas you will bear in mind that the object of first importance to be accomplished is the capture or de- struction of the forces of the enemy, and that next to this, for the present, is the holding of or occupying some position where the pub- lic animals can be foraged, and that the occupation of any particular position is not of so much importance unless it better secures the holding of a large portion of the country. If our forces are equal to the task, they should attack and drive the enemy as early as pos- sible. Colonel Philips is on his way from Saint Louis. The paymasters are here. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 1, 1864. Major MURPHY, Gomdg. Battalion Sixth Missouri State Militia Gay., Yellville, Ark., via Cassville, Mo.: Your letter of the 28th is at hand. * Can you not move a portion of the forces at YeIlville forward to Buffalo Creek, where there is for- age, and where they can support the forces at and cover Yellville, thereby reducing the number of horses at Yellville so that they could be well fed? Or you can keep a portion of your command in the field on Buffalo, sending out detachments with six~ days rations, *See Part II, p. 762 Page 12 12 LOUISIANA AND TiI~ ThANS-MfssIssIppI. [CHAP. XLVI. with instructions not to run down their horses while out, but feed and recuperate them. Do the best you can for the Government and people. If you are attacked by forces largely superior, fight and maneuver, keeping where you can get forage and supplies, attacking the enemy whenever you can. Send through your prisoners and wounded the first good opportunity. Kitchen, whom you spoke of as brigadier~gen~ral, is, I think, an old captain of bushwhackers, whose wife lives in Lebanon, on the Rolla road. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 1, 1864. Col. PRANK E. HOwE: SIR: There are good and loyal men here who have been assured by authority of General Banks that themselves and property should be protected, who now earnestly desire permission to haul in their produce, principally cotton, and turn it over to the quartermaster, subject to the action of the major-general commanding. You will be doing such men a great favor if you can procure from General Banks authority for them to bring their cotton, & c., in and turn it over to the quartermaster. Yours, most respectfully, J. H. McKEE. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF Grand Ecore, April 3, 1864. Respectfully referred to Col. S. B. Holabird. Considering the deficiency of Government transportation, I see no objection to permission being granted to the people of the country to haul in their produce to the river, turning them over to the quar- termaster for disposition according to previous orders. In making arrangements for the disposition of these products at New Orleans, see if it can be arranged between you and the Treasury agent in what manner and by whom the sale shall be conducted. N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER Fort Smith, Ark., April 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of Kansas: GENERAL: I am just in receipt of your letter of the 18th of March. * You certainly misapprehend my meaning when you infer from my telegram of the 12th ultimo that I have yielded the point * See Part II, p. 651 Page 13 Ciw~. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~NLO~. 13 in dispute as to what Constitutes the military post of Fort Smith, by saying that Certain troops were in the Department of Arkansas. I only meant that they were in territory Claimed as the department of Arkansas by, Generals Thayer and Steele. You say, if I get no tele- gram informing me of a favorable termination of the question of department lines at Washington before your letter of the 18th ultimo reached me I should remove my headquarters to Fort Gibson. I have as yet received no such telegram; but before proceeding to remove headquarters to Fort Gibson I desire to submit several mat- ters for your consideration, and await further orders. Fort Smith is certainly the best point from which to superintend all operations in my district; and as there appears to be no issue in regard to the military post of Fort Smith proper, and over which the Department of Arkansas does not claim to have any control, it seems important that we should retain its advantages. We have no collis- ion here now in the management of our local affairs. All of the police duty in and about Fort Smith is done by the other command (in Department of Arkansas). By a mutual agreement the post com- mander furnishes details of white soldiers from their command to do all fatigue duty in quartermaster and commissary depot, and I fur- nish details of colored soldiers from the Eleventh Colored to work on the fortifications; while the depot quartermaster, with all the shops, mechanics, material, corrals, public buildings, and transpor- tation, are under my control, yet I have directed Captain Durbin to afford the troops left here, but reporting in the other department, all the accommodations they require to promote the interest of the public service, and all their applications come through my head- quarters. The troops under my control here are the Eleventh Colored (five companies), two sections of the Second Kansas Battery, and three companies of cavalry, which, in conjunction with the Thirteenth Kansas, a part of the Sixth Kan~sas, and a section of the Third Kan- sas Battery (reporting in the other department), are sufficient for de- fensive purposes and protecting our depot of supplies. The control of these shops and quartermaster depot is of the utmost importance to us in keepimig in repair our transportation. I am also procuring large amounts of corn about 50 miles down the river, without which our mules and horses would soon become entirely unserviceable. I am now sending some corn for animals to Fort Gibson and Mackeys Salt-Works. Telegraphic communication with your headquarters and other points is also another consideration of importance. To give up all these advantages, unless we are compelled to, would be voluntarily weakening ourselves; at least it appears so to me. If I remove my headquarters from here it will be equivalent to surrender- ing the whole thing, as I cannot avail myself of the advantages alluded to unless I retain my headquarters here. If, however, they should take this post from us, then I would urge the propriety of removing the headquarters to Scullyville, which is about 18 miles southwest from here, in the Choctaw Nation (the old agency), and 3 miles from the Arkansas River, where it makes a bend southward. This place is quite well provided with accom- modations for quarters and storage, and is supplied with an abun- dance of excellent water (of which Fort Gibson is very deficient in the summer season). It would be near telegraph communication and near a point on the river to which supplies could be shipped, and in every respect posse~es every advantage over any other point i Page 14 14 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. the Indian Territories for directing operations in the District of the Frontier. As everything is working well here at present, as far as local matters are concerned, I see no reason for abandoning the post of Fort Smith as long as we can retain it. I hope that your views upon the subject may coincide with mine. I shall do nothing further in the matter until I hear from you in answer to this. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS, Paola, Kans., April 1, 1864. Lieut. Col. THOMAS MOONLIGHT, 11th Regt. Kans. Cay., Comdg. 2d Brig., Mound City, Kans.: COLONEL: I am directed by the general commanding the district to communicate to you the following instructions: The district to be occupied by the troops of your brigade, and to be more particularly under your immediate supervision, consists of the eastern tier of counties north of Bourbon in the district, to- gether with Douglas County and the country adjacent to these coun- ties ~on the west, and such other territory as may be hereafter spe- cially placed under your charge. You will station your troops at such points and nrnve them in such manner as you may deem best for the security of the border placed under your charge, promptly informing these headquarters by brief reports of all important move- ments or changes in stations. You will establish an efficient system of patrols to watch the coun- try along the line, and it is recommended that courier-lines be also established to insure speedy communication with the stations and detachments in case of emergency. Measures should be immedi- ately taken to keep the troops at all times fully armed and equipped, and regularly supplied, and the detachments should always be held ready to move on notice. It is possible that, in consequence of the troops having been heretofore broken up into small detachments, many of your companies are wanting in discipline, and will require much labor and great vigilance to become efficient. Some coni- plaints have been made by citizens that depredations upon their property have in times past been committed by soldiers. The general relies upon your great experience in the military serv- ice and your acknowledged efficiency as an officer to correct these evils should they occur, and to preserve good order among the troops under your command. It is understood also that complaints have frequently been made by commanding officers in Missouri near the line against troops sent over from this side. To remove as far as practicable all cause for such complaints and to prevent collisions, detachment commanders in your brigade have been instructed not to cross the line into Missouri except in the following cases: First, by orders from district headquarters; second, when requested by a post or detachment commander in Missouri; third, when in close pursuit of the enemy. In order to give the widest range for the details for general courts- martial and military commissions, these courts will in this district be appointed only by order of the district commander or superior authority. it is contemplated to have a general court-martial (an Page 15 CHAP. XLVI.] 15 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. if necessary a military commission also) constantly organized, ready to be convened at any place in the district as occasion may require. The members thus having opportunity by practice to become learned in their duties, the court will be more likely to promote the ends of justice than if composed of new and inexperienced members. These brief instructions are given rather as modifications of your general duties under regulations and existing orders than as a complete guide for your action, and you will so regard them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GRAY, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS, Paola, Kans., April 1, 1864. Col. C. W. BLAIR, 14th Regt. Kans. Vol. Gain, Corndg. 1st Brig., Fort Scott, Kans.: COLONEL: I am directed by the general commanding the district to communicate the following as modifications of the instructions under which you have been acting as commander of sub-district: The organization of your command has been changed from the sub- district to brigade organization, as announced in General Orders, No. 5, from these headquarters. Your brigade will still be considered as occupying the same territory that was formerly under your charge. That portion of your instructions from the major-general command- ing the Department of Kansas, dated Fort Scott, February 3, 1864, defining the southern line of your command, was, of course, modi- fied by General Orders, No. 10, from department headquarters, cur- rent series, establishing the boundaries of districts; but all that por- tion of the said instructions relating to the employment of scouts south of your present limits is to be considered still in force. That portion of your instructions from headquarters District of the Frontier, dated Fort Scott, October 3, 1863, which authorized you (as commander of sub-district) to grant leaves of absence and fur- loughs in certain cases, is rescinded, as the exercise of such power by a brigade commander would be clearly in conflict with the orders of the War Department upon the subject. You will therefore continue to forward all such papers, with the proper indorsements, to these headquarters as you have heretofore done since the general assumed command of the district. In order to give the widest range for the details for general courts-martial and military commissions, these courts will hereafter be appointed only upon the order of the dis- trict commander, or by superior authority. It is contemplated that a general court-martial (and if necessary a military commission also) shall be kept permanently organized, ready to be convened at any place in the district as occasion may require. The members thus having opportunity by practice to become learned in their duties, the court will be more reliable than one composed of new and inex- perienced members. You will take measures to keep your troops completely armed and equipped and regularly supplied. Hold the detachments always in order to move promptly. Continue an efficient system of patrols to watch the country, and establish lines of couriers to communicate speedily with your stations and detachments in case of emergency. Your attention is directed to the subject of depredations by soldier Page 16 16 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. upon the property of citizens. All such offenders must be brought to punishment. Officers in command of detachments who clearly neglect their duty in such cases must, upon investigation, be reported to these headc~iarters, and they will be recommended for summary dismissal from the service. The general has great confidence in your efficiency as a commander, and hopes you may be able, with the assistance of your subordinates, not only to afford security to the people and property along the border, but to suppress all disorders among your troops. With these modifications, rendered necessary by the change in the organization of your command and the necessities of the service, your duties will remain mainly as before. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GRAY, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS, Lient. Col. GEORGE H. HOYT, Paola, April 1, 1864. Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, Olathe, Kans.: COLONEL: Your report in regard to the failure of Company M, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, to move yesterday, shows a very unsatisfac- tory state of affairs, which I most earnestly call upon commanding officers to arrest. The company should have marc lied, and if neces- sary their stores should have followed them. As it was, arrange- ments were made for their subsistence either at Rockville or at Mound City. The lieutenant was absent without authority, and it appears that this practice of officers running around loose has prevailed to an alarming extent in this district, and will require great vigilance on the part of commanding officers to correct. The negligence of Major Haas orderly cannot be received as a sufficient excuse. Officers in such cases must be held personally responsible. It should be understood that when troops are ordered to move they must go. If the semiior commanding officer is absent from any cause the next in rank must execute the order. I regret to find that this is the same company that delayed several days under a former order to move from Lawrence to Camp Coleman. You will please examine into this matter and cause charges to be preferred against all officers implicated in the non-compliance with the orders. You may also report at the sanme time any mitigating circumstances that may tend to excuse the neglect, as also anything touching former good conduct and the general efficiency of the officers concerned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. J. MaKEAN, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 1, 1864. Maj. J. C. MCFERRAN, Denver, Gob.: Quartermaster and commissary generals have been directed to for- ward supplies as rapidly as possible. * H. W. HALLECK, Major- General, Chief of Staff. axiswe~ to McFerran of March 27. _ Part II p, 755 Page 17 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONf~ENCE, ETC.UNION. 17 MILWAUKEE, April 1, 1864. (Received 2.30 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK: Sixth Minnesota cannot be immediately spared. Will send to join its corps on Potomac as soon as possible. Reasons fully explained in my letter to you of 30th, to which I ask particular attention. * JOHN POPE, Major- General. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, .ZJIinn., April 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Milwaukee: GENERAL: As the only practical mode of supplying the deficiency in the military force in this district, which will be occasioned by the removal of the Sixth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers to the Army of the Potomac; I have the honor to request that you will make an im- mediate application to the proper authorities in Washington for the assignment of the First Regiment Minnesota Volunteers to duty in this district. I have already represented that until the Sixth Regi- ment is replaced by an organization of equal strength, it will be mi- possible for me to carry out your instructions. Governor Miller and the officers of the First Minnesota are equally confident that this reg- fluent will be filled by recruits so soon as it has been announced authoritatively that it will be placed on duty in this district. In order to make the regiment available for early operations on the frontier, no time should be lost in making the application. I am, gener~d, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 2, 1864. ADJUTANTGENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The letter of the adjutant-general of New Hampshire, dated March 11, 1864, with indorsements, in relation to the conversion into cavalry of the Eighth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, is received. When preparations for active operations commenced last fall this department was almost destitute of cavalry, and in this level country a large force of mounted troops was essential to suc- cess. I applied for additional cavalry and was informed that none could be sent to the department. My only recourse was to form troops of that arm. I immediately commenced by mounting infan- try to act against the enemys infantry and mounted infantry, and encouraging enlistments in the regiments of Louisiana cavalry. The Eighth New Hampshire Infantry was one of the regiments mounted. When the troops of the Nineteenth Army Corps were called upon to re-enlist as veterans this regiment, already mounted, offered to re-enlist largely if it could be converted into cavalry, and See Part II, p. 792. 2 R RVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 18 18 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. the order was issued subject to the approval of the War Department, with excellent effect. I trust those who have thus re-enlisted and who have attained the cavalry drill to a most commendable degree may not be disappointed, but that the order will be confirmed and the regiment styled the Second New Hampshire Cavalry. A disap- proval would, I fear, produce a very bad effect upon this excellent regiment. I would further remark that in this department the cav- alry force should be in unusually large proportion to the infantry, since it is a country peculiarly favorable to the use of that arm, and the enemy in this region, recognizing the fact, have maintained fully one-half their force mounted. Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 2, 1864. Col. S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Gulf: COLONEL: The major-general commanding desires that you make arrangements without delay for constant communication by regular (lispatch-boats between New Orleans and this place. He desires that one boat carrying dispatches should leave each point once each day, and if necessary to carry out this order yon will seize any or all the boats plying on the Mississippi River below Red River for the pub- lic service during the continuance of large military operations on the upper Red River. Very respectfully, I am, colonel, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS, Alexandria, La., April 2, 1864. Captain WELCH: SIR: Please send the inclosed to Colonel Holabird. The people of the country are alarmed lest their cotton may be destroyed by rebels. It may be well to allow them to bring it in on their own terms, turning it over to your department when here for shipment to New Orleans in accordance with your general instruc- tions. Please communicate this to General Grover. The railroad should be put in condition for work. Very truly, yours, N. ~. BANKS, Major- General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, April 2, 1864. Col. S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster: COLONEL: Under the general prize law, Admiral Porter has seized the cotton of this country from 6 to 10 miles from the river. This has caused a general burning above of property which had bee Page 19 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 19 spared to this place. As a consequence, no attempt has been made to prevent its destruction, but orders have been given to the quar- termasters department here to take possession of all products, give full vouchers therefor, to transport it to New Orleans, and turn over the proceeds to the Treasury Department, taking receipts therefor, leaving it to be disposed of for the benefit of claimants or the Gov- ernment, as justice may require. No party or person has any p rivi- leges or promises other than in this manner. We greati need oats for the river. I have directed Captain Welch to allow the people of the country to bring in their cotton, turning it over to the quarter- masters department. They are alarmed lest it be destroyed by the rebels. Very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. GROVER. GENERAL: It is understood that the steamer Woodford, now on ground on the rocks on the rapids; is without guard. The general commanding desires that a guard be placed upon her sufficient to prevent any small party of rebels getting on her and burning her. It is desirable that she should be raised. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE; Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. GROVER, Comdg. Second Division, Nineteenth Army Oorps: SIR: The commanding general directs that you take immediate measures to place the town of Alexandria in a state of defense against cavalry by obstructing the roads leading into the town and the streets by barricades of cotton bales, barrels filled with earth, bales of hay, abatis, or of any suitable material that can be readily obtained. This is not intended to interfere in any way with the constructiou of the earth-work already directed to be constructed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, General GROVER, Alexandria, April 2, 1864. Commanding at Alexandria: GENERAL: There ought to be no passes given to able-bodied men to leave this country, except for special reasons. They ought to assist in cleaning their own country of the enemy. Encourage this all yo Page 20 20 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSiSSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. can. The fortifications should be pressed with vigor. Let the streets also be barricaded. It will encourage the people that this position is to be held. The election to-day will give great satisfaction to the Government. Very respectfully, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. NATCHITOCHES, April 2, 18644.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE, Commanding Cavalry: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch of 2p. m. As I am fixed at present I prefer not to remove a brigade of infantry from here. I think that in addition to the picket on the Fort Jesup road it may be well to leave a section of artillery there, with a mounted infantry regiment, that is, if you anticipate danger there. But cannot you find out anything to-night, so as to encamp there to-nig1~t, coining in to-morrow? If, however, you get them running I advise you to leave your rear as secure as you can, and chase them as far as pro- visions and forage will justify. Respectfully, ~. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General, Commanding. NATCHITOCHES, April 2, 18648 p. m. Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE Commanding Cavalry Divwwn: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch of 3.45 p. m. It will not answer for you to go too far from your present position, as your rear may be in danger unless you leave some force to guard the junction. I therefore think that it will be well for you to go ahead to-morrow and feel them again, and if you find them in great force, so great that you cannot drive them, come back to-morrow, as I pre- sume that by that time your provisions and forage will be exhausted. Under my present orders I do not think that you would be justified in going to Shreveport. Respectfully, ~. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS RED RIVER EXPEDITION, No. 18. On Steamer Clara Bell, April 2, 1864. You will commence embarking your troops at 7 a. m. this morning, and will have everything on board and your command in readiness to start at 9 a. m. The signal for getting up steam will be one long whistle and three short ones, one hour after which the signal will be given for starting, which will be one long whistle. The same order and same signals will be observed as heretofore. The boats will follow each other at a distance of ~ibout 400 yards, the Meteo Page 21 CHAP. XLVI.] 21 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC..--UNION. taking the place of the Baltic, and the Luminary, Jennie Rogers, and Colonel Cowles following the Hastings in the order herein named. By order of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith: J. ROUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General. ENGINEERS OFFICE, Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 2, 1864. Capt. B. WILSoN, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report relative to work on the defenses of this island for the 1st and 2d day of April instant: Two regiments from the Second Brigade, First Division, were em- ployed on left of exterior line on the 1st instant, working 255 men. Five teams were engaged here drawing sods. The First Brigade did not work to-day. I employed 104 men from Second Engineers at Fort Esperauza this day. The work on this fort progresses slowly on account of the scarcity of lumber. I have made some changes in Fort Esperanza, putting in four platforms on the land front, one of which is in the traverse in front of sally-port. I have also laid out two more on the north front. Ten teams have been employed drawing sods to this fort to-day. Two hundred and twenty-five men were employed on interior line to-day. The work on this line pro- gresses rapidly. The wind has driven us once or twice this week from the redan on the left of this line, but the men have been em- ployed throwing down the rifle-pits constructed by the enemy below these works. I have not been able yet to prepare the left battery at McHenry Bayou to receive the guns, as I have no lumber for plat- forms. I would respectfully recommend that the batteries on this line be connected by a cr6maill~re line, and this line produced still farther to the left. On the 2d instant the Forty-ninth and Sixty- ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 551 men, were engaged on left of exterior line. Four teams only reported on this line to-day. The First Brigade did not work any men on the line to-day. The progress made here is somewhat slow, as we are unable to procure a sufficient number of teams to keep the nien employed. It is very necessary that these works should be sodded as soon as possible, as the winds will soon destroy them. One hundred and eleven men were employed on Fort Esperauza to-day. Ten teams were engaged drawing sods for this work. Two hundred and twenty-six men were employed on interior line. The ground was broken nearly the whole length of this line, and the profiles set up, or ready to set up. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. COBB, Colonel and Chief Engineer. GENERAL~ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI, No. 50. Saint Louis, Mo., April 2, 1864. I. General Orders, No. 32,* current series, from these headquarters, is amended as follows: First. Provost-marshals of sub-districts are * See Part II, p. 434 Page 22 22 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. authorized and required to issue the permits therein provided for, upon the approval of district provost-marshals and district com- manders. They will keep the same record books required of district provost-marshals in paragraph IV of the order. Second. The order will not be so construed as to prevent the issue of permits to pur- chase arms and ammunition to loyal men desiring to cross the plains, and who can prodnce evidence that they are not attempting to evade the conscription act or the enrollment of militia in the State of Missouri. II. All restrictions imposed in General Orders, No. 32, affecting the legitimate, bona-fide trade with New Mexico, Utah, and other loyal sections of the country west of Missouri, are hereby renioved, as far as purchasers from those sections are concerned. Sellers of arms and ammunition will be held to a rigid compliance with the terms of the order affecting them; but all traders pursuing a legiti- mate trade with the sections above indicated will be permitted to purchase at Kansas City, Westport, Saint Joseph, and Saint Louis, with the same freedom as before the war. By command of Major-General Rosecrans: 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DISTRICT OF MISSOURI, Warrensburg, April 2, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that there is an improvement in the feeling of the people in this part of the district, which is manifested in the preparations that are being made for cultivating the lands and a revival of trade. The citizen-guard organizations are being rapidly formed, and meet with the cordial approval of the people generally. At two localities some objections were made and I have directed that the order be suspended in their cases for the present. At Calhoun two loyal companies were formed, but as they have shown a partisan, bitter spirit toward each other, being representa- tives of different parties or cliques, I have directed that they shall harmonize their difficulties before being armed or their companies recognized. A letter from Major Neill, First Missouri State Militia, at Clin- ton, expresses the general feeling of the people in the country. This letter was forwarded to the commanding general yesterday. * Three men of Blunts old band of bushwhackers were killed near Johnstown, Bates County, on the 28th ultimo. This makes 9 of the band of 20 who have been killed since the emeute of Blunt in La Fayette County, about a month since, and who have been recognized as being the same parties. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, - E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. *& ep 10 Page 23 OFIAP. XLVI.] E~CJN10~. SPRINcWII~LD, Mo., April 2, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General: Major Mizirphy, commanding at Yellville, reports that the enemy has withdrawn from his position south of Yellville, after consider- able skirmishing with our troops on the Buffalo Fork of White River. In this skirmishing the enemy has lost 25 killed, several wound ed, and over 30 prisoners. Among the prisoners are 2 com- missioned officers and 2 of Colonel Boyds sons, of this place, brother of the member of Congress. I am satisfied that General Pickett has not been there. Our casualties are trifling; none killed. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, April 2, 18643.20 p. in. Major-General POPE: The Secretary of War consents to your retaining the Sixth Min- nesota Volunteers till you can safely spare them. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 2, 1864. General SIBLEY, Saint Paul, Miun.: Horses for Second [Minnesota] Cavalry and for Bracketts bat- talion ready to be delivered. I wish you to send to La Crosse, without delay, detachments from both commands to bijng them up. A trusty field officer must be sent in charge. When can the men be in La Crosse? Telegraph at once. JNO. POPE, Major- General. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Miun., April 2, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Milwaukee: Your dispatch received. Detachment amounting to 100 men will be at La Crosse by 10th instant, under a field officer. H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Minn., April 2, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Milwaukee: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy* of cor- respondence between Major Hatch, commanding at Pembina, and Governor Dallas, of Prince Ruperts Land, in which the latter gives * Not found Page 24 24 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. his formal assent to the pursuit of the Sioux refugees ou British territory by our forces. It is quite certaiu that uo good effect will follow, even should Major Hatch desire to avail himself of the per- mission accorded, as it is reliably reported that the savages in ques- tion are on their way to join the hostile bands within our boundary, and as the battalion have no horses it is not probable that the Indians can be overtaken. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [APRIL 2, 1864.For Sherman to Halleck, referring to operations on the Red River, see Vol. XXXII, Part III, p. 221.] HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, April 3, 1864. Major-General BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf, Red River: GENERAL: The thirty days for which I loaned you the command of General A. J. Smith will expire on the 10th instant. I send down with this Brig. Gen. J. M. Corse, to carry orders to General Smith, and to give directions to a new movement which is also preliminary to the general campaign. * General Curse may see you and explain in full, but lest he should not find you in person I will simply state that Forrest, availing himself of the absence of our furloughed men, and of this detachment with you, has pushed up between the Missis- sippi and Tennessee Rivers, even to the Ohio. He has attacked Paducah, but got the worst of it, and still lingers about that place. I hope he will remain thereabouts till A. J. Smith makes his des- tined point, but this I can hardly count on; yet I want A. J. Smith to reach by the Yazoo a position near Grenada, and thence operate against Forrest, after which to march across to Decatur, Ala. You will see he has a big job, and therefore must start at once. From all I can see, my troops reached Alexandria at the time agreed on, viz, March 17, and I hear of them up at Natchitoches, but I cannot hear of your troops being above Opelousas. Steele is also moving. I leave Steeles entire force to co-operate with you and the navy, but as I before stated I must have A. J. Smiths troops now, as soon as possible. I beg you will expedite their return to Vicksburg, if they have not already started, and I want them, if possible, in the same boats they used up Red River, as it will save the time otherwise consumed in the transfer to other boats. All is well in this quarter and I hope by the time you turn against Mobile our forces will again act to the same end, though at distant points. General Grant, now having lawful control, will doubtless see that all minor objects are disregarded, and all the armies acting on a common plan. Hoping ere this reaches you that you are in possessioli of Shreve- port, I am, with great respect, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Mqjor- General, commanding. * For Sherman to Smith and Curse, see Vol. XXXII, Part III, pp. 242, 244 Page 25 CHAP. XLVI] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.1YNIO~. 25 HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, April 3, 1864. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Oorndg. JliEississippi Fleet: DEAR ADMIRAL: I received yours from Fort De Russy, and was much gratified that you were so well pleased with General A. J. Smith and the troops I sent with you up Red River. In or- ganizing that command I had in view that end, as also a fighting column equal to anything. I could not control General Banks movements, but he certainly assured me he was all ready, and would beat my troops to Alexandria. He had for preparation all the time I was gone to Meridian, and I only had from the 3d of March to the 10th to put my troops on board at Vicksburg and join you at the mouth of Red River. But I cant be responsible for General Banks, and leave him to play his own game of war. I clearly foresaw the course of events, and stipulated that my quota of 10,000 would be wanted out of Red River by the 10th of AprB. I must have them, and leave General Steele to continue to co- operate with General Banks. Their conjoint forces are fully adequate to the remaining part of the programme. I understand from unofficial sources that Gen- eral Smith, in co-operation with your fleet, has already captured the fort, De Russy, Alexandria, and also Natchitoches, including, I suppose, the fortified point, Grand Ecore. This leaves General Banks nothing but Shreveport, and it may be, if Red River is up, that before this reaches you Shreveport will be also in our posses- sion. Forrest has availed himself of our absence to come up as far as Paducab. He attempted to capture the fort, but was whipped off badly. He cannot make a lodgment on the river anywhere, and the longer he stays up in that pocket the better chance we have of bagging or breaking up his force. I want Smiths command to move with great rapidity up the Yazoo as far as Greenwood, disembark and occupy Grenada, then to act according to circumstances, and strike across to join on to my forces here at Decatur, Ala. I wish you would let him have a few tin-dads up the Yazoo to cover the disembarkation and to escort back to the Mississippi his boats. We are getting ready for big licks, and if it shQuld so result that we can whip Lee and Joe Johnston fairly and squarely it would seem that a result is approachiiig. But I do not wish to indulge in dreams, but to use rapidly and boldly all the forces at my disposal. I write by this opportunity to Generals Steele, Banks, and A. J. Smith, all to the same effect. Socially, I regret that our operations are carrying us farther and farther apart, but in the end I hope we will meet again in a glorious peace, if possible. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Gommanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 85. New Orleans, La., April 3, 1864. I. The Second Maine Cavalry, now arriving from the North, will be reported to the office of the chief of cavalry, to be assigned quar- ters and equipped for the field, without delay. By command of Major-General Banks: RICHD. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 26 26 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, On Mansfield Road, April 3, 1864. Major-General BANKS: GENERAL: The enemy have just advanced a small battalion cJ infantry, with led horses, nearly opposite our left. They have moved a body of cavalry to the road, and are running wagons from the center to the right of their line. Is not the whole matter of this stand one of saving the train? A push up the Mansfield road would capture the train and isolate the wings. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Steam-boat Black Hawk, off Grand Ecore, April 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN, Comdg. 19th and Detach. 13th A. C., Natchitoches: GENERAL: The major-general commanding has arrived, and would be glad to see you on board at 6 a. m. to-morrow. If you have any- thing of note to communicate to-night, please send by the bearer of this. Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. P. 5.One hundred and ninety thousand rations are here, and considerable forage in sacks; 300,000 rations additional are at Alexandria, and are expected to-morrow. C. P. 5. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. 19TH A. 0; AND U. S. FORCES IN W. LA., Natchitoches, April 3, 1864. SIR: The general commanding directs me to inform you that boats with provisions have arrived at Grand Ecore. You will send your wagons for the necessary supplies and will instruct your chief commissary of subsistence to report in the morning to Lieutenant- Colonel Woodruff, chief commissary of subsistence, at these head- quarters, for directions in reference to the quantity and manner of procuring the supplies. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjntant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST DIv., 13TH ARMY CORPS, No. 26. Matagorda Island, Tex., April 3, 1864. In accordance with orders from headquarters Thirteenth Army Corps, the major-general commanding hereby relinquishes the com- mand of this division to Brig. Gen. Fitz Henry Warren. By command of Maj. Gen. N. J. T. Dana: B. WILSON, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 27 ChAP. XLVI.] COP RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 2t IIDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MI~SIS~AIPPI, Nashville, April 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Louisiana: DEAR GENERAL: Since this important command has been devolved on me, I have been busily engaged in inspecting my front line on the Tennessee. It is not my wish or purpose to circumscribe you with orders; you are far better acquainted with your sphere of action and your troops than I am. I am clear of opinion that all Arkansas can be better defended in a military sense on the line of Red River than any other, and therefore I approve highly the joint movement on Shreveport. General Banks has 17,000 troops engaged in that plan, and I understand you have 7,000, besides the garrisons needed at Little Rock and Fort Smith. I am compelled to withdraw A. J. Smiths command of 10,000 that I loaned to General Banks for thirty days, which thirty days are out on the 10th instant. After these are withdrawn from Red River I leave you in concert with General Banks to do what is right and proper. If you need more men, I doubt not General Grant would re-en- force you from the points whence re-enforcements should come, viz, Kansas aiid Missouri. General A. J. Smith will have to march across the State of Mississippi and join me at some point of our line of operations. Forrest has availed himself of this chance to push up between the Tennessee and Mississippi and attacked Padu- cah, but was repulsed. What ulterior plans he has are not yet de- veloped, but 11 will try and see if we cannot circumvent him. Blair is to have the Seventeenth Corps, Logan retaining the Fifteenth; other changes are discnssed but not agreed on. I beg you to write often, and keep me advised of all things essential, but I will not un- (lertake to control your movements at this distance. I cannot ex- pedite the return of veteran volunteers; these are controlled from Washington; but I donbt not the design is for all to return to the commands they formerly belonged to. My movemeiits are much em- barrassed by the absence of a large proportion of my several armies. With great respect, W. T. SHERMAN, General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., Little Rock, April 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Comdg. Department of Arkansas: GENERAL: Supposing that my efforts to communicate with you since the 27th ultimo have failed, and having received nothing from you since the escort of Lieutenant Litherland left you, on con- sultation with General Kimball I send Mr. Colvin, whom Captain Carr recommends as a reliable scout and one who will go through to you. The following dispatch was received at 12 m. to-day: WASHINGTON, April 1,1864-il a. m. Major-General STEELE: Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant directs me to telegraph to you that when your forces reach Red River you will, in conjunction with the naval forces, occupy and hold the line of that river, so as to cover the Indian Territory, Arkansas, and Northern Louisiana. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff Page 28 28 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppJ. [CHAP XLVI. The Memphis Evening Bulletin of the 29th ultimo has an account of the capture of Fort De Russy, on Red River, 70 miles from its mouth, with its garrison, some 200 men and 24 officers, 8 siege and 2 field pieces, a large quantity of ammunition, 1,000 muskets, flour, sugar, & c. This occurred on the 14th of March. On the 15th, Ad- miral Porters fleet appeared off Alexandria and demanded Its sur- render, which was complied with without opposition. Alexandria is said to be 140 miles froni the mouth of Red River, and Shreveport 450 miles. I seiid also a copy of telegram from Colonel Clayton, at Pine Bluff, dated March 31, 1864, to Major Green, assistant adjutant- general: The expedition to Mount Elba and Long View has just returned. We destroyed the pontoon bridge at Long View; burned a train of thirty-five wagons loaded with camp and garrison equipage, ammunition, quartermasters stores, & c.; captured 320 prisoners; engaged in battle at Mount Elba yesterday morning General Dock- erys division of about 1,200 men from Monticello; routed him and pursued him 10 miles, with a loss on his side of over 100 men killed and wounded; captured a large quantity of small-arms, 2 stand of colors, many wagons, and over 300 horses and mules. Our loss will not exceed 15 in killed, wounded, and missing. The expedi- tion was a complete success, details of which will be furnished in my official report,* which will be forwarded in a few days. POWELL CLAYTON, Colonel, Commanding. The prisoners are on the way here and are expected to arrive this evening. General Kimball sent Colonel Andrews and 170 men of the Third Minnesota on a raid up White River to try and bag McRae and his band. I give yon some extracts from Colonel Andrews telegram from Devalls Bluff. I have not yet received the official report. I will give Andrews dispatch entire: DEVALLS BLUFF, April 2, 1864. Capt. E. D. MAsoN: At 5 oclock yesterday morning I left the transport Dove at Augusta with my small force, consisting of 170 men of Third Minnesota Infantry, under immediate command of Maj. E. W. Foster, and 45 men of Eighth Missouri Cavalry, under immediate command of Capt. L. J. Matthews. About 3 miles from the village we met and charged upon two different parties of McRaes men, who, after a little re- sistance, fled beyond our means of pursuit on roads leading from the Jacksonport road. General McRae himself was with one of the parties and narrowly escaped capture by our cavalry. We moved on till 12 miles from Augusta, when, finding no prospects of engaging them in a fair fight, after resting we started back to our transports. In an hour and a half quite a large force of McRaes men, mounted, at- tempted to charge upon us, but were repulsed handsomely, and we again resumed our march. When we had got 2 miles farther, at Fitzhughs woods, we were attacked by McRaes combined force of fighting men, numbering from 400 to 000. The combat lasted two hours and a half and was sharp. Every officer and man in my command acted like a hero. It was thus, after most resolute bravery and great coolness, we made them give up the contest. We moved in perfect order 6 miles to Augusta without interference, our colors unfurled and our men singing Down with the traitor. Our loss was only 4 killed and 18 wounded of the infantry and 1 killed of the cavalry. The enemys loss was upward of 100 killed and wounded. We captured several prisoners. I am sure the moral effect of the expedition is greatly on our side. Shall leave for Little Rock on first train. The telegraph line was working to Fort Smith to-day, the first time since the 26th instaut. Judson, who is in command of District of the Frontier, is having some trouble about the transportation. I have furnished General Kimball with copies of telegrams from General * See Part I, p. 768 Page 29 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 29 Halleck; also copy of yours to General Thayer. Captain Carr has received a dispatch from Colonel Myers saying the two quartermas- ters at Fort Smith are in the Department of Arkansas, and has given them the necessary orders so that there may be no more controversy. Nothing has been heard of the Ninth Kansas Cavalry. The bush- whackers are quite active in the vicinity of Ozark, Clarksville, and Dardanelle. I think General Kimball will send part of the Third Arkansas to Dardanelle, with a field officer to command that post. One battalion, 400 men, of the Twelfth Michigan Infantry, under Colonel Graves, arrived day before yesterday; the second battalion will be here to-day or to-morrow. Colonel Graves will have 950 men when they get here. Colonel Townsend, assistant adjutant-general at Washington, tele- graphs under date of April 1 that the Fifty-fourth Illinois will be retained in that State for a few days. There can be no doubt but that the Third Iowa has gone to Vicksburg. Colonel Ryan, who returned from the North night before last, says a large number of Western troops are being sent to the Potomac. I sent a copy of Colonel Claytons dispatch to General Halleck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. APRIL 1. P. S.Nothing new to-day. The prisoners from Pine Bluff have just arrived. It is rumored that McRae is about to make a raid on Devalls Bluff. I think Geiger is prepared for him. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, Fort Smith, April 3, 1864. General KIMBALL, Commanding Detachment Seventh Army Corps: Your dispatch received. Strength of different points: Fort Smith, 855 men for duty, cavalry and infantry, one section of Third Kansas Battery, four guns, manned by one company Thir- teenth Kansas; Van Buren, two companies infantry, 50 mounted men, one section Third Kansas Battery; Fayetteville, Ark., 305 cav- alry, First Arkansas Cavalry, two 12-pounder howitzers; Clarksville, two companies infantry, one company cavalry; Ozark, one company Fourteenth Kansas, 60 men; Roseville, three companies cavalry, 200 men. Miles. Fayetteville to Van Buren 50 Van Buren to Fort Smith 5 Fort Smith to Ozark 40 Fort Smith to Roseville 50 Fort Smith to Clarksville 65 Cant you obtain an order from the quartermaster-general for a part of the transportation, or shall I take possession of portion of the transportation now here? W. R. JUDSON, Uolonel, C~ommandinu District of the Frontier Page 30 30 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSLSSIPPJ. [CHAP. XLVI. DARDANELLE, April 3, 1864. General KIMBALL: Military matters are in a dreadful condition here. The twelve- months troops are goneleft yesterday. Guerrillas are numerous between Roseville and here. They are coming in daily. Thirty men left last night without orders from me. From the best information they were sent by officers to fire in some rebels above here. The wires are cut between here and Clarksville faster than we can fix them. We have very few mounted men here, and without relief the consequences niay be serious. We cannot guard Government prop- erty outside the post. Your most obedient servant, J. BROWN, Commanding Post. OFFICE OF ASSISTANT PROVOST-MARSHAL, Columbia, Mo., April 3, 1864. General ROSECRANS: As there is no military post, as such, within 30 miles of here, I take the liberty of writing you briefly of the state of this country; and I deem it the more important to do so on account of the change man- ifest in the last month or so, since I had the pleasure of an interview with you. For some weeks armed men (guerrillas, robbers, and rebel officers) have been coming into our county from both the South and Illinois. The evidence of their presence is abundant. They seem scattered in small squads, or single, in all parts. I hear of no attacks upon us, but only a few more robberies. All sorts of stories are set afloat of rebel prospects, invasions, and that Price is coming, & c. Sympathizers look and act bolder, and have increased confidence. It is so marked as to be talked of by Union men as obvious in all the county, and excites serious fears. To my mind it is clear that there is some mischief coming, although I cannot make it out. They are counting on an invasion or an insurrection. So very marked is th,~ change that it is founded on somethino~ and in which they confide. 6 generally known to them I venture to conjecture that a raid is intended to gather horses, clothes, and money, and as it cannot well cross the Missouri River and yet such supplies must mostly come from this sidethat these loose fellows are sent in advance to prospect and prepare to meet a raid on a concerted day at a fixed point on the river, with all their supplies gathered in from this side, and that they are now making arrangements for it. Such was their course last fall, and I see no other reasonable prospect for them now. The enlistment and enrollment of negroes and prospects of a draft have created deep and bitter feeling in this section, and prepared these people for almost anything, even for concealing bushwhackers again this year; and a draft now would drive hundreds to the bush. You will pardon me, general, for the liberty of a few suggestions. Such a raid, it appears to me, would aim to strike the center of the State, because they would not expect success in the direction of Saint Louis, where we are strong, nor could they find much plunder on the western border, already so wasted. And they are familiar with the deep dissatisfaction here about negroes, & c., and the fact that there is no force at Jefferson City, Boonville, or on this side nearer tha Page 31 CIIAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 Macon. I would not wish to give undue importance to these things, but ask that they be weighed and not forgotten until it is quite too late. If force is scarce, I would remark that there are enough Union men at home here, in the militia, to protect the country. They would have to be judiciously selected and armed and paid. My experi- ence is that enough of them can be had for home protection, and be relied on fully, but to do it they must go into camp and stay there. Such protection does not require a large force in North Missouri. I would not have written directly to you, taking so much privilege, except that my friend General Guitar is gone, and I do not know the new district commander. My own position is of such a nature as to force me into active observation of events. I now have 20 men here as guard, who are enough for defense, but nothing more. Excuse the length of this note, and believe me your obedient serv- ant, F. T. RUSSELL, Lient. Cot. 61st Enrolled Mo. Mu. and Asst. Pror. Mar. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 3, 1864. The following extract from General Orders, No. 123, current series, from the War Department, is republished for the information of the troops in this department: Every department and army commander will cause to be transferred, as speedily as possible, to the nearest naval station named in General Orders, No. 91, all en- listed men who desire to enlist in the Navy, and who fulfill the conditions required in General Orders, No. 91, without regard to the restrictions in said orders as to reductions of regiments and companies below the minimum organization, which restriction is removed. To carry out the provisions of the above order, the following reg- ulations will be observed: First. Commanding officers of districts, posts, camps, and detached regiments, battalions, or companies in this department will see that the contents of General Orders, No. 91, current series, from the War Department, are at once communicated to every enlisted man under their command, and will forward to the district inspector of the dis- trict in which they are serving a list of those making applications for transfer from the Army to the Navy, giving all the information required in said order in served at sea. regard to qualifications and length of time Second. District inspectors will examine and determine upon the merits of the applications for transfers and make daily reports, by telegraph, to the inspector-general at department headquarters, of the number of men transferred to the naval service, their company and regiment, and the inspector-general will consolidate the reports for the Adjutant-General of the Army. Third. As fast as applicants are approved and selections made, district inspectors will report the fact to the district commander, who will see that they are sent, under suitable conduct and in the manner prescribed in General Orders, No. 91, current series, froni the War Department, to Cairo, Ill., where they will be turned over to the naval commandant at that station. By command of Major-General Rosecrans: 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 32 32 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DISTRICT OF MISSOURI, Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Warrensburg, April 3, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis: MAJOR: I had the honor to refer to-day, for the information of the Commanding general, the report of Captain Little of the sum- mary trial of 3 bnshwhaCkers and the execution of 2 of them. The testimony as to the character of these men and of their being disguised in our uniform was clear. Their general character has been bad since the war began. I appreciate fully the responsibility assumed in the execution of a prisoner guerrilla, but these men have forfeited their lives by law, human and divine, and the state of the country demands summary punishment. There are not 50 guer- rillas in this district, nor has there been that number in it in six months, yet they are keeping the population of twenty counties, 150,000 people, in a state of constant apprehension. They have taken more lives than they number, while thieving and robbing has been practiced daily, and employing 4,000 troops to pro- tect and guard the country. I hope most sincerely that the necessity for such acts, such a responsibility, may be removed, and that but few examples will be required. The parties who suffered in this case were the same who wounded General Hamilton, Fourth Mis- souri State Militia, one of them the son of Olive Gano, of whom I wrote yesterday. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TILE FRONTIER, Fort Smith, Ark., April 3, 1864. Col. W. A. PHILLIPS, Comdg. First Brigade, Fort Gibson: COLONEL: In my communication to you of the 14th ultimo I directed you to postpone work on the fortifications at Fort Gibson until I could send an engineer to superintend the work. General Curtis having requested Captain Gerster (the engineer) to report to him at Leavenworth, I shall be deprived of his services and cannot send him as I intended. You will therefore proceed to complete the works according to instructions given you by General Curtis. In consequence of the small force at our command, it will be necessary at present to keep the troops concentrated and be vigilant in guard- ing against surprise. You will attempt to hold no point on the south side of the Arkansas. You will send scouts well to the front, and also westward, to ascertain any movement that may be made by the enemy, and all information you may obtain of importance you will promptly report to these headquarters. Company M, Four- teenth Kansas Volunteers, ordered to report to you for duty, will leave here for Fort Gibson to-morrow. Their detention has been caused by waiting for forage train which has just arrived. They should be used for scouting purposes and carrying dispatches, and must be held strictly accountable for any depredations committed upon citizens when on duty detached from their command. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Major- General Page 33 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 33 WASHINGTON, D. C., April 3, 1864. Major-General POPE, iiliilwaukee, IYts.: GENERAL: Your letter of March 30 is just received. * You prob~ ably are not fully aware of the difficulty of ascertaining and coun- teracting the baneful influence upon military operations exercised by speculators, through members of Congress and the civil depart- ments of the Government. More especially is this the case in regard to Indian affairs, when dishonest men are continually intriguing to use the military for their individual purposes. As soon as I explained to the Secretary of War the real condition of affairs in your depart- ment, he authorized me to suspend his order in regard to sending the Sixth Minnesota Regiment to the Army of the Potomac. Your alacrity in sending troops to other departments whenever you could spare them has been most praiseworthy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, ]Jiinn., April 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SULLY, Saint Louis: GENERAL: Your official communication of 28th ultimo reached me last evening. f With reference to the propositions of the Yank- tonais and other Missouri bands that no steamers should ascend the river for the present, until a general pacification, I mentioned them as coming from what I knew to be reliable sources, more for the in- formation of Major-General Pope than with any intention of inter- fering with or retarding your preparations for ascending the Missouri or dispatching steamers with your supplies. I have additional intel- ligence from my chief of scouts at the head of the Coteau as late as 24th ultimo. He had conferred with 6 young men from the upper country, and knowing some of them personally, he deems their state- ments to be worthy of credence, especially as they are corroborative of information received from other quarters. They state that there are three camps of Sissetons near the place where I first encountered the Indians at Big Mound on the Coteau, about 60 miles from the Missouri, numbering, respectively, sixty, seventy, and ninety lodges. The Indians are almost unanimous in favor of peace, and are ex- pected to accede to the conditions I imposed last fall. Some of the chiefs will probably proceed to Fort Abercrombie to give a formal assent, and then go with their bands to Devils Lake. The Yank- tonais were expected soon to encamp somewhere near the locality of the present camps. The Teton baiids are assembling on the west or south bank of the Missouri, preparatory to crossing into the Yanktonais country, as they state there are neither buffalo nor water nor grass where they usually roam. They have sent a message to the Yanktonais that they are coming to join them, and if the latter desire to shake hands with the Americans they will do so like- wise, otherwise they will with them continue the war. This con- centration of warriors on this side of the Missouri, if true, will make the establishment of a post at Devils Lake still more hazard- ous and difficult. The buffalo are on the move southward, and the * See Part II, p. 792. ~ See Part II, p. 766. 3 R RvOL xxxiv, PT II Page 34 34 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Indians will of course follow them. Messrs. Vaughn and Culbertson, from Fort Union, passed through here two days since, and I had a long Conference with them. They left the fort February 7 with one white man and two Assiuniboine Indians as guides, passed through the Assinniboine country to Fort Garry, before reaching which they dismissed the Indians and came down by the way of Pembina. You will probably meet them in Saint Louis, as I desired them to call upon you on their arrival there. They confirm the reports pre- viously received of the generally hostile disposition of the Teton Siaux, and believe that boats or parties ascending the Missouri or traversing the country will be attacked. There was no snow in the upper prairies nor in the mountains, and no prospect of a rise in the Missouri, which is very low. The supplies for the Blackfeet and for parties in Idaho were still at Fort Union, with no means of forward- ing them to their destination. Apprehensions were felt of an attack early in the spring by the Tetons upon Fort Union, where there are large stores of arms, ammunition, and goods, and only 15 or 20 men to guard them. I have given you this synopsis of the facts as stated by them lest you should fail to see them in person. The horses for service in this district will be brought up as rapidly as they can be conveyed to La Crosse, and Major Bracketts battalion will be prepared for the field as soon as possible. Should I be so directed by General Pope I will dispatch the battalion as you suggest, by way of Spirit Lake, but there is no probability that the horses, & c., can be received here in time to enable that command to reach Sioux City before 10th or 15th May. There shall be no delay that can be avoided in the movements of that battalion or of the column intended to join you. The Sixth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers has been ordered south, which may embarrass my oper- ations, unless General Pope is enabled to replace it with some other regiment. I will continue to furnish you with such information as may reach me from time to time, my scouts being now in frequent communication with the upper bands of Sioux. I have no pack-sad- dles on hand in this district, and I suggest that you make requisition for such a number additional as you may deem necessary, as none will be required by my troops before you form a junction with them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864. Hon. SALMON P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose to you a copy~ of a communica- tion from Brig. Gen. G. L. Andrews, commanding the Corps dA frique in this department. He calls attention to the fact that a large number of the colored soldiers are desirous of saving a portion of their pay, and I entertain no doubt that if conveniences were provided for this and the spirit of economy encouraged, the troops would accumulate rapidly their individual savings. The same fact *Sce Part II, p. 7% Page 35 Ca~p. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 35 is true of men, women, and children on the plantations. They are now subject to imposition of various kinds, and suffer, not only from their own prodigality, but from the rapacity of sharpers who prey upon them. It seems just that there should be something more permanent as a depository for their savings than any individual or private company can offer. I would suggest the expediency of ingrafting upon the Treasury of the United States at New Orleans a savings bank for this class of people exclusivelyfor colored soldiers and laborers who have been emancipated from slavery. Mr. May, the treasurer, has signified his willingness to attend to this duty, and if it were authorized I am very sure it would be of great advantage for this class of people and for the Government. I earnestly ask your early consideration of this subject. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. (Same to Secretary Stanton.) HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 4, 1864. Lieut. Col. R. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans, La.: I beg leave to submit the following report for the records of the adjutant-generals affice of the department On the 17th ultinio the following-named members of the staff left New Orleans upon the steamer Nebraska for Alexandria, La.: Brig. Gen. C. P. Stone, chief of staff; Brig. Gen. R. Arnold, chief of artillery; Col. J. S. Clark, aide-de-camp; Col. H. B. Sargent, aide-de-camp; Lient. Col. W. S. Abert, assistant inspector-general; Maj. ~3-eorge B. Drake, assistant adjutant-general; Maj. G. N. Lieber, judge-advocate; Surg. R. H. Alexander, medical director; Maj. C. J. von Herrmann, aide-de- camp; Capt. 113. W. Marston, chief signal officer; Lient. W. S. Beebe, ordnance officer; Lieutenant Simpson, secretary to the general. The draught of the Nebraska being too great for Red River, it was considered necessary to change to the Laurel Hill. Arrived at Alexandria at 2.30 p. in., 19th, finding Admiral Porters fleet, Brig. Gen. A. J. Smiths command, consisting of detachments of Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, according to report accompanying, and the advance of Brigadier-General Lees division of cavalry, all of which came up upon the day following. Upon the 20th, the steamers Baltic and Mars, two of General Smiths transports, were sent to Turubulls Island, under charge of Major Lieber, to bring forward the First Brigade, First Division, Corps dAfriqvie. Cotton on plantations in the vicinity was to a great extent burned by scouting parties of rebels. A reconnaissance in force on the 21st~ consistingof General Mowers division of the Sixteenth Corps and Colonel Lucas brigade of Cavalry Division, Department of the Gulf, pushed out upon the Bayou Rapides road to Hendersons Hill, where a force of rebel cav- alry was posted. A full report is inclosed, made by Col. T. J. Lucas, commanding cavalry brigade. * Col. H. B. Sargent, who accom- panied the expedition, was severely wounded. *See Part I, P. 463 Page 36 36 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVL Headquarters train arrived on the 23d by way of Opelousas. Major-General Banks arrived on the 24th, accompanied by Colonel Wilson, aide-de-cainp; Capt. R. T. Dunham, aide-de-camp; Capt. J. S. Crosby, aide-de-camp; Lient. J. L. Andrew, secretary to the general, by the steamer Black Hawk. The First Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, arrived on the 25th, encamping at the edge of town. On the 26th, Brigadier-General Smiths comniand marched out upon the river road to the point where the Bayou Rapides empties into the Red River. Brigadier- General Ransoms command, Third and Fourth Divisions, Thirteenth Corps, arrived. The transports of General Smiths command crossed the falls on the 27th and 28th safely, with the exception of the hospital-boat Woodford, which struck and sunk. General Franklin moved with his entire command on the 28th for Natchi- toches, Admiral Porters fleet crossing the rapids. On the 3d of April, headquarters moved upon the Black Hawk to Grand Ecore, 4 miles from Natchitoches. Up to this date the steamers Illinois, Luminary, Meteor, Jennie Rogers, Alice Vivian, Rob Roy, La Crosse, Iberville, Laurel Hill, Universe, and Colonel Cowles have arrived, bringing commissary and quartermaster stores. On the 2d instant orders were issued to the chief quartermaster to establish a daily line of steamers for dispatch-boats between New Orleans and Alexandria; a copy of the letter of instructions will be found inclosed. * General Lees advance entered Natchitoches on the 1st instant, with but slight opposition, and General Franklin apon the following day. The gun-boats and General Smiths command on transports arrived at Grand Ecore on the 3d. Skirmishes took p lace at Pleasant Hill and Campti on the 2d and 4th, respectively, between General Lees force and forces of the rebels. Full reports will be forwarded as soon as received. The cotton on every planta- tion between a point near Alexandria and Natchitoches and beyond is reported burned by the enemy. The fires were distinctly seen on plantations at a distance from the line of route, while the cotton on fire showed plainly the veracity of the reports. Upon those upon the line comparatively small quantities have been secured, consider- ing the crops on hand. I have the honor to be, very sincerely, yours, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864. Col. S. B. HOLABIED, Chief Q. 31., Dept. of the Gulf, Alexandria or New Orleans: COLONEL: The army will probably advance on Shreveport on Wednesday morning. To-day has been, and to-morrow will be, oc- cupied in filling up the trains. Of the boats here from New Orleans the following disposition is made: The Black Hawk will remain the headquarters boat. The Luminary will be sent to Alexandria to ply between that and New Orleans, and she can be well used as far up Red River as this point. The Jennie Rogers, Universe, and Colonel Cowles will continue up the river with supplies and troops. The Rob *8ee Stone to Holabird, p. 18 Page 37 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 37 Roy will carry artillery. The Iberville and Laurel Hill will remain for the ordnance and hospital service, respectively. The Meteor will continue in the upper Red River as a transport for troops for the present. You must be prepared for very heavy transporta- tion of subsistence and ordnance stores from New Orleans to the upper Red River. Should a very large number of boats be taken and not wanted it will be easy to discharge them, bnt shonld they be required and not be ready at the moment the result wonld be dis- astrous. Very respectfully, I am, colonel, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864. Col. E. G. BECKWITH, Chief Commissary, New Orleans: COLONEL: I hope you will receive from Lieutenant-Colonel Wood- ruff detailed information as to the condition and necessities of your department in the army, now in the field near Red River, but it can do no harm for me to give you my ideas. I think that General Smiths command will have to draw from our supplies on the 10th instant about 100,000 rations; that Franklins command will draw, besides what he has in his trains, about 340,000 rations to supply him up to the 20th. This makes a sum total of 440,000 rations required. We have on boats here, 150,000; in Laurel Hill, coming up, 300,000; total, 450,000. We are therefore all right up to the 20th instant, provided Steele requires nothing from us; but I take it for granted lie will have to draw from us as soon as we reach Shreveport. I shall therefore order up from Alexandria, to follow the fleet, the 100,000 rations taken from the Lawrel Hill there to lighten her. This I suppose will supply Steele for about ten days. I should think from appearances that you ought to have on hand at Alexandria, ready for shipment up the river to us on the 10th instant, 450,000 rations, and be prepared to ship from New Orleans rapidly, imme- diately afterward, 800,000 rations. I make the last suggestion in view of the possibility of a movement which would require loading trains for a considerable absence from the river. This may be mod- ified by exact returns, which you will, of course, receive from Lieutenant-Colonel Woodruff, but I think my estimates are safe. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 86. New Orleans, La., April 4, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. The Twenty-fourth Indiana Veteran Volunteers, Lient. Col. John F. Grill commanding, just returned from furlough, will be reported to Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds, commanding Defenses of New Orleans, who will cause it to be fully armed and equipped for th Page 38 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [OnA1~. XLVI. field without delay, and when ready for the fieid, will order it to rejoin the First Brigade, Third Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, to which it belongs, now serving with the forces in Northwestern Louisiana. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: RICHD. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. GROVER, Commanding at Alexandria: GENERAL: The corps of Franklin and Smith are all here and at Natchitoches. All will soon be in movement. I send the Gazelle gun-boat down to escort the Laurel Hill up. On her goes a mes- senger with dispatches, whom you will please forward to New Orleans by first opportunity, izvnless the one left at Alexandria is still there. In the latter case both bags will be put in charge of one and sent to New Orleans, and the other will be sent back here. Please send up whatever dispatches may be at Alexandria and any mail for the army by messenger to these headquarters on the gun- boat Gazelle. I am, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. GRAND General C. GROVER, ECORE, April 4, 1864. C~ommanding at Alexandria: GENERAL: The army will probably move forward on Wednesday morning, but it may be delayed one day. There has been some smart skirmishing with the rear guard of the enemy near Pleasant Hill, and a few killed and some 25 prisoners taken. Our loss was 1 mortally and from 4 to 5 severely wounded. There is some force on the opposite bank of the river, with which our cavalry skir- mished this morning. Price is reported to have crossed the Red River and joined Taylor. Doubtful. Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. GRAND ECORE, April 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN, Comdg. Nineteenth and Detach. Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that you im- mediately fill your trains for ten days march and prepare to move as rapidly and as promptly as practicable against the enemy on the Shreveport road. Very respectfully, I am, general, your most obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff Page 39 Ca4P. XLVI.] COHRESPONDENCE, ETC~UMO~. 39 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detachments 16th and 17th Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires to know whether you have any information of the road to Shreveport on the east bank of the river, and, if so, please send a full description of it. If you have not, you will please take immediate steps to find out the information desired. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. SCHUYLER CROSBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you report to Major-General Franklin until further orders I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 1ST Div., 13TH ARMY CORPS, No. 27. llfatagorda Island, Tex., April 4, 1864. I. The undersigned hereby assumes command of the First Divis- ion, Thirteenth Army Corps. II. Col. H. D. Washburn, Eighteenth Indiana Volunteers, will immediately take command of the First Brigade, First Division. Ill. At his own and the request of Brigadier~General Lawler, Capt. Bluford Wilson is relieved from duty as assistant adjutant- general First Division, and will report at once to General Lawler. IV. Capt. Joseph C. Stone is hereby relieved from duty as assist- ant adjutant-general First Brigade, First Division, and is an- nounced as assistant adjutant-general First Division, Thirteenth Army Corps. By command of Brig. Gen. Fitz Henry Warren: [B. WILSON,] Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DETACH. 7TH ARMY CORPS, DEPT. OF ARK., Little Rock, April 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding: GENERAL: Major-General Steele left this point at the head of his column on an expedition toward Red River on the 23d of March. Before leaving he placed me in command, as per inclosed order. When last heard from he was near Arkadelphia. General Thayer, who moved from Fort Smith and who was to have joined General Steele at Arkadelphia on the 29th, had not reached him on the 1st instant, nor had he been heard from. Major Green, assistant adjutant-general on the staff of General Steele, will inform you of all these particulars Page 40 40 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSJSSJppJ. [CHAP. XLVI. I have at this point 3,000 infantry and 1,200 cavalry, inonnted and dismonnted, two field batteries, and six gnns monnted in the fort. Many of the meninfantry and cavalryleft here were con- valescents and non-effective otherwise. My effective force at this point will amonnt to near 3,500 infantry and cavalry (only 200 mounted) and the artillery as given above. At Fort Smith we have an effective force of 800 of all arms, and in the District of the Frontier in all abont 1,600 effective force. At Devalls Blnff, the White River terminus of the railroad, we have 750 infantry and cavalry, and at points along the road between that point and this 400 men. At Pine Bluff we have 1,500 men of all arms. At Lewisbnrg, Clarksville, and Dardanelle, points on the river between this and Fort Smith, we have forces sufficient to pro- tect posts and telegraph lines from gnerrillas. At Helena we have a snificient force nnder General Buford, the exact strength of which I have not been able as yet to ascertain. At Batesville abont 1,200 of all arms. I will be vigilant, and if any attack is made npon this point or on our line of railroad, I will whip them. I am somewhat nneasy as to General Steele, but believe he will defeat the enemy; at any rate I hope so. I am fearfnl that General Thayer has failed to form a junction. The rebels will form a force in Steeles rear and prevent communication from this point. 1 will be pleased, general, to have advice and instructions from you. I inclose General Steeles order, as also my own. * I am, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 4, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel MOORE, Dardanelle: Colonel Fnller will reach you by to-morrow, and he will relieve you of the command and take charge of all the troops. I want yon to be sure and keep your men well in hand and well disciplined, and if a boat is at Dardanelle take her to bring those stores from the wreck of the Leon. If Colonel Calkins is there with his men he will remain there until a boat arrives, or nntil fnrther orders. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General. Col. W. F. GEIGER, BROWNSVILLE, ARK., April 4, 1864. Devalls Bluff: SIR: I have been reliably informed that two companies of guer- rillas came into Austin to-day at 10 oclock and arrested Mr. Cavin, of that place. HOMER THRALL, Lieutenant- Colonel, Gommanding. *See Part II, pp. 694, 705, 717 Page 41 CnAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 41 FORT SMITH, April 4, 1864. General KIMBALL, C& nmanding Detachment Seventh Army Corps: Captain Ransom left here a few days ago for the expedition. The Ninth Kansas was to have left Lawrence, Kans., on last Friday. It is important that you should furnish transportation for Lieutenant- Colonel Calkins at Dardanelle. He is there waiting, with 350 vet- erans and 30 prisoners of war. Respectfully, yours, W. R. JUDSON Colonel, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 4, 1864. Colonel JUDSON, Commanding, Fort Smith: When did General Thayer leave? Have you heard from him; if so. when last and where was he? Answer. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTHEASTERN ARKANSAS, Batesrille, Ark., April 4, 1864. Lient. THOMAS D. WITT, Chief of Ordnance, Dept. of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark.: SIR: I most respectfully state that owing to the large amount of foraging, escort, guard, and scouting duty done by this command (numbering some 1,700 men) the ammunition is expended very rap- idly. I would most respectfully request that the requisitions of the ordnance officer of this district be filled as promptly as is compatible with the best interests of the service, in order that I may be enabled to keep a full supply on hand for my command. I would most re- spectfully state, also, that the First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry has never been furnished with carbines, but that the men are still using the Springfield rifled muskets, caliber .69, which they drew nearly three years ago, and that many of these muskets have been worn out in active service, or broken by accidentally being struck against trees when the men have been charging the enemy through the for- ests of this region of the country. These facts were set forth in the report of Captain Gillette, inspector of this district, and forwarded through Major-General Steele to the major-general commanding l)epartment of the Missouri. As soon as I was notified of the change of the comman~der of this department I forwarded a new requisition for 600 Sharps carbines, with accouterments, and a full supply of ammunition. This docu- ment was sent to headquarters Department of Arkansas on the 27tl~ of February last, and I have subseqi~ently received the order of the maj6r-general commanding to make out requisitions for what was required. I most respectfully urge that the majority of the men of the First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry are armed with pistols and sabers only, and that long-range weapons are required very much to increase the chances of the men in doing good execution among th Page 42 42 LOUISIANA ANI~ TIlE ThANS-MJsSIssrppJ. [CHAP. XLVI. enemy, as their irregular cavalry are better mounted than my troops, making it difficult to get at close quarters with the rebels. Your particular attention is respectfully called to the urgent uecessity ex- isting for supplying the First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry with carbines and ammunition for the same. I remain, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, li. R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry. C~omdg. Dist. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 4, 186411.30 p. m (Received 9.35 a. in., 5th.) Lient. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Culpeper Court-House, Va.: Only four regiments of volunteers, one of State militia, and six companies colored recruits (infantry) in this department. One of these regiments is guard at Alton prison; one and the militia guard the interior fortified depots, Pilot Knob, Rolla, and Warrensburg. Only two here at Saint Louis, 1,200 men. Could not spare them without other troops. Very sorry. Have written you fully. W. S. ROSECRANS, ill ajor- General. COUNTY OF SAINT GENEVIEVE, Mo., April 4, 11864. John H. Kenner, a good and truthful citizen and reliable Union man, of the county of Saint Genevieve, Mo., states that on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the 28th, 29th, and 30th of March last, 1864, a band of about 25 rebels or guerrillas made a raid on the bor- ders of this county on the waters of the Saline Creek, and were at Roziers Mills, on the south fork of said creek, in Perry County, near the Saint Genevieve county line. Said band of rebels, guerrillas, or bushwhack~rs is supposed to be commanded by one Francis Valle, who is a guerrilla or Confederate captain, and whose wife lives and resides at said Roziers Mills. This is the third or fourth time said Valle with bands of rebels visited that locality, each time, as in the present instance, robbing people of their horses, plundering indiscriminately, arresting Union men, threaten- ing their lives, and swearing them. I live 4 miles from said Rozier s Mills, am an outspoken Union man, and I consider my neighbor- hood, and indeed the town and county of Saint Genevieve, in danger, from the fact that said bands disperse themselves, as I am informed, so as to go secretly and reconnoiter even to the town of Saint Gene- vieve, Mo. JOHN H. KENNER. I certify that tIme above statement was made before me on the 4th day of April, 1864, and I know Mr. Kenner to be a man of truth. G. ST. GEM, C~apt., Asst. Provost-Marshal, Saint Genevieve ~Jounty, Mo Page 43 ChAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 43 [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, April 11, 1864. Respectfully referred to Brigradier-General Ewing, commanding Saint Louis District of Missouri, for his cousideration. By order of Major-General Rosecraus: FRANK ENO, Assistant Adjutant- General. [5econcl indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS SAINT Louis DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 15, 1864. Respectfully returned to general commanding Department of the Missouri, with the information that a company has been ordered to Saint Genevieve and doubtless is there ere this time. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier-General. [Third indorsement.] HDQ~S. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI, P. M. GEN.S OFFICE, Saint Louis, April 9, 1864. Respectfully referred to major-general commanding. In a recent cominnnication I urged the importance of posting some forces at Saint Genevieve, and I respectfully refer to the within tes- timony in corroboration of my suggestions. J. P. SANDERSON, Provost-Marshal- General. APRIL 4, 1864. Brigadier-General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: Is the reported force really as strong as represented? Would they not threaten Yellville and move toward Rolla or Pilot Knob? What can they gain by the raid? Is it Ketchum who commands? W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, Mo., April 4, 1864. Brigadier-General GUITAR. Macon City, Mo.: I will relieve you on Wednesday, the 6th instant. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. CAMP ON SOUTH RIVER, 1~ MILES FROM PALMYRA, Mo., April 4, 186410 p. m. Lient. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General: Sin: Lieutenant Martin has just arrived, bringing detailed in- structions from you. General Rosecrans had given me the same orders verbally, but I am glad to receive them in writing. We di Page 44 44 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [OTTAP. XLVI. not reach Hannibal until near daybreak this morning, but moved out speedily and I think without attracting attention. If people here should estimate our numbers, they have all sorts of impressions re- garding us; that we are an advance of a larger force; that we are bound westward; that we are veterans returning to Iowa, & c. I have found here some Union men who are reliable and will probably be of service. Is it not well for me, in preventing the number of my command from being known, to underrate their numbers? I think it much easier to disperse or hinder the organization of these bands than it is to catch them and do them justice. Is it not best to encourage them a little? From what I have learned to-day, I cannot believe their strength to be such (at least at present) that the adoption of the above policy would endanger our interests. After a day or two, which I wish to improve in horseshoeing, had I not better shift my location or detach a part temporarilysomething to render my move- ments uncertain and to divert attention from the real object? I trust, sir, that you will have no reason to complain of our discipline; I think most of the inhabitants are disposed to co-operate in the sup- pression of these guerrillas, and surely it becomes us to set them no examples of lawlessness. I telegraphed to General Fisk immedi- ately upon arriving here, but as yet have received no communication from him, and understand that he is on the way to Saint Louis. I ani, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. T. ENSIGN, ]llajor Ninth Iowa Cavalry, Commanding Detachment. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, May 6, 1864. Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Fisk, commanding North District of Missouri, for his information and action. By order of Major-General Rosecrans: FRANK ENO, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 4, 1864. Major-General POPE, Milwaukee: Lieutenant-General Grant desires to know if there is not a cavalry regiment in Iowa available for duty in another department. Please state the particular regiments intended for Indian expedition. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTIhWEST, Milwaukee, Wis., April 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. H. SIBLEY, (Thmmanding District of Minnesota: GENERAL: I telegraphed you the other day that the Sixth Min- nesota, although assigned to Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, will not leave this department until it can be safely spared. You will consider this an order prohibiting the departure of that regimen Page 45 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 until orders to the contrary are sent you from these headquarters. I wish you, however, to keep the Sixth in such condition and posi- tion that it can be sent off the moment we can spare it. It is likely that before winter sets in, and after the cavalry companies for posts at Devils Lake and James River have reached their stations, you can reduce the garrison of each post for the winter, if you think the troops needed in Minnesota, by one cavalry and one infantry com- pany each. This will give, besides the large garrisons at Devils Lake and on Jamc~s River, which will completely cover your frontier, eight companies of cavalry and four companies of infantry, with- out at all including the Sixth Regiment. This force, in view of the large posts mentioned, will surely be amply sufficient. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Baton Rouge, La., April 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. J. REYNOLDS, Commanding: General Cooke left for New Orleans yesterday. Our scouts report the presence outside of parties of rebels who have not been in the vicinity before; it is conjectnred in small force, however. Nothing is known of a force concentrating at Liberty, though it is reported that new troops are expected to arrive at Woodville. L. A. SHELDON, Colonel, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 5, 1864. Captain MARSTON, Chief Signal Officer: CAPTAIN: The commanding general directs that yon detail an officer to report to Admiral Porter, to proceed with him on the ex- pedition up the river. You will establish an arbitrary code of sig- nals to be used between the officers and yourself. He desires that a signal cipher be established that may be carried by messengers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. GROVER, Commanding, Alexandria, La.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the tele- graph train now at Alexandria be sent up the river to report to Gen- eral Smiths command, to proceed with it up the river. A special boat need not be sent, but it is desired that it come up by the first opportunity. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. SCHUYLER CROSBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 46 46 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CnAP XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN, Oomdg. 19th, Detach. 13th A. C., and Car. Div., iYatchitoches: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that yo~ ad- vance to-morrow morning with your command on the roads to Shreveport. The main force of the enemy was at last accounts in the vicinity of Mansfield, on the stage road between Natchitoches and Shreveport, and the major-general commanding desires to force him to give Wattle, if possible, before be can concentrate his forces behind the fortifications of Shreveport or effect a retreat westerly into Texas. You will therefore please march your column with this object always in view, and in such order as to be able to throw as much as possible of your force into battle at any time on the march. The march should be from the first as rapid as possible consist- ently with keeping your troops in good fighting condition. Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS AND U. S. FORCES IN WEST LA., Natehitoches, April 5, 1864. 1. The Twenty-third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, Maj. J. E. Greene commanding, is hereby relieved from provost duty at this place. Major Greene will report with his regiment to Briga- dier-General Ransom, commanding detachment Thirteenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General Franklin: WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detachment 16th and 17th Army Corps, On board Steamer Clara Bell: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that you des- ignate one division of infantry of your command to remain on board the transports of lightest draught of water in your fleet; that you supply them with a full complement of ammunition and rations for at least ten days (making requisition, if necessary, on the post com- missary at t~ is place), and that you disembark the remainder of your command without delay and prepare it for movement by land. You will please see that your infantry in the land column is supplied with 200 rounds of ammunition per man, drawing, if necessary, from the ordnance officer of these headquarters, and that the artillery is sup- plied with at least 200 rounds per piece. You will please take with you, in the small number of wagons now with you, such supply of rations as may be practicable after pro Page 47 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, 110.UNION. 41 viding transportation for ammunition, and with two days rations or more in haversack, you will please move your land column on Thursday, 7th instant, on the Shreveport road, following the march of Major-General Franklins command until you shall overtake it. -After you shall have overtaken the command of General Franklin arrangements will be made for giving your troops their share of advance-guard duty. Major-General Franklin has with him a full supply of rations, which he will divide with you on the march. The major-general commanding desires me to express to you the pleasure he feels in having your fine troops united with those of the Depart- ment of the Gulf on the impending important march. Very respectfully, Ii am, general, your most obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CoRps, Little Rock, Ark., April 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Commanding, & c.: GENERNL: Yesterday evening Captain Turner, in command of a troop of Third Arkansas Cavalry, arrived here. He slates that you had sent him to communicate with General Thayer, but after going to Mount Ida he did not see or hear anything of him, and as he was surrounded by the enemy he undertook to return to you, but on ar- riving near Arkadelphia he was informed that Shelby occupied the place and his men refused to go on. He turned this way and arrived as stated. I send him and his command to you, with Captain Bunner and a detachment of cavalry from the cavalry detachment here. General Thayer passed through or near Hot Springs four days ago, and I hope has reached you by this time. Guerrillas are plenty on the north side of the river and up about Clarksville, Roseville, and Dardanelle. Colonel Judson, command- ing Fort Smith, jinforms me that the post at Roseville was attacked Saturday, but [the enemy] were repulsed. They, however, succeeded in burning 133 bales of good cotton. The force at Clarksville had a skirmish with guerrillas and whipped them; killed 4 or 5, captured several prisoners, and took 19 horses and a lot of small arms. The Twelfth Michigan arrived here on the 3d with 750 men300 armed, the balance unarmed and recruits. I have them armed, however, and am hayino them drilled. You will have hears of Claytons suc- cess against Dockery and Andrews against McRae. I sent out to Alum Fork after the records of Pulaski County. They were not there; had been moved two months [ago] to Wash- ington by the deputy clerk, a Mr. Walker. Theparty I sent out had some skirmishing with bushwhackers and killed 5, captured 2. One, however, was a soldier of the Confederate Arixmy on furlough. All is quiet about us here. Colonel Judson says hi~ force is inade- quate to protect that country from guerrillas. I have directed the Ninth Kansas to report there. That regiment left Lawrence, -Kans., on last Friday. I need more mounted men, as infantry caftuot be used successfully in ridding the country of guerrillas. The Fifty- fourth Illinois has not arrived, but we are looking for it in two or three days. It has been detained for a few days in Illinois by Gen- eral Grant. Major Green will no doubt give you all important in- formation. We have not heard from you since Litherland returned, except through Captain Turner Page 48 48 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. This point and our depots at Devalls Bluff aud the railroad will be kept secure. I cau whip auy force sent here by the enemy. Col- onel Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry, has returned. I send him to Lewisburg, and Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller I have sent to command at Dardanelle. The Third Wisconsin Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Calkins, will arrive here in a few days, and expect to be mustered as veterans and will want to go home. They are now at Dardanelle. If horses do not arrive soon I will take such as I can find here in the hands of citizens to mount the cavalry, and then the guerrillas must make away with themselves. Hoping success may be yours, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL Brigadier- General, Comman~Lling. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, No. 5. Camp No. 8, April 5, 1864. The command will move to-morrow morning on the road to Prairie DAne in the following order: First. The Third Brigade of the Cav- alry Division will cross the Little Missouri River at 6 oclock a. m. S& cond. The First and Second Brigades, Third Division, will follow the Third Brigade, Cavalry Division. Third. The trains of the First and Third Divisions. Fourth. The First Brigade of the Cav- alry Division. Fifth. The supply train. Sixth. The Third Brigade of the Third Division. Colonel Engelmaun. commanding, will guard the supply train. Seventh. The advance will move out 2 miles and halt until further orders. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: GEO. 0. SOKALSKI, First Lieutenant Second Car., and Act. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DETACH. 7TH ARMY CORPS, No. 6. Little Rodc, Ar/c., April 5, 1864. I. Col. A. H. Ryan, Third Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, is charged with the command and supervision of the troops in and adjacent to Lewisburg and Dardanelle, Ark. * * * * * * * By order of Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball: E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., Little Rock, April 5, 1864. Captain TURNER, Commanding Detachment Third Arkansas Cavalry: You will report with the entire effective mounted force of your command at General Kimballs headquarters at 6 oclock to-morrow morning for duty as escort to bearer of dispatches to the army near Red River. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 49 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 49 FORT SMITH, April 5, 1864. Brigadier-General KIMBALL: GENERAL: Will you order the Ninth Kansas to this place? Must have cavalry to prevent this country being overrun by guerrillas. W. R. JUDSON Colonel, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 5, 1864. Colonel JUDSON Commanding District of the Frontier, Fort Smith: If you can reach the commanding officer of the Ninth Kansas use my name and order him to report to you. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 5, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON, Commanding, Pine Bluff: COLONEL: I congratulate you upon your recent brilliant successes and hope that you may ever be equally successful. I need not ask you to be vigilant, for I know that is one of your characteristics. Idesireyoutosendmea report of the force underyourcommand, and to keep me constantly advised as to movements of the enemy; and, colonel, I hope that you can spare us a few horses. I have here some 500 dismounted cavalry, and they are useless in this condition. I desire to mount as many as I can, so as to send force against guer- rillas who are threatening our railroad communications and playing the devil generally with citizens. I have a rumor that the enemy have crossed a force below you. How is it? If the enemy have left your front and Monticello, I may desire you to communicate with General Steele. If you can, arm the negroes you have and send the Eighteenth Illinois up here,~ as I presume you will have force enough without them. I need them, s~ that I can add to the force on the railroad. We have no news from the front. Let me hear from you often. I would be glad to see you. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 5, 1864. Colonel GEIGER Commanding, Devalls Bluff: Keep cool; use your infantry, cavalry, and artillery well if you have occasion to do so, in the best manner, and you will be in no danger. You have all the artillery you can manage well there. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General. 4 R RYOL XXXIV, PT II Page 50 50 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. BROWNSVILLE, ARK., April 5, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: There were two companies of rebel cavalry at Austin yester- day. They are arresting citizens and stealing. A larger force is reported in that section under McRae. A scouting party of 50 men from the Eighth Missouri Cavalry left here this morning for that section. Respectfully, HOMER THRALL. Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 5, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel THRALL Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, Brownsville: A cavalry scout has gone from here toward Austin and Browns- ville. Be on the lookout for our men. By order: E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, lYarrensburg, JIb., April 5, 1864. Col. GEORGE H. HALL, Commanding First Sub-District: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that at localities where you deem the organization of companies of citizen guards are necessary for the protection and peace of the country, under General Orders, No. 12, that you will proceed to have the listing done and the officers chosen. You will please have each list re- ferred to these headquarters for approval. It should be accompa- nied with the proper evidence of the character of the members and the ability of the officers for the (luty that will devolve upon them. I am colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant. J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Harrisonville, Mo., April 5, 1864. Lieut. E. L. BERTHOUD, Act. Asst. A~jt. Gen., Fourth Sub-District: LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to say that in pursuance of orders from headquarters Fourth Sub-District, District of Central Mis- souri, I have stationed troops in this portion of this district as fol- lows: Company G, Lient. F. A. Spencer commanding, at Morris- town, in Cass County; Company I, Lieut. R. 0. Rizer commanding, at the place in Bates County lately occupied by Company C, Second Colorado Cavalry, and a detachment from Company L, consisting of a sergeant in command, 3 corporals, and 17 privates, at Dayton, or in the vicinity thereof, in this county. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. PRITCHARD, Major Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding Station Page 51 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 51 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warrertsburg, Mo., April 5, 1864. Hon. R. T. VAN HORN, Kansas City, ilJio.: Mv DEAR VAN: I see the peeps are again to honor you, and it will gratify me much to pay my respects to his honor the mayor when next I visit your goodly city. I do not hear from your people, at least I do not hear any complaints, so I hope and believe all is going on smoothly for the border, but I would like to be assured of it over your own sign manual. My letters from General Curtis are very satisfactory. He assures me that he will do all he can to protect your trade. Some changes of troops were made at my suggestion, and I hope your business has felt the effect of renewed confidence in being secure from interrup- tion. This part of the country is growing daily more quiet. A citizens guard organization is being made all over the country, and is attended with the best results in the growing confidence of the people to protect themselves. The number of acres of ground planted this spring will be double that of last. The guerrillas have been handled roughly by our troops; of Blunts band of 20 that made their appearance about the 22d of February, 10 are under the sod, except the fellow Blunt, who has been left to rot, not being consid- ered worthy of burial. I am informed that Blunts real name was Henry Starr, son of Judge Starr, who lives across the line in Kansas, about 8 miles south- west of Westport. Do you know if this is so? The railroad is mov- ing very slowly. The want of labor is the principal difficulty. The soldiers are doing some work by the day, when not required in camp. I am cutting about 1,000 ties per day by volunteers. The contractors pay them by the piece, and they earn from $2 to $3 per day. My effort to obtain African descents to work on the railroad has not been as yet successful, though it has been sent to Washington, ap- proved by General IRosecrans. We shall be connected with Kansas, through your city, with a military telegraph in a short time. It is already completed to Pleasant Hill. I am very anxious to remove the restrictions on immigration into the border, and hope to do so soon after I move my headquarters into it, which I expect to do next week, and have them at Pleasant Hill for the present. That will be the center of railroad operations by the 1st of May. Will you take time to write me occasionally? Give me your views freely about matters referred to, and any others. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 5, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS: The force that was in front of Yellville was not so strong as reported. It was the old command of General McRae, and some portions of Freemans command; no force can move into this State now without marching nearly 100 miles without forage, unless it is transported from the place of starting. Three prisoners captured at Batesville by Freemans command have arrived here and say that the enemy were informed that our forces had left Yellville. The enemy might have anticipated occupying the place without a fight or capturin Page 52 52 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. train supplies, & c. Prisoners that we have taken say the enemy tried to cross the Arkansas and could not, and were compelled to come north of the mountains. General Ketchum is reported to be in command, but my belief is that this officers name is Kitchen, a guer- rilla captain who formerly resided in Lebanon, in this district. Official reports of officers in command of recruits are forwarded to-. day by mail. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- Gene rat, Commanding. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 5, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General: Colonel Harrison, commanding at Fayetteville, dispatches that bushwhackers are crossing the Arkansas River in small squads; de- serters from General Prices army coming north, and that they are becoming troublesome -about Fayetteville, and desires me to send some cavalry to scour the country. I cannot spare any troops at present. It would, mio doubt, be good policy to meet and destroy these bands as far south as possible, if troops can be spared to do it from other portions or sections of the State. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, C. N., April 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS, Oomdg. Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: SIR: Your letter of the 9th ultimo has just been received. * All is still comparatively quiet. A small scout of rebels, 16 in number, broke in across Arkansas River two days ago, some 20 miles below this point. They took a man who it appears was absent at home from the Second Regiment. I sent a company in the night to watch the fords and the few men I could mount after them. The rebels got across the river before the infautry got down, but they went back with a loss of 2 of their number killed. They came fr5m th~ Choc- taw Nation. When my train was ordered in from Rheas Mills, and came almost empty, I sent it eight days ago to the upper Canadian for corn, as there was still a little to be gathered up there. I have just [receivedj a dispatch from Captain Phillips that he has the train loaded and will be in to-morrow. He had to go 80 miles southwest, and I regard it as more valuable since it takes the means on which the enemy might have subsisted. The country is still clear. I expect the train from Fort Scott to-morrow, but have had nothing save Captain Ins- leys telegram. Supplies are exhausted here, and none at Smith. I had designed the train of corn for the trains for forage, bnt we may have to grind it into bread. Major-General Blunt, when he ordered in my forage train from the line, notified me he would send me 300 bushels of corn; but the * See Part II, p. 537 Page 53 Cax~. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 58 train, when it came, had scarcely enough to do it to Fort Scott. I had it searched by the provost guard, but found they had short rations, and as it was a supply train took nothing from them. I was also notified of 300 sacks flour being sent here, which never reached here, and which notification resulted, I have no doubt, from some mistake. I forwarded papers to Fort Smith immediately t~ show the error. I have subsisted my command to a large extent since last November at mills which I am not permitted now to run. it is true the country was much exhausted and could not have sup- ported me much longer, but our circumstances are therefore such as to place us entirely dependent. I had been notified that I could not be permitted to move into the Choctaw Nation, and I sent southwest into the Creek Nation for corn, as I did not understand that I was forbidden from doing that. Even if the train from Fort Scott should be delayed or have no bread, my men can eat this corn, al- though it ought to be fed to the mules or howitzer horses. I have a report from Tishomingo that the council broke up determined not to surrender. The Cherokees of Watie and the Choctaws, of which latter there are said to be three regiments, are determined to try the effect of resistance once more. It is also reported that the Creeks, Caddoes, and others are breaking off in a westerly direction. Very respectfully, WM. A. PHILLIPS, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, C. N., April 5, 1864. Major-General CURTIS, Comdg. Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: SIR: In your letter of the 9th ultimo, you again direct me to com- plete the fortifications. Major-General Blunt has directed me to do nothing more to them until he can send an engineer to supervise or make a change. As I was not only the commanding officer but engi- neer, and as I not only planned but determined on the construction with a powerful enemy in my front last year, I do not wish to say anything in the premises. I have nothing to urge as to any courtesy that might be due me, but merely notify you that the orders of my immediate commander are the reason of my having done nothing. Very respectfully, WM. A. PHILLIPS, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OP NORTH KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, Kans., April 5, 1864. Captain WILLANS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Kansas: SIR: I have the honor to make the following report, referring to Special Orders, No. 6, from these headquarters: SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH KANSAS, No.6. ~ Fort Leavenworth, March 28, 1864. That no military power shall be exercised to control the elective franchise, and to prevent confusion at the coming election for mayor of the city of Leavenworth, to take place on the 4th of April next, it is ordered that no officer or soldier within this command shall be found in, or be passed to, the city for that day, except he i Page 54 54 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MTSEAIS8IPPI. [CHAP. XLVL legally entitled to vote for mayor, nor then even longer than necessary for him to vote. These officers and soldiers thus entitled to vote will have passes given them from the headquarters of the post, prior to Saturday night, April 2, except in ex- traordinary cases when passes will be issued up to the closing of the polls. No officer or soldier shall use his authority as such to interfere in any way with said election or remain at the polls longer than is necessary to vote, when he will return immediately to his command. This order will be read at the head of every com- pany and detachment within the limits of the post of Fort Leavenworth and any violation of it will be noted. The commanding officer of the post will furnish to these headquarters a list of officers and soldiers thus passed to the city for the pur- pose of voting. By order of Brigadier-General Davies: D. J. CRAIGIE, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. On the 3d of April I received from the mayor of Leavenworth in person, all at the same time, the following communications at my pri- vate quarters at the fort MAYORS OFFICE, LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 3,1864. Brigadier-General DAVIES, Commanding District of North Kansas: DEAR SIR: Sixty or more men are parading our streets armed with knives and revolvers in disregard of the ordinance regarding the carrying of fire-arms. They have assaulted several peaceable citizens, knocking them down. They have bru- tally beaten the city marshal. I met the rioters and~asked them by what authority they carried arms. One of them showed me an appointment from J. L. McDowell, as deputy U. S. marshal; others had no such or any authority. I requested the po- lice force to arrest them. They drew their knives and revolvers and resisted. I ask force to be placed under my orders (say 50 men) at once, sufficient to make the ar- rest and preserve the peace. Respectfully, yours, D. R. ANTHONY, Mayor. MAYORS OFFICE, LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 3, 1864. Brigadier-General DAVIES, Commanding District of North Kansas, Fort Leavenworth: DEAR SIR: I notice by your Orders, No. 6, that officers and soldiers are to be passed to this city to vote on the 4th April at our municipal election. No officer or soldier has a right to vote at this election; so the judges also decide, under the con- stitution of this State. You will confer a favor by retaining all officers and soldiers at Fort Leavenworth on that day. I remain, sir, your obedient servant, D. R. ANTHONY, Mayor. MAYORS OFFICE, LEAVENWORTH, April 3, 1864. Brigadier-General DAVIES, Commanding District of North Kansas. DEAR SIR: Threats have been made by parties inthis city to meet at the polls on the 4th instant, remove the judges of election, legally appointed, and substitute others in their place. This they propose to do by violence. Armed bands of men are now parading the streets; some of them have threatened to shoot the judges of election unless they comply with their demands. I would respectfully request that a force sufficiently strong be sent to each poll, say at 7 a. m. on that day, to protect the judges, clerks, and the legal voters. I remain, your most~ obedient servant, D. R. ANTHONY, Mayor. I informed the mayor that I could not place any troops under his command, but that I would send 100 men, under the command of a competent officer, to aid in quelling the riot, if any existed. The mayor left for the city, and I immediately sent Major Hunt, Fi Page 55 Ca& p. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 55 teenth Kansas, to Leavenworth to report the state of affairs, and give me further information of what was required. He went and telegraphed back that all was quiet, and soon returned himself with the same message. The troops were not therefore sent. Governor Carney called upon me at the fort in the course of the afternoon, after I had sent Major Hunt to the City; said he had heard that troops were to be sent to the city, and requested that I should not do so. He also assured me that there would be no rioting if it could be possibly prevented, and that the civil anthoi~ities he thought were sufficient to maintain peace. Between 9 and 10 oclock in the evening I received by messenger from the mayor the following: MAYORS OFFICE, LEAVENWORTH, April 3, 18649 p. m. Brigadier-General DAVIES: DEAR SIR: Since my return from the fort the rioters have had a meeting and re- solved to shoot one of the inspectors of elections. Several other parties have been beaten. Every appearance indicates that the rioters intend to defy all civil author- ities. I would suggest that 100 more men be sent down. They ought to be here to-night; if not, by 7 oclock to-morrow morning; trouble and bloodshed may come. Major Hunt has not yet arrived. Quarters are prepared for the men at the mar- ket-house. I am, your obedieht servant, D. R. ANTHONY, Mayor. I returned the following communication to Mayor Anthouy: HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, April 3, 1864. D. R. ANTHONY, Mayor: SIR: Your communication is received. Would it not be well for you to consider the propriety of acceding to the views of the voters in respect to the objectionable inspector, in order to remove any cause of collision. I have no views to advance on the subject except to prevent a riot, but it seems to me that another man might be found; if so, a great cause of difficulty would be removed, and no one would be injured. It cannot change the result, and may be the means of avoiding trouble. Very respectfully, yours, THOS. A. DAVIES, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Fearing some trouble might arise which the civil authorities could not control, and that they might require the aid of the military to quell the riot, I ordered about 150 men and two pieces of artillery to proceed, at 7 a. iii. on the 4th April, to the vicinity of the town, and upon the military reservation, under the command of Major Hunt, Fifteenth Kansas, and to hold themselves to act in case of necessity, for which I would give the orders in person. The order was obeyed, and myself and staff, with some members of the staff of the major- general commanding department, proceeded to the Planters House in the city of Leavenworth, where we arrived at 9 a. m. There was a good deal of election excitement, but no rioting, and about the usual loud and threatening talk among some speakers, but no collision. I sent my staff through the town in various directions, and the uniform report was, all was quiet. I understood, however, that the mayor had undertaken to disarm a man claiming to be act- ing as deputy U. S. marshal and that he was struck two or three times and knocked down in the mud; that the mayor ordered th Page 56 i56 LOIYISIA~A AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. ronAp. XLVI. closing of one of the polls, and caused the ballot-box to be removed, whereupon some armed citizens arrested him, but he was soon after released by others. The mayor, after these things had occurred, came to me at the Planters House, and asked me again to interfere with troops. My aides had just returned, and reported the transac- tions referred to, and also reported that now everything was quiet again. I still refused to interfere. This was about 10 oclock, and from this time till 2 oclock everything was quiet, and the voting proceeding at the various polls without any interruption, as I was informed. U. S. Marshal McDowell, one of the candidates for mayor, also called, upon me, and assured me that there would be no collision between the parties, as he could control his friends in that matter. Deeming my presence no longer necessary in Leavenworth, or the troops in the vicinity, I returned at 2 oclock to the fort, and troops soon followed, and no more demands were made upon me by any one during the day. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, THOS. A. DAVIES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 5, 1864. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 4.30 a. in., 6th.) The only Iowa regiment on duty in this department is the Sixth Cavalry, which is stationed on the upper Missouri, ~t Forts Pierre and Randall. It constitutes nearly the entire force under General Sully in that region, and will form part of his Indian expedition. There may be in Iowa veteran regiments on furlough, or new regi- ments, complete or incomplete, but it is not necessary to say that such troops are not under my command. J. POPE, ilfajor-General. IN THE FIELD, Gulpeper Court-House, Va., April 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn.: I have directed General Banks to turn over the defense of the Red River to Steel& and the navy. * Please give Steele such direc- tions as you think necessary to carry out this direction. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQLTARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Colonel HOLABIRD Chief Quartermaster, & c.: COLONEL: In disposing of the products shipped to the Govern- ment from Red River, it will be well to confer with the Treasury agent, and take such course as he suggests as to the method. As the *See Part I, p. ii Page 57 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRFSPONDENO1~, ETC.U~ION. 57 proceeds will be turned over to him, it will be well to make all the arrangements as far as possible satisfactory. The army moved from this l)oint yesterday. We hope to meet the enemy this side Shreveport. With much respect, I am, yours, N. ~. BANKS, Major- General, commanding. [Indorsement.] On receipt of the within order I informed Mr. Flanders that he could have all the cotton in my possession, and give any directions conforming to the trade regulations as far as they affected me. S. B. HOLABIRD, Colonel, Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Captain WELCH, Assistant Quartermaster, Alexandria: CAPTAIN: Please let me know what progress is made in the ship- ment of products to the Government at New Orleans. I am anxious the country should be cleared up as far and as quick as possible. Very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 88. * New Orleans, La., April 6, 1864. * * * * * * 5. The Fourteenth New Hampshire Volunteers, Col. Robert Wil- son, will be reported to Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds, commanding Defenses of New Orleans, to be disposed of in accordance with exist- ing orders. 6. The Fourth Massachusetts Battery, just arrived from the North, on return from furlough, will be reported to Maj. Gen. J. J. Rey- nolds, commanding Defenses of New Orleans, to be equipped for the field, without delay. By command of Major-General Banks: RICHD. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN, Commanding, & c., Natchitoches: GENERAL: If in any manner practicable please send in, to report to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, wagons sufficient to carry his necessary small-arms ammunition. He will otherwise be very short of ammu- nition, being able to carry not more than 40 rounds in wagons. He needs at least forty. Please send as many as you can. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff Page 58 58 LOUISIANA ANI~ THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. NATCHITOCHES, LA., April 6, 1864-10.10 a. in., (Received 11 a. in., 6th.) Brig. Gen. C. P. STONE, Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have received your note of this morning concerning wagons for General Smiths ammunition. I have in my ammuni- tion train 200 rounds per man of my command, of calibers . 577 and 58. I understand that General Smiths calibers are the same. The trains are all on the road now, and I presume that, as all are loaded with ammunition and provisions and the ammunition of the very kind that is required, this may make some change in the order of the commanding general. Should, however, it be still considered advisable the wagons will be unloaded at once and sent back. Very respectfully, yours, W. B. FRANKLIN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN, Natchitoches: GENERAL: It will not be well to unload wagons to send back to Gen- eral Smith, but you will have to be prepared to divide ammunition with General Smith, who will have about 7,000 men, of infantry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. U. S. FORCES IN WESTERN LOUISIANA, Bayou Dupont, April 6, 1864. The order of march to-morrow will be as follows: First. General Ransonis division, with reserve artillery. Second. Ammunition train, guarded by a regiment detailed by General Ran- som. Third. General Emorys division. Fourth. General Ransoms train, including all his wagons, guarded by such force as he shall consider sufficient. Fifth. General Emorys train, including all his wagons, guarded by such force as he shall consider sufficient. Sixth. Colonel Robinsons command, Engineers; Corps dAfrique. Seventh. Colonel Dickeys command, First Brigade, Corps dAfrique. Eighth. Colonel Goodings command, Fifth Brigade, Cavalry Division. Gen- eral Ransom will march at 5.30 oclock a. m. By order of Major-General Franklin: WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, - Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN, Comdg. Nineteenth Army Corps, & c., Natchitoches: GENERAL: All General Smiths infantry with exception of one division will disembark to-day and follow your march to-morrow morning. His artillery also marches. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff Page 59 CHAP. XLVI.J CORRI~SPONDENOI~, ETC.TT~TOTh HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ctULF, Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Uomdg. Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that YOU select from your fleet of transports those of lightest draught of water and most suitable for the navigation of the upper Red River, and make use of them for the transportation of the division intended to accom- pany the light gun-boats to Shreveport. If in your judgment all your transports can navigate those waters, you will direct them all to accompany the river division. If, on the other hand, there should be any w7hich in your opinion cannot safely navigate the upper p or- tion of the river, you will please order them to repair to Alexandria, below the rapids, while there is yet sufficient water on them for their safe passage, ordering them to remain at Alexandria until further orders from you or (in case of a rise in the river) of the commander of the division sent by the river. You will please instruct the com- mander of the river division to order those boats up to him from Alexandria, in case there should be a safe rise in the river after your departure. Very respectfully, I am, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps: The major-general commanding desires that you send a regiment of infantry at once to bivouac and throw out pickets right and left at a point on the Natchitoches road about a mile beyond these head- quarters. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The Luminary will not leave until to-morrow morn- ing. There is no objection to your sending down one of your boats with your sick. She should have a guard on board to punish any guerrillas who may appear. The Black Hawk was fired into yester- day while going down. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand jE~core, La., April 6, 1864. Captain WORMS, Assistant Quartermaster: CAPTAIN: Upon having finished issuing stores to General Smiths command, you will move up the river with the transport fleet an Page 60 60 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [cHAP. XLVL remain with it until further orders. The steamer Black Hawk is expected to arrive at 6 oclock to-morrow. Her guard will be trans- ferred to the steamer Luminary. She will proceed up the river with the fleet. The Luminary and Laurel Hill will go to Alexandria, the Luminary to report to the post quartermaster, the Laurel Hill to the senior medical officer. Instructions will be sent for the Laurel Hill to return up the river, joining the fleet, provided the water is dee~p enough on the rapids, as soon as the sick and wounded are dis- charged from her. Boats leaving Alexandria for the upper river are to be furnished hereafter with a guard. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. RED RIVER EXPEDITION, DETACH. 16TH AND 17TH ARMY CORPS, No. 20. ) On Steamer Clara Bell, April 6, 1864. * * * * * * * 3. The following-named steamers will compose the fleet of Brig. Gen. Thomas Kilby Smith, and will move in accordance with his orders and under his control: Hastings, Southwester, Clara Bell, Diadem, Liberty, Ewing, Emerald, Thomas E. Tutt, Hamilton, J. H. Lacy, Sioux City, Mars, Des Moines, and Adriatic. By order of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith: J. ROUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General. BROWNSVILLE, TEX., April 6, 1864. His Excellency JUAN N. CORTINA, Governor- General of the State of Tamaulipas: I have the honor to acknowledge that Don Jos6 Ma Silva waited on me this morning with a communication from Your Excellency, and under instructions to. treat with me concerning the disposal of fire-arms to the Mexican authorities. In answer, it is only necessary for me to repeat briefly what I explained to him more at length, that I have no power to treat upon that subject. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, JJJiaj. Gen., Commanding Coast and Frontier of Texas. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Pock, Ark., April 6, 1864. Maj. W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Arkansas: I have respectfully to ask that you inform me as soon as practi- cable what are the certain cases in which von are to give orders in the name of the major-general commanding the department during his absence? I ask that I may not unwillingly issue orders conflict Page 61 CHAP. XLVL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 61 ing with his. I ask for the same reason that a copy of the instruc- tions said to have been given to the provost-marshal-general of the department may be fnrnished me. I also ask what instructions were given to the officer commanding the depot guard at the rail- road by the provost-marshal-general. In the general order assigning me to the command of the troops along and north of the line of the Arkansas River, the staff officers of the major-general commanding the department who were to re- main at Little Rock are designated; the provost-marshal-general is not one of those so ordered, and all instructions, orders, and passes to troops in this command will be given by me, except when trans- mitted through me from the major-general commanding in a pro er manner. I am charged with the welfare of the troops designated in the order placing me in command, and I will be held responsible for any misfortune that may come to them, and as such is my position it is my right to be informed as I have requested. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant; NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SAINT Louis, April 6, 11864. General NATHAN KIMBALL: Glad to see you command north of the Arkansas. I am informed by General Sanborn that rebels and guerrillas are reported deserting Price and crossing to north side of the Arkansas. Please let me know the state of affairs, especially in the White River country, and what we have to guard against. Can you occupy Pocahontas? If not, can I, and get subsistence up White River. W. S. ROSECRANS, ]liliajor-General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 6, 1864. Major VAN HOUTEN, Commanding, Lewisbnrg, Ark.: MAJOR: You will at once send a company to Cadron and keep one there. I understand that the force has been withdrawn from that point. A garrison must be kept there. Colonel Ryan will leave he~e to-day for your post. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General. LEWISBURG, April 6, 1864. General KIMBALL: The squadron at Cadron Mills was withdrawn yesterday. I send a squadron to occupy that point this evening. H. VAN HOUTEN, iJiajor. Commandin9 Po~st Page 62 62 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. ICHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Julio., April 6, 1864. Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding U. S. Armies, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 26th ultimo was handed me by Gen- eral Hunt.* I enter warmly into your views of bringing all our available force into the field in the coming campaign. My regret is that I shall not be able to give you much assistance from this department. You will see by the accompanying tn-monthly for March31, that our force here consists of four regiments U. S. volunteer infantry, six companies colored recruits, one regiment Missouri State Militia infantry, seven regiments U. S. volunteer cavalry, nine regiments Missouri State Militia cavalry, one regiment heavy artillery, not full. Of these, four regiments of volunteer infantry, one whose term expires in June next, is the prison guard at Alton; two guard this city and the depots and landings here; the remaining one, ,with the militia infantry, guard the fortified depots and some important rail- road bridges in the interior. The existence of secret rebel organi- zations diffused through the State, a feverish state of public mind from apprehensions of bushwhacking and rebel raids when the leaves come out, joined [to] the magnitude of our interests in the depots here, render it, in my opinion, inexpedient to withdraw the infantry from those interior posts or greatly to reduce the force now on guard duty in this city. 4he total available infantry, only three regi- ments, some 2,000 effectives, could only be spared by replacing them with dismounted cavalry. Considering the additional expense and inferior discipline and efficiency for this kind of service, would this be advisable? As to our cavalry, were the Missouri State Militia converted into U. S. Volunteers, or were the organized rebel and guerrilla force in Northern Arkansas driven out, we would have more than sufficient. And when public confidence and tranquillity is once fully established the protecting force could be still further reduced. But at. present it is a matter of high public interest that the in- habitants should feel sufficiently secure to put in their spring crops. I respectfully recommend, first, that you spare two or three good cavalry regiments to this department; second, that I receive au- thority to organize such of the Missouri State Militia cavalry as are willing to enlist in the U. S. volunteer or veteran service aiid to consolidate and use or muster out the remainder as may be seen - best; third, if General Steele cannot do it, that this department be permitted to occupy the northern tier of counties in Arkansas and to establish a post at Pocahontas, supplied by steam-boatsup White River, having a gun-boat for convoy until we get rid of the rebels there. These measures will enable me soon to reduce the force needed to get sonie troops available for outside service. Accompanying is the chief quartermasters report of transportation, sent with the tri- monthly for your information. f W. S. ROSECRANS, ]Iifawr- General. * See Part II, p. 740. tlnclosures omitted Page 63 C~. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 6, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pilot Knob: Send one cavalry company to Saint Genevieve, there to take station for the snppression of acts of theft and robbery committed by scound- rels from both sides of the river. Select a company the men of which are orderly, and commanded by an officer fit for snch a re- sponsible separate command. Report yonr action by telegraph, and if for any reason yon are unable to send such a company, state why. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warrensburg, Mo., April 6, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis, Mo.: MAJOR: I respectfully make the following explanation, for the in- formation of the major-general commanding, in reference to the horses and mules left by Shelbys raiders in October last, and now in the possession of citizens in this district. In consequence of the losses to loyal citizens of horses and mules, by Major-General Schofields approval I directed the provost-marshal to allow such parties to re- tam the same number of disabled animals left by the raiders as they had lost, and the assistant provost-marshals were directed to issue permits for the purpose of protecting the citizens in the possession of the animals. As is usual many persons availed themselves of this order to obtain the possession of contraband aninmals to a greater number than they had lost, and, in some cases, parties who had sustained no losses had them in their bands, which, during the past winter, as the facts be- came known, were from tinme to time taken possession of for the use of the Government, by my order. Through a misapprehension at the assistant adjutant-generals desk, an order was issued which caused the seizure of a few animals that were legitimately held, but as soon as it was reported, they were returned and the order corrected. This is the cause of the complaints made to your headquarters. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warrensburg, Mo., April 6, 1864. Hon. G. W. lOUTS, Representative, Warrensburg, Mo.: SIR: Your communication of the 30th March to Major-General Rosecrans, indorsing a remonstrance of the Union citizens of Knob- noster against General Orders, No. 12, has been~ referred to me. You and the gentlemen who signed the remonstrance misapprehend the wording of the order and its object. ThQ order says that all honest men who will support and defend the Government of the United States will be organized for local defense and police. Gen- eral Orders, No. 19, in reference to this organization, directs tha Page 64 64 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANs-MISSISsIppI. [Cn~. XLVL officers charged with it shall be careful that no person of doubtful honesty or loyalty shall become a member thereof. The object of the order is to band the honest, loyal men of the country, so that they will be prepared to defend themselves against small bands of thieves or rebels and to act only when absolutely necessary for this purpose, so that their property and persons will be protected, and thus cultivate their lands unmolested and secure to them the quiet possession of the means of doing so. Numerous applications had been made to me for authority to make such organizations, and in order that all parts of the country should be protected, and not leave districts of country without [protection], and after carefully considering the subject and obtaining the opin- ion of Union men as to its beneficial effects, and receiving the assur- ance of their confidence in it, and also receiving the approval of the major-general commanding in one instance, when an application had been made for a local band being organized, and learning the former effects of similar isolated organizations in the district of country within their operations, the order you referred to was issued. You will not forget that I consulted you as to the good or ill effect of the people thus banding together, and that you approved it and in- stanced Taggarts company, near Rose Hill, who had been able to keep quiet in that part of the country for nearly a year, with only 30 men, who had successfully raised a crop with arms in their hands, when in other portions of the country the people had not been able to do t. You will also recollect that you stated that Taggart had men in his little band who from their former rebel proclivities you would not have trusted, but that the result had shown that he, Taggart, was right in acting with them, and that your deductions were that the loyal men of such precinct were the best judges of the character of the men with whom they would associate in this manner. I have also been informed that last year General Ewing issued a similar order for his (the Third) sub-district, and that you so far approved of it as to organize and command one of the two companies raised at this place under it. As it is intended in the words of the order to band the honest, loyal men in order to protect themselves against the dishonest and the rebels, it is difficult to understand the motives that prompted the remonstrance against it, as the high character of the parties prevents my believing that they desire to be ranked with either of the latter class. No order of this kind can be framed so as to meet the approval of all persons, or that will not iii some cases meet an active opposition. but so far as I am able to learn the opinions of the people, this is one heartily concurred in, and is producing the best effect in the country, in the restoration of renewed confidence among the people, as witnessed in the large number who are returning to their homes in the country, and the active preparations that are being made for tilling their farms. In many cases the people are enthusiastic in its praise. I do not say this in a spirit of egotism, for to you and other loyal men, who prompted it, is due the credit for whatever good effect will result from it, and to whom the people are indebted for the action that is so universally commended and that has been so promptly responded to, as is shown by the large number that have actually organized, there being twenty-seven companies or bands, numbering over 2,000 men, in the sub-district of which your county is a part, already formed Page 65 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 In other parts of the district the same spirit has been manifested, and there are good reasons for believing that in a very short time the people of the country will be prepared to protect themselves and enforce the mandates of the civil courts, and thus relieve the Government from the necessity of keeping a large body of troops in this part of the State. As the only opposition that has hereto- fore been manifest against the enforcement of this order has pro- ceeded from one or the other of the two classes whom it is intended to protect the loyal, honest people from injury, and this the only instance where formal objecti6ns have been raised by gentlemen of intelligence and respectability, whose loyalty is undoubted, I have thought proper to answer you thus fully, in order to secure, if pos- sible, the co-operation of all good men in an object so desirable as the peace and quiet of the country. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigaci icr- General of Volunteers, Gorumancling. HEADQUARTERS, Clinton, Mo., April 6, 1864. Col. JAMES MCFERRAN: COLONEL: Inclosed find reports from Companies K and E, which speak for themselves. Lieutenant Goodbrake has just returned. The excitement at Huntingdale was occasioned by a party from Springfield looking up forage. He tracked them up, so the alarm was causeless. Do you not think parties of the kind coming into our district should be required to report? Had the people of Honey Creek been armed, they might have fared badly. Men should not travel about of nights without making themselves known. These men came in at night, and the first seen of them was the trail. We are all on foot again. I will send my muster-~rolls as soon as all the officers sign the oath. Old Father Marvin is absent, and was elected first lieutenant. I am very anxious that the Honey Creek company may be armed. Your friehd and servant, HENRY NEILL, Major First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. [Inclosure No. 1.] HDQRS. Co. K, 1ST CAy. REGT., Mo. STATE MILITIA, Osceola, Mo., April 6, 1864. Mlaj. HENRY NEILL: SIR: Yours of 5th instant was received in due time. Pleased to learn that the provost-marshal is on hand. All perfectly quiet in und about our station. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BEN. F. JOHNSON, Lieutenant, Commanding Station. P. 5.Paper scarce, major. [Inclosure No. 2.] Troops stationed at Germantown, Mo., April 6, 1864: Company E, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry: Available force present for duty, enlisted men, 30; commissioned officers, 2; aggre- gate, 32. 5 R RVOL xxxiv, PT II Page 66 66 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Company E, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry: Twenty men, under command Sergt. Henry Hutel, stationed in northwest corner Henry County, Mo. ; 11 men, enlisted, sent by my order to Warrens- burg for rations. All quiet here. J. H. LITTLE, Capt., Co. E, First Oar., Mo. State Militia, Comdg. Station. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 6, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Missouri: Colonel Harrison, commanding at Fa yetteville, dispatches that bushwhackers are crossing the riper in small squads; deserters from Prices army coming north, and that they are becoming troublesome about Fayetteville, and desires me to send some cav- alry to scour the country. I cannot spare any troops at p resent. It would no doubt be policy to meet and destroy these bands as far south as possible, if troops can be spared to do it from other portions or sections of the State. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. hEADQUARTERS, Saint Louis, Mo., April 6, 1864. General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: Dispatch about rebel deserters and bushwhackers at Fayette ville received. Colonel Hatrison should communicate with headquar- ters Department of Arkansas. We have no troops to spare at present. Tell Colonel Harrison to keep a bright lookout and report news to you. Aid him to the extent of your force if it becomes necessary. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant A~jntant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 6, 1864. Colonel HARRISON, Commanding at Fayettevilie, Ark.: I will be able to send some cavalry in your direction in about a week, but cannot before. How many armed men have you now? Can you not spare some dismounted men to lie about in the vicinity of Huntsville and fight the guerrillas? The guerrillas were very thick on the Buffalo Fork of White River. Our troops have killed and captured more than 50 (luring the past eight days. Have you heard from T~rices army lately ? Is our Fort Smith train on the way back yet? JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 67 CHAP. XLVI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 67 HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARKANSAS CAVALRY, In the Field, April 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN, Commanding District of Southwest Missouri: GENERAL: I am Constrained by the circumstances that surround me in this section ot the country to call your attention to the actual condition of affairs hereabouts. The country at large is nothing but a iiest and nursery of bushwhackers and lawless marauders and merciless murderers, whose knowledge of the mountain paths and re- cesses affords them a safe retreat, while the friendly disposition of a good many, if not most, of the settlers gives them all facilities to avoid our scouting parties, carry the exploits of robbery and murder to within comparatively short distance of camp, and withdraw with impunity to their hiding-place. This is as only can be expected. The country is abundantly supplied with all the necessaries of life, and when we consider that the population is generally, if not almost wholly, very little depended on at best, that those of the people who are unconditionally loyal are not sure of their life outside of Federal camps, while tbe rebels, the disloyal, and tepid are left at full liberty to go about, till their farms, harbor and feed bushwhackers, and foster treason, it behooves us to inquire into the means of remedying the evil or of uprooting it. I do not presume to propose any plan in the case, or even to make any suggestion; I simply expose the condition of affairs. I have afforded protection as much as my means would permit to all loyal peoplepeople even of doubtful loyalty have sought and found refuge in my camp; nothing but what the absolute necessities of the command demanded was levied cn the country. If anything beyond was taken either from rebel or Federal it was returned or pains taken to have it done. The most rigid conduct of my command avails nothing against the stubborn, passive disloyalty and the countenance given to brigandage. The settlers are in great part linked by family ties, and while few of them are bold and proud enough to proclaim their loyalty ~nd profess it at every risk, and disclaim all connection with treason in any shape and shade, others again, most, in fact, are tinctured and are as ready to extend to guerrillas as to Federals. People, mainly females, pretending to be loyal, and claiming protection as such, at one place, find excuse at another place for harboring guerrillas and banditti; others make public boasts that they do it and will do it as long as they have anything to eat to give them. The grown members of families of that character are waylaying the roads, while younger members are tilling the farms and planting the corn wherewith to feed those men and keep up this bush war another and another year. I earnestly request your prompt atten- tion to this, general. I believe it to be a matter of cardinal impor- tance. I trust you will not only suggest a prompt and energetic plan to meet the difficulty and surmount it, and can ask for nothing but to be an agent in applying any remedy you may propose or order to be employed. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. MELTON, Major, Commanding Second Arkansas Gavairy Page 68 68 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CRAP. XLVI. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, No,. 3. Macon, April 6, 1864. In Compliance with General Orders, No. 45, Department of the Missouri,* I hereby relinquish the command of this district to Brig. Gen. C. B. Fisk, U. S. Volunteers. In doing so I desire to retnrn to the officers and men of the command my thanks for their prompt and efficient discharge of duty, and their general good condnct and soldierly bearing. In dissolving my official connection with the larger portion of the officers and men of my old regiment, who have stood with and by me through the long, dark night of the impending struggle, I sever one of the strongest cords that ever entwined itself around my heart. The blood of yonr comrades has watered almost every battle-field in North Missouri. Your name, wherever it has gone, has not only been the terror of rebels but the harbinger of protection to law and law-abiding citizens. Your eagle has never stooped in the face of an enemy, and your bugles have yet to sound the retreat. Actuated by the same lofty principle, exalted devotion, and high courage, pi-eserve untarnished the honorable name you have humbly yet justly earned. To the loyal and law-abiding citizens of North Missouri I tender my grateful acknowledgments for their cordial and hearty snpport and co-operation in the discharge of the respon- sible trust confided to my hands. The success and fidelity of its administration I submit to the judgment of an enlightened and im- partial future. The relation which I bear to you as a citizen will justify a word of counsel. Your future peace and well-being is in your own hands. To preserve the one and promote the other you niust remove from your midst the causes which engender the neces- sity of troops among you. You must submit to the constituted au- thorities, civil and military; if this err you have your redress. By this, I do not mean to imply that you are to subunit to the illegal de- mands of the bandit and outlaw; these it is your duty to resist unto death, whether it is intended thereby to deprive you of or hinsler you in the exercise of a legal right. I trust you will accord to my successor that confidence and support which he merits, and that lie may be able to preserve the peace of the district and protect all its loyal and law-abiding citizens. 0. GUITAR, Brigadier-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, No. 4. Macon, Mo., April 6, 1864. In compliance with orders from Major-General Rosecrans I hereby assume comunaiid of the District of North Missouri. The District of North Missouri comprises the portion of the State lying north of the Missouri River. Headquarters of the district will be established in the city of Saint Joseph on and after the 8th instant. The following staff officers are announced: Capt. George A. Holloway, assistant adjutant-general. First Lient. W. T. Clarke, First Nebraska Cavalry, aide-de-camp. First Lient. A. J. Harding, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, aide-dc-camp. Changes in the district staff will be announced hereafter. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers. *See Part II, p. 731 Page 69 ChAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 39 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER, Fort Smith, Ark., April 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS, Gommanding Department of Kansas: GENERAL: A strict compliance with General Orders, No. L5, War Department, Jannary 11, 1864, and also paragraph III of yonr order promulgating the same, would require me to send Companies B, L, and M, of the Fourteenth Kansas, and Company A, of the Second Kansas, to their commands in the Department of Arkansas. To do so would leave me entirely destitute of mounted force, as they are the only cavalry under my command. Under these circumstances I will retain them until I have other mounted force to relieve them, or until I receive further instructions from you in the matter, as it is impossible for me to do without some mounted mneim for scouting and escort duty. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. G. BLUNT, Major- General. Capt. JOHN WILLANS, PAOLA, KANS., April 6, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: Colonel Lynde, with his regiment, encamped 6 miles northeast of here last night, and appears to be moving toward the Missouri line. Your dispatch has been forwarded to him. THOS. J. MoKEAN, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, ~iJomdg. District. Major-General POPE, WASHINGTON, D. C., April 6, 1864. Jiiliilwcwkee: GENERAL: I have just received your telegram in answer to in- quiry about Iowa cavalry regiment. There have been numerous unsuccessful efforts by members of Congress to get the Sixth Iowa Cavalry out of your department, and I presume that the same par- ties had represented to General Grant that there was a regiment avail- able belonging to that State which they desired to have sent South. For some reason or other they do not wish this regiment to go into the Indian campaign, and hence their efforts to get it out of your command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, P. CHOUTEAU & Co., Milwaukee, IYis., April 6, 1864. Saint Louis, Mo.: GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 26th ultimo to General Halleck has been sent to me, and reached me yesterday. * As all letters of this character addressed to the authorities in Washington are sent to me for such action as I may think expedient, I would suggest *See Part II, p. 743 Page 70 70 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. to you that it will save much time and accomplish better the pur- pose had in view in writing them if they are addressed to me. I have been at much pains for some months to ascertain from all sources the true condition of matters in the Indian country north of the Platte, and the information upon which the military operations for the summer are based corresponds quite closely with that con- tained in your letter. I have long understood clearly that the main point in the proposed operations is of necessity to break down the power of the Indians, and that is the great object of General Sullys expedition. In connection, however, with that expedition, it is my purpose to establish such military posts as are necessary to maintain proper control over the Indians after they have been beaten in battle. I inclose you an extract* froni General Sullys instructions, from which you will see that the subjugation of the Indians of that re- gion is the main business of his expedition. The establishment of military posts is only secondary. General Sully is now in Saint Louis organizing his expedition, and I do not doubt that he will be glad to confer freely with gentlemen so well acquainted as your- selves with the condition and disposition of the Indian tribes. I shall myself be much obliged to you for any information in your possession concerning these matters, and I assure you that any let- ters on the subject from you will be gladly received and respectfully considered. I am, gentlemen, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Commanding. SAINT PAUL, MINN., April 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Comdg. Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.: GENERAL: I have the honor to state that official information has reached me of the capture, by a detachment of my command sta- tioned on the Big Cottonwood, of 12 Indian women of the Sioux tribe, some of whom are recognized as having been of the number dispatched to the Missouri Reservation last year. They represent themselves to be all from that region, and state that they will be fol- lowed by others. They are now held at Fort Ridgely as prisoners, until the commandant, receives orders with regard to the disposition to be made of them. I shall direct that they be sent down to Fort Snelling, with a view, unless otherwise instructed, of turning them over, with the women and children who surrendered to Major Hatch and who are now on their way down, to the U. S. Indian agent or superintendent, as soon as practicable. If these people are not re- strained from wandering back from the Missouri, where the Govern- ment has transported them at great expense, the military authorities of this district will continue to be embarrassed, and to a much greater extent than they now are, in disposing of them. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. (Referred by General Pope to the War Department.) * Extract not found; but see full instructions in Part II, p. 622 Page 71 Ca& p. XLVI.] CORRESPOND1~NCF, ETC.~NIO~. 71 HDQRS. DIsT. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, ilium., April 6, 1864. Maj. J. F. MELINE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Milwaukee: MAJOR: I have the honor to reply to your dispatch of 2d instant, containing extracts from General Sullys letter, asking that Brack- etts battalion be dispatched to Sioux City, and directing me to re- spond to his application if practicable, that it will be impossible for that command to reach Sioux City by 1st to 5th proximo as indicated by General Sully. I had already inclosed to department headquar- ters copy of my communication of 4th instant to Brigadier-General Sully, advising him that if so ordered by General Pope I would hasten the departure of the battalion, but I did not believe that under the most favorable circumstances they could reach Sioux City sooner than 10th or l5tl~ proximo. I will not delay a moment unnecessarily in dispatching the battalion after it shall be mounted, armed, and equipped. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Alexanclria, La., April 7, 1864. Brig. Oen. C. P. STONE, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Department of the Gulf: SIR: I would respectfully call to your attention the necessity of better communication between this place and the forces above, and also between here and New Orleans. Unless some more efficient measures are taken to insure the sending forward of supplies, as well as of supplying this depot, it may lead to some serious result. I am still unable to send to General Smiths command the 200,000 rations which 1 was ordered to send immediately, three days ago. It could be done, it is true, by unloading and loading the Polar Star and placing upon her some additional risk in crossing the rapids, in consequence of great draught of water, and an additional detention of twenty-four hours. Cannot boats be sent down from above? The Jennie Rogers is unserviceable and in a condition too dangerous to run up, and according to the report of the naval engineer here too dangerous to run at all. I shall have to send her down, and probably have her towed at that; cause, burned-out boilers. The whole question of water transportation appears to me to need immediate attention. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. GROVER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. 8 P.M. P. 5.The Polar Star did not get up by the falls this evening; will go early to-morrow morning. C. G Page 72 72 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, April 7, 1864. Captain WELCH, Depot Quartc~rmaster: CAPTAIN: General Bailey had some unmarked Cotton hauled in to-day. Please allow him to mark and haul in with the rest of his cotton, and give him time to mark the rest of his cotton before haul- ing more. C. GROVER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. 19TH A. C. AND U. S. FORCES IN W. LA., Pleasant full, La., April 7, 1864. The order of march to-morrow will be the same as that of to-day. By order of Major-General Franklin: WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRD DIV., 13TH ARMY CORPS, No. 28. Pleasant Hill, La., April 7, 1864. This command will move at 5.45 a. m. to-morrow in the rear of the Fourth Division, in the order previously indicated. The First Bri- gade will detail five companies to march in the rear of the Fourth Division train, and the Second Brigade will detail five companies to march in the rear of the Third Division train. The trains will move in the rear of General Emorys division, in the order of the march of the troops. By order of Brig. Gen. R. A. Cameron: OSCAR MOHR, C~aptain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF Pleasant Hill, April 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that a brigade of infantry has been ordered to be within support- ing distance of you by daylight to-morrow morning. You will please order all your trains out of the way, so that this brigade can be moved to the front. The general also desires me to say that lie had supposed that you had a brigade of infantry to support you be- fore this. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. SCHUYLER CROSBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS Brig. Gen. A. ~. SMITH, ]Iilemphis, Tenn., April 7, 1864. C~omdg. Expeditionary Forces, Sixteen/h Army Corps: GENERAL: It is of prime importance that you should return as soon as practicable. Shermans order sent to you is impracticable Page 73 CRAP. XLVI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNTON. 78 in my opinion. You will live as nearly up to it as circumstances will permit. I do not believe that 10,000 infantry can march across the conntry he indicates, and prefer that you should move on Panola. In either event I must be notified in advance so as to support your movement. Keep me advised so that I can do so. Accept my congratulations for your success. Yours, truly, S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. BROWNSVILLE, TEx., April 7, 1864. His Excellency JUAN N. CORTINA, Governor and Commandant of the State of Tamanlipas: I would respectfully but earnestly call Your Excellencys atten- tion to certain facts affording sustenance and encouragement to the existing rebellion in the United States. I allude to the accessibility of the Mexican frontier bordering on the Rio Graude to American rebels and their property, and to the presence and machinations of rebel agents upon the same frontier against the United States. The continuance of these things might, independently of the intention of the Mexican authorities, lead to the disturbance of the friendly rela- tions subsisting between two sister and neighboring republics, which would be deeply deplored both by me and my countrymen. In order, therefore, to avoid so untoward a contingency, it is hoped that Your Excellency will use your authority within the State of Tamaulipas, and your influence with the Mexican Government, to close all channels of trade and travel on the Rio Grande against the rebels and their property; that all rebel property in Mexico, or that may come into it, will be seized for the use of the Mexican Govern- ment, and that all rebels found in Mexico aiding and abetting the rebellion against the authority of the United States may be expelled therefrom. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Mc{ for- General, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps and Coast and Frontier of Texas. TTEADQUARTERS, ]Jilatamoras, Mexico, April 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. JoIIN A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding Army of the United States on Left Bank of Rio Grande, Brownsville, Tex.: SIR: I have received your communication of this date, relative to the trade which is carried on from this Republic with the Confed- erates, by way of the Rio Grande, and of the existence here of agents of those Confederates, and asking on your part that the au- thorities under my command should dictate the most energetic measures to put a stop to the former and to expel the latter. In answer, I have the honor to state that it is not within my powers to take such measures, though I have best will to do so, and as a proof of this I transmit to the supreme Government your said communi- cation, with a recommendation (especial) on my part that said Go Page 74 74 1OUISIA~A AM) THE ThANS-MISSISsIpPI. [CHAP. XLVI. eminent may take it into consideration and direct the measure you desire. I will have the honor to advise yon of the resolution of the supreme Government in this behalf, and in the mean time I beg to assure you that within the circuit of my faculties Ii will do every- thing that tends to the good and prosperity of the American Union. Finally, I repeat myself, your most obedient servant, JU. N. CORTINA, Gor. and ]Ifil. Commandant of the State of Thmaulzpas. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY OUTPOST, Cedar Bayou, Tex., April 7, 1864. Capt. SAMUEL CALDWELL, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Thirteenth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that ever.ything is quiet this morning. The enemy pickets have not been seen for several days, and the indications are that there is no enemy in this vicinity. There is a large quantity of salt found down here that could proba- bly be made use of in the commissary department. If it is consistent with the views of the major-general command- ing, I respectfully ask leave to cross with a portion of my command onto Saint Josephs Island, and see if there are any signs of the enemy in that direction. I think I could probably cross Cedar Bayou and get some cattle and horses, and get back the same day. I am, captain, respectfully, A. C. MATTHEWS, Major, ~1ommanding. ENGINEERS OFFICE Pass C~avallo, Tex., April 7, 1864. Capt. J. C. STONE, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report in relation to the defenses of this island : Fifty-one men reported on left of ex- terior line from the Second Brigade on the 6th instant. These were employed in making revetments. Three teams reported at this end of the line. A detachment of 92 men from the First Brigade re- ported on right of this line on the 6th. Four teams reported in the afternoon. Seventy-one men were employed on the right of exterior line on the 7th instant, and 84 on the left. We do not have teams or men enough at work on this line. There should be a change in this respect if the work is to be pushed to completion. One hun- dred and four men were employed on Fort Esperauza the 6th and 109 on the 7th iustant. Six teams were employed here these two days. Employed on the interior hue on the 6th and 7th instant, 225 men. The progress is not what it ought to be on any of the works, for reasons which I have frequently reported. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. COBB, C1olonel and Chief Engineer Page 75 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 75 NASHVILLE, TENN., April 7, 186410 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper Court-House: I will instruct Steele. Shreveport is the grand doorway to Texas, and the key of the entire Southwest. Alexandria is next. To hold both Steele will want all the available troops now in Kansas and Missouri. I had sent for my 10,000 under A. J. Smith to return to Vicksburg and thence up Yazoo to Grenada. We must do this to counteract the effect of our cavalry weakness as against Forrest, and I suppose you will want Banks to turn his whole attention against Mobile. In time we should have a brigade and depot of supplies at Pensacola, a point I propose to reach by a raid aimed at West Point and Columbus, Ga., at some future day. I think you should give Steele all the troops in Kansas and Missouri, leaving Rosecrans and Curtis to manage the militia and civil matters. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. CULPEPER, VA., April 7, 18647.30 p. m. (Received 9.30 a. ni., 8th.) Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn.. I have ordered all the troops that can be spared from the States west of the Ohio to be sent to you. You can send them to Steele or where you think best. Rosecraus reports he can send no troops. I have an inspector there, however, to see. If possible, I will send Steele some from there. I will make provision at Pensacola for sup- plying a cavalry force. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 7, 1864. Maj. Gem H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I gave General Rawhins, at Cincinnati, a memorandum, * which I would like you to see. Arkansas has no real coniiection with this command. All the territory lying west of the Mississippi forms one military command. The active fighting force should be united under, say, Steele, on Red River; Shreveport, especially, which covers all Arkansas and Missouri, and is the great doorway to and from Texas. The abolition of all departments and arrange- ments of the entire army into three military divisions, right, center, and left, would simplify the game of war very much. The mere indications from the General-in-Chief for our respective objective points aiid lines of operations would leave him only to fix the time of general movements, when each would assist the other and the enemy could not escape defeat on oiie or more of the lines. Each of the grand divisions should control the territory to its rear, to prevent the drain of our troops beyond our control, for the care of our wounded, * Not found Page 76 76 LOUISIANA ANT) THE TRAINS-MISSIssWPI. [cFIAP. XLVI. the proper guarding of prisoners, and certainty of supplies. Ask General Rawlins to show you the memorandum I gave him at Cin- cinnati, and I merely ask your attention to it as a matter of discre- tion, with General Grant, when he has leisure to think of it. I now have an irregular territory from Kentucky to Louisiana, the posts of which are not militarily connected; but, of course, I ~will do any- thing and everything which you and General Grant think I can un- dertake. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. IIDQRS. MILITARY DIVIsION OF THE MISSISSIPPI Maj. Gen. ~. STEELE, Nashville, Teun., April 7, 1864. Commanding Department of Arkansas: GENERAL: Lieutenant-General Grant telegraphs me from CiA- peper, Va., of date April 6: I have directed General Banks to turn over to General Steele and the navy the defense of Red River. Please give General Steele such directions as you think nec- essary to carry out this direction. I feel embarrassed to make to you, who are on the spot, any spe- cific orders, especially as I know not what force you are supposed to retain on Red River or how far the present expedition has progressed. 1 have heretofore recalled the command of General A. J. Smith, which was a specific and limited loan to General Banks, viz, for thirty days after they entered Red River, viz, March 10. Your forces and General Banks conjoined (viz, yours 7,000 and Banks 17,000) would be able to accomplish all that should be attempted this spring. But if General Grant has also recalled Banks command to be directed on Mobile, as I suppose he has done or will, you will not have enough men to accomplish all that should be done. I will therefore only give you niy general views, leaving you to act in concert with Ad- miral Porter according to the condition of things when you receive this. Red River is a much better stream than the Arkansas; usually has six months good water all the way to Shreveport, and can at all times be navigated by small boats to that point, excepting across the bar at its mouth and over the rock shoals at Alexandria; but by tak- ing advantage of the high-water season a good supply of provisions could be accumulated at Alexandria and Shreveport. These two points are the strategic points of Louisiana. Shreveport, if held in strength, covers all Arkansas and Louisiana, and is the proper offensive point as against Texas. If able, therefore, Shreveport should be captured, supplied well at present stage of water and held in force, communications kept up with New Orleans by water and with Fort Smith by land. If, however, you have not already got possession of Shreveport and feel unable to reduce it, then Alexandria or Pineville, on the opposite bank, should be held and strongly fortified. With this point in onr possession the enemy could not approach the Missis- sippi River, and would hardly cross Red River as against Arkan- sas and Missouri. I have recommended to General Grant to give you all available forces in Kansas and Missouri, for those remote districts would be safe from any danger save local guerrillas if yo Page 77 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 77 were in strength on Red River. Of course the gun-boats will be invaluable up Red River, for the reason that from Bayou Rapides down to New Orleans all the plantations lie along the river banks within range of their shot, and all roads are forced to follow the levees for long distances. Above Bayou Rapides the roads lie back, though the plantations of any value are on the alluvial lands of Red River, or bayous communicating with it. I cannot but think you will find among the planters a good deal of friendship, not that they love us much, but themselves more, and they must see that war to them is utter and inevitable ruin. Of all the Southern States Louisiana had least cause to rebel, and I know that even after Governor Moore had arranged to go out with the cotton States the people voted against it, though no attention was paid to their vote. Mr. Elgee, Judge Ariel, and Judge Boyce, at Alexandria, are reliable, and if you could see them privately they would be frank and outspoken. Charley Boyce, of Alexandria, though in the Confederate service, is a Union man. If I can get the Missouri and Kansas troops for you, I will push them down with dispatch in boats. If you can accomplish in Red River what you did in Arkansas, you will be entitled to the gratitude and admiration of all sensible men. From me you shall have every assistance and aid. Your requisitions on Yicksburg and Memphis, as well as your own depots, shall be filled. Truly, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., Fire miles South of Elkins Ferry, Camp No. 9, April 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. N. KIMBALL, Comdg. U. S. Forces along the Line of the Arkansas, & c.: GENERAL: We have been delayed a week by the failure of Thayer to make a junction with ns and our failure to ascertain where he was. We were under the necessity of going 50 miles out of our way on account of bad roads. We have had two severe skirmishes with Marmaduke in front and Shelby in rear, and have lost in all some- thing over 80 in killed, wounded, and missing, 4 officers slightly wounded. General Rice was in the thickest of both fights. In the fight with Marmaduke a piece of his scalp was taken away by a can- ister-shot, and upon retiring from the field he presented a very san- guinary appearance, his wound having bled profusely. Shelby charged our artillery three times in the most gallant style, and the Fiftieth Indiana distinguished themselves in repulsing him. In a dis- patch to Marmaduke, Shelby acknowledged to have failed and to have suffered severely in both nien and horses. One of his captains was killed. It is possible that his loss was near 100 men. At the time this fight was going on in rear the First [Iowa] Cavalry was en- gaged with Marmadukes advance near the village of Antoine and drove them across the Little Missouri. My column had at this time turned off the military road toward Elkins Ferry. As the First Iowa had encountered Marmadukes artillery posted in a commanding po- sition, I sent orders for them to fall back amid join the column, which they did with the loss of 1 man mortally wounded. General Carr pushed on and got possession of Elkins Ford, on Little Missouri Page 78 78 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Our left flank was also attacked by cavalry at Okolona, but the rebels were repulsed without loss on our side. The next morning early the enemys pickets were discovered in our front on the south side of the river. Up to this time nothing had been heard of Thayer, although I had sent several scouts and two squadrons of the Third Arkansas Cavalry to communicate with him. One of the Third Arkansas men, having become separated from his command after they had been beyond Mount Ida, returned, bringing news about Thayer. It is supposed that the squadrons under Captain Turner have returned t& Little Rock. Yesterday a messenger sent by Major Green brought us the first intelligence of Thayer. Instead of taking the Caddo Gap road, as agreed upon, he went to Hot Springs, having turned off his road above Mount Ida. It is expected that he will join us to-morrow. He is entirely out of rations, and our delay has caused a consumption of the supplies which might have lasted us to Shreveport. I am now confident of having sufficient force to walk over the rebels wherever they may meet us this side of Shreveport. I shall therefore move straight on Camden after striking the prairie, and while supplies are reaching me from Little Rock or Pine Bluff will endeavor to clear your front, so that you will not be troubled with any considerable rebel force. I have sent a letter of instructions to Major Green and directed him to consult with you before issuing the order. I am very sorry that there should have been any misunderstanding between you and Major Green. Colonel Andrews knows very well that I am opposed to disgracing gentlemen by putting them in jail for no crime. The gentlemen who were confined should first have applied to you for their release; if they had done so I presume there would have been no trouble about it. Major Green did not receive instructions from me to give orders, as a dernier ressort, in such cases, but I do not wish him to interfere with your prerogatives. I will write him a note, and I hope that everything will go on smoothly in future. Your letters by former courier were received at Arkadelphia. It was not deemed safe to send back at that time. I hope we shall soon be able to communicate without interruption. Very respectfully, F. STEELE, Major- General. I omitted to tell you about the fight with Marmaduke. I suppose he attempted to get possession of the ford. His attack was fierce with artillery, cavalry, and dismounted men, but he was repulsed with the loss of 1 captain killed, 2 officers prisoners (1 of his staff), 6 men killed, and a good many wounded. I hope McRae will leave now. If he does not he should be visited again. I should like to hear from you as often as it may be practicable. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., Widow Cornelius, in the Field, Camp No. 9, April 7, 1864. Maj. W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of Arkansas, & c.: MAJOR: Your dispatch of the 3d instant was received last night. The command which left Little Rock has reached this point, which is 5 miles south of the Little Missouri River crossing at Elkin Page 79 cHAP. XLVII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNJON. 79 Ferry. General Thayer camped last night 5 miles this side of Caddo Creek, and will in all probability join by to-morrow night. Leav- ing here, I shall proceed direct to Camden with the whole force. Our supplies are limited, and must be renewed before proceeding farther. You will direct Capt. B. 0. Carr, chief quartermaster, to furnish the transportation for the following supplies: Thirty days supplies of one-half rations of hard bread, one-quarter ration of bacon, and full ration of salt and coffee for 15,000 men; also sufficient transpor- tation for the quartermasters property, a list of which is herewith inclosed, and the ammunition, a memorandum of which is also in- closed. You will give the needful directions to other department staff officers to get these supplies together. This train must be made up, using, if necessary, every wagon and male at Little Rock. For such of the above supplies as can be procured at Pine Bluff, and transportation furnished there, you will direct Col. Powell Clayton to niake up a train and proceed from that point with such escort as he deems safe. The train from Little Rock will proceed by Benton, Tulip, and Princeton, at which last place it will join Colonel Clay- tons train. An escort to this train of at least 800 infantry will be furnished by Brigadier-General Kimball; he will also furnish a squadron of cavalry to act as advance and rear guard and picket. A n alternative is permitted respecting the method of sending the train from Little Rock, if on consultation with General Kimball it shall be deemed most expedient, viz: Send the supplies by boats to Pine Bluff and the wagons by land, and have the whole thing leave Pine Bluff together. If this latter course is ado p ted only the infantry escort before named will be sent, as Colonel Clayton can furnish all cavalry needed. The course which will get the supplies to Camden quickest must be adopted. From the time you receive this I desire that not one moment, night or day, be lost until the trains are in motion, and then that Camden be reached as speedily as possible. I shall send a force from Camden to meet the trains. You have re- ceived all dispatches I have sent. Lieutenant Tabor, with his escort, less 5 men, arrived. Very respectfully, yours, & c., F. STEELE, Major- General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 7, 1864. (Received 3 a. in., 15th.) Major-General HALLECK: Major-General Steele having gone toward Shreveport and left me in command of the troops in his department along and north of the Arkansas River, and I not being able to communicate with him for several days, I transmit the telegraph received by me this morning, and respectfully ask that orders may be given General Blunt and that I may be instructed: Brigadier-General KIMBALL: GENERAL: Capt. M. S. Adams is the only commissary in this district, and chief and depot commissary, Captain Hamer, has reported to General Blunt, and was relieved from duty in this department and district before General Thayer left. Captain Durbin did the same and nothing can be obtained except by General Blunts order. I have made application for transportation through General Blunt and was refused and insulted by allusions to generals in this department, and Cap Page 80 80 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSJppI. [CaM. XLVI. tam Hamer is a strong sympathizer, to say the least, of the firm of McDowell & Co., for whose benefit this army has been run. Please ask Captain Cantine, chief com- missary of subsistence, to have Captain Adams retained in his present position, unless it is his desire to make the troops here entirely dependent on General Blunt and his combination of interest. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. JUDSON, Col., Comdg. Dist. of the Frontier, Dept. of Arkansas. Very respectfully, N. KIMBALL, Briqadier-General. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 7, 1864. Col. C. C. ANDREWS Commanding Post of Little Rock, Ark.: The general commanding directs me to say that he wishes you to relieve all local provost-marshals at this post, and order them to report for duty to the commanding officers of the detachments of the divisions to which they belong, excepting only Maj. George R. French, Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and that all books, papers, and records of their offices be taken charge of by you. He directs that should you find the duties of the post provost-marshal too onerous for one officer, you detail and place on duty such as you may deem proper, in sufficient force to perform all its duties thoroughly. He directs that during the absence of the major-general com- manding the department you will inform your command and in- struct your guards and pickets that they will be instructed in their duties only by you or by orders properly transmitted through you, and that they will respect and permit no passes except as are given by the assistant adjutant-general of the department and at these or your own headquarters. He directs that you cause all papers to be taken up and returned to your office for examination. T he swarms of guerrillas and scouts of the enemy in rear of the army with the major-general commanding, and in the country around this post, render the exercise of the strictest vigilance neces- sary, and the general commanding expects you to use every exertion in your power to break up the passing of improper persons through the lines. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT LOUIS, April 7, 186412 m. Major-General HURLBUT, Memphis: It is impossible to get horses to mount the Third Michigan and Seventh Kansas at present. Every effort will be made by Brigadier- General Davidson, in charge of the bureau. I will do all I can for you; call on me whenever you have need. W. S. IIOSECRANS, Major- General Page 81 CHAP. XLVI.] 81 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. LITTLE ROCK, April 7, 1864. (Received 10th.) Major-General ROSECRANS, commanding Department of the Missouri: GENERAL: Your dispatch is received. * J thank you. General Steele left here the 24th ultimo, and is now at or near Camden. We have no direct news from him. The rebels are reported to be falling back to Shreveport. The force left me is of such a kind that I can- not make excursions after guerrillas. At Fort Smith I have 800 men, aiid on the Arkansas River, between here and there, about 800; at Batesville and On the White River, about 1,000, of which probably not more than a half are effective. At Devalls Bluff I have about 900 men with 30 miles of railroads and depots to protect, and at Pine Bluff about 1,200, and at Little Rock about 3,000 effective men. The force left me is composed principally of men who were unfit for the march toward Riddings, the country of guerrillas. The policy has been not to seize horses, and the rebels having gathered up all that were worth anything I might mount a few by taking the horses of citizens. The country north of White River is infested with bands of guerrillas under McRae, numbering iii all near 1,200 men under different local leaders. They depredate in the counties of Searcy, Van Buren, Independence, Jackson, and up toward Poca- hontas, and in the country between Arkansas and White Rivers there are several bands. I have no force with which I can success- fully act against them. There is scarcely a sufficient number at Helena to protect the post. White River is navigable to Jackson- port at all times. From that point to Pocahontas is 63 miles, with good roads, and through a section with plenty of forage. I concentrated quite a force last week and sent an expedition up White River against McRaes force (numbering about 600 men), under Colonel Andrews, who forced him to fight, though number- ing only 200 men, and really gave him a good thirashing, killing and wounding 125 and occupying Pocahontas. You could send subsist- ei*e stores up the White River, if troops can be stationed at Jack- sonport. My garrison is at Batesville, 33 miles above. I will rejoice to move with you and once more be under your command. I think now of seizing horses and mounting men, and make an attempt to disperse or capture McRaes force. I have a small force at Fayette- ville. Very respectfully, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. PILOT KNOB, April 7, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commanding District of Saint Louis: I could not well spare a full company from here to go to Saint Genevieve, but the company stationed at Farmington, being a good company and Commanded by good officers, can well be spared, and will be of no earthly use there, as there is some military at Saint *See April 6, p. 61. 6 R RvOL XXXIV, PT II Page 82 82 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [Cnxp. XLVI. Genevieve. This change I recommended and urged some time ago, and think a very good one. I shall order the company from Farm. ingtou right off to Saint Genevieve, unless countermanded by you. JNO. N. HERDER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Post. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRIcT, Saint Louis, April 7, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HERDER, Commanding, Pilot Knob: You will not send the company until further orders. H. HANNAHS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, DIST. OF SOUTH KANSAS, Mound ~Jity, April 7, 1864. Lient. JOHN GRAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: Inclosed I have the honor to transmit a printed circular of instruc- tions, issued for the government of the troops under my command. The system of patrolling was the very best I could think of. You will observe that the entire line is traveled daily by squads of 11 men, in addition to escorts for forage, & c. Less than 10 I did not think would be safe, and more could not be spared from other duties. Th~ commanding officer at Mound City can only send 5 in his turn to the Trading Post, as he has another daily patrol east and south. These patrols can carry any communication, and unless there is some- thing special I think no other messengers will be needed north and south. If I can get the hearty co-operation of the officers in wooing the citizens into our confidence, I think the border will be safe. That the soldiers have ill-treated the citizens is certain, and my first aim will be to change the tide of affairs by enforcing disci~ine and inculcating upon every man his moral duties and the right guar- anteed to every citizen. I have faith in succeeding, and had this been done long ago the present state of affairs had never existed. I send up to-day a man named Armstrong, private in the Seventh Kansas, whom I had arrested for stealing. He is a fair sample of the Ninth and Seventh, on the border. I do not class the Elevomith in this scale, for they are above it. I have forwarded to Captain Simpson all the evidence in the case of Armstrong, so that you can have him dealt with instantly. I will start up the border as soon as the paymaster leaves here. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THO. MOONLIGHT Lient. ~iJol. Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Commanding. [Inclosure.] CIRCULAR OF HDQRS. 2D BRIG., DIST. OF S. KANSAS, INSTRUCTIONS. Mound City, April 3, 1864. With a view to securimmg to the citizens of Kansas living in the border counties that protectiomi in lives and property to which they are, as loyal citizens, entitled to receive at my hands, and with whic Page 83 CHAP. XLVI.] 83 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. I am intrusted by the general commanding, it is hereby ordered that a continnons system of patrols be kept up from station to sta- tion thronghont the entire border line, as follows, commencing on the 11th instant: First. From Monnd City to the Trading Post, 1 sergeant or cor- poral and 4 men, retnrning on the 12th. From the Trading Post to Rockyille, 1 sergeant or corporal and 10 men, retnrning on the 12th. From Rockville to Coidwater Grove, 1 sergeant or corporal and 10 men, returning on the 12th. From Coldwater Grove to Aubrey, 1 sergeant or corporal and 10 men, returning on the 12th. From Anbrey to Oxford, 1 sergeant or corporal and 10 men, retnrning on the 12th. From Oxford to Shawnee Mission, 1 sergeant or corporal and 110 men, retnrning on the 12th. Second. From Shawnee Mission to Oxford, 1 sergeant or corporal and 10 men on the 13th, retnrning on the 14th; from Oxford to Aubrey, the same; from Aubrey to Coldwater Grove, the same; from Coldwater Grove to Rockville, the same; from Rockyille to the Trading Post, the same; from the Trading Post to Mound City, the same; and so on back again up the line as on the 11th and 12th. In addition to patrolling the country in the direction of the Trading Post, in turn, the commanding officer of Mound City will patrol daily, east and south of his post, so as to complete the chain to the southern boundary line. Daily patrolling will also be made as Col- onel Hoyt may deem proper, by the troops at Shawnee Mission and town, to the Kaw River. By this system the entire line from the Kaw River to the north line of Bourbon County will be traversed daily. These patrols will carry communications from station to station, and, except in urgent cases, it will not be necessary to send other messengers. Commaud- ing officers of sub-districts and stations will be held responsible for the prompt and faithful execution of these instructions. It will not be considered the duty of these patrols to simply go from station to station, but they will be required to scour the country, searching for armed men in rebellion against the Government of the United States; to thwart the schemes and foil the plans of the enemy, who will doubtless watch these patrols with murderous intent. Regularity as to the hour of starting will not be observed; some- times in the morning, sometimes in the evening, and again at noon; nor will directness of route be heeded, but, on the contrary, circnits to the right and left will be made so that every day there will be a change of direction and time in traveling, thereby preventing the possibility of running into traps likely to be laid for them, and at the same time convincing the eneniy that there is no safety for him on Kansas soil. It will also be the special duty of these patrols to make themselves acquainted with the citizens on the border, encouraging them by soldierly conduct and gentlemanly treatment to give timely notice to the nearest military commander of the approach of an enemy, and it is hereby enjoined on every officer and soldier in this com- mand to cultivate as far as possible the acquaintance of every citizen residing within his boundary; make each and all of them feel that you are soldiers in the true meaning of the word, and that your duty on the border is to protect, and not to persecute, loyal men. By following this rule every farmer will become a sentinel and every homestead a dwelling place of loyalty and happiness Page 84 84 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. I sincerely hope I will be spared the degradation of having to bring to justice any officer or soldier of my command for violating the rights and privileges guaranteed to any loyal citizen of the United States. The patrols will at all times be kept well in hand by the non-com- missioned officer in charge, and he will be held to a strict accounta- bility for the conduct of his party. A list of these details will be kept by station commanders for future reference, that praise may be awarded or punishment meted out as deserved. This system of patrolling will not be considered sufficient, in itself, for protection, and officers must not be lulled into security of position, but ever watchful and vigilant. A rigid and uniform system of drill must be kept up in each squadron or detachment, no matter how few men may be in camp. The regulations require at least one drill each day, which must be complied with. Without regularity in drill there can be no discipline, and without discipline there can be no efficiency, but in its stead lawlessness, pillage, and demoraliza- tion. These are the very evils officers must guard against by a steady and firm yet equitable government. Uniformity in purpose and action, with an eye to honor and jus- tice, is a sure guide to military fame and renown. The following are transcripts from letters of instruction to me by General McKean, which will be closely observed: Measures should be immediately taken to keep the troops at all times fully armed and equipped and regularly supplied, and the detachments should always be ready to move on notice. * * * * * * * It is understood, also, that complaints have frequently been made by command- ing officers in Missouri, near the line, against troops sent over from this side. To remove as far as practicable all cause for such complaints and to prevent collision, detachment commanders in your brigade have been instructed not to cross the line into Missouri, except in the following cases: First, by orders froni district head- quarters; second, when requested by a post or detachment commander in Mis- souri; third, when in close pursuit of the enemy. THO. MOONLIGHT, Lieut. Got. Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Commanding. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 7, 1864. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, District of North Kansas: SIR: In pursuance of instructions from the general commanding, I have the honor to report that on the receipt of his order on Sunday evening, I proceeded forthwith to Leavenworth City, accompanied by 2 men of the post battery. On my arrival in the city I traversed the most frequented streets and principal thoroughfares without perceiving any signs of commo- tion or riot, and after the most diligent inquiry of prominent and leading citizens, I came to the conclusion that no cause did then, or had during the day, existed for the interposition of the military authority. I have the honor to be , general, very respectfully, your most obe- dient, R. H. HUNT, Jfajor Fifteenth Kan,9as Vol. Cay., Gomdg. Post Battery Page 85 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION.~ 85 OMAHA, NEBR., April 7, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Fort Laramie: I have just received the following dispatch from department head. quarters: Brigadier-General R. B. MITCHELL: Information has reached here that the Indians have stolen 175 head of stock from near Denver, in your district. I telegraphed Colonel Chivington to co-operate with your troops. Have you any information of it? Answer. S. R. CURTIS. You will take the necessary measures to recapture the stock and, if possible, the Indians. Handle the scoundrels without gloves if it becomes necessary. Communicate with Colonel Chivington and report anything that may occur. ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. OMAHA, NEBR., April 7, 1864. Major-General CURTIS, Comdg. Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth: Your dispatch was the first intimation I had of the difficulty with Indians. I have no official information that I have a soldier west of Cottonwood Post. What troops have I west of Cottonwood subject to my orders? ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 8, 18643.30 p. m. (Received 7.30 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper: It is not too late to bring A. J. Smiths division out of Red River to join General McPherson by the Mississippi and Tennessee instead of by Grenada. As soon as I learn what forces can be sent to Gen- eral Steele from the States west of the Ohio I will order them. Have yon ordered General Banks to come away with his troops, or does he leave any subject to General Steeles orders, and how many? General Steele reported that lie had only about 7,000 to take with him from the Arkansas, and that his cavalry and artillery were very bad. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, April 8, 1864. General JOHN A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff to General Grant, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Yesterday I received General Grants telegram from Culpeper informing me that he had given to General Steele th Page 86 86 LOVISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. direction of the Red River expedition. II have acconnts from him, meager in details, that he was on the 23d March within 15 miles of Arkadelphia, where he was to make a junction with General Thayer, from Fort Smith. I take it for granted that he found no trouble in overcoming all opposition as far as Red River, where he will find the gun-boats and Banks and Smiths forces. I have sent my in- structions of the 7th instant, copy inclosed, * to General Hurlbnt at Memphis, with instructions to send it by an officer up Red River till he deliver it. In order that General Grant may see the whole tenor of my correspondence with General Steele, I send with this also copies of all my letters to him and the admiral on the snbject. f Many of these were written when I had no right to command Gen- eral Steele, but now that he will regard my views as binding on him the whole will be respected by him. From my best intormation the force of 10,000 men under A. J. Smith, who had just come in from Meridian, got to Alexandria before General Banks, taking Fort De Russy en route, and I also hear from General Hurlbut, at Memphis, that General Mower had captured another batch of four guns, caissons, & c., complete, up toward Natchi- toches, but I rather think this capture was made near Cotile or Plaisance, some 20 miles above Alexandria, where 1 kiiow there is a large bayou crossed by a substantial bridge. At all events, if my 10,000 could clean up the river for 140 miles, capturing all guns and material of war, surely General Steele can go on to Shreveport, now that the river is in good stage. I have claimed my 10,000 for the Army of the Tennessee on the 10th of April, as I have other work for them, and therefore must leave, as you see I do, to General Steele a wide discretion as to what he should attempt. If our con- joint forces reach and capture Shreveport, it should be held at any cost, as it is the very key of all Texas. All the disposable forces in Missouri and Arkansas should in that event be moved to Shreve- port and Alexandria, leaving my 10,000 to come by Grenada, and Banks forces to swing against Mobile. Please read these papers aiid communicate the substance to the general, as I have more faith in his judgment as to the measure of strength to make certain military ends than in my own. I am, with respect, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI Nashville, Tenn., April 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Gomdg. Red River Expedition, Vicksburg, en route: GENERAL: Changes in circumstances render it better that your entire division and command should come by water via Cairo, Padu- cah, and up the Tennessee via Clifton. You need not, therefore, attempt to march to Grenada and across by land, but come in your boats by the route via Cairo. Copies of this will be sent Generals McPherson and Hurlbnt and commanding officers at Cairo and * See Sherman to Steele, p. 76. f See Sherman to Steele, March 4, 6, and 5; to Smith, March 6, and to Porter, March 7, Part II, pp. 496, 516, 529, 514, 519, respectively Page 87 CHAP. XLVI.) 87 CQRRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Paducah. One cause of this change is that General Veatch, instead of occnpying Pnrdy, came away, and I had no notice of his coming till we heard of his troops at Florence. I am,. & c., W. T. SHERMAN. Major- General, Commanding. FORT STEVENS, PASS MANCHAC, April 8, 1864. Lieut. R. SKINNER, Acig. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Carroliton: SIR: I have the honor to retnrn Captain Morses dispatch, * f or- warded to me by general commanding, for information. The rebels pi~oject would be feasible could they surprise the post at De Sair, hut we are on the alert, and I fear not such a thing. Nevertheless, I have re-enforced the detachment there, and I shall increase it to about 40 men as soon as Lieutenant Freelaiid will return from his expedition. I expect him to-day; until then I canuot make any reconnaissance on the lakes. I suppose that the duty on which Lieu- tenant Dunning has been detached has something to do with that. I shall take immediately the necessary measures to obstruct Bayou De Sair and Shelibank Bayou; the first runs 1 udle north of the said railroad station, and the other about 1~ miles south of it; it is by the last that an attempt is more probable. As to Pass Manchac, the fort can be attacked only when the post at De Sair is taken. I have only 1 commissioned officer on duty with the company, and he is absent for the present. I think that it would be well if one more could be detailed for duty here, but I believe that there are no dispensable officers in the regiment. The general commanding can be satisfied that I shall give the most earnest attention to this mat- ter, and I hope that we shall be ready for any emergency. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. HAWKE, Gapta in, Commanding Post. BROWNSVILLE, TEX., April 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS Commanding Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: Having visited the line of the Rio Grande for the pur- pose of enabling myself to comply with your instructions sen ding me to Texas, I have the honor to offer the following report of my observations and action upon this frontier: I found Senior Juan N. Cortina, the Governor and military commandant of Tamaulipas, somewhat estranged toward us by reason of the representations of rebel agents and interested cotton-traders, to the effect that we were favorable to his late rival and wished to entrap him into our power. To remove this impression I immediately brought about a personal interview with him, when he frankly repeated in substance what I have already stated,. adding that he wished to be our friend, and that our success was necessary to the security of Mexico, not only against transmarine nations -but against the ambitious arms and aggressive spirit of the so-called Confederate Governm emit. *Sepp 5 Page 88 88 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. After making such explanations as removed his suspicions and inspired his confidence, I called his attention to divers considerations threatening t~e continuance of amicable relations betweeu the United States and Mexico. I alluded to the fact that our blockade of Texas was frustrated by the accessibility of Mexico to rebel cotton and other articles of rebel commerce ; that a refuge was found in Mexico by traitors to the United States, armed and unarmed; that these traitors were constantly intriguing to embroil either the Govern- ments or the citizens of the two countries in hostility with each other; that the presence of such lawless men along the Mexican side of the Rio Grande endangered our transports and supplies on that river, and exposed our country to predatory raids. Pointing out these things I requested that he would use his authority or influence to remedy them, and afterward addressed him a communication iii writing upon the subject, to which he promptly replied. Both the communication and reply will be found herewith. The reply of the Governor is a bold one, amounting to but little less than a declaration of war against the rebels, and should it be carried into effect by President Juarez, according to the Governors recommendation, will be in fact a declaration of war. The attitude of the Governor toward us, considering the present extremity of his own country, must, as it ought to, appeal strongly to our admiration and gratitude. Colonel Davis, who bears this dispatch, will present to you Col. S. M. Yelez and Seflor Luis Silva, charged with dis- patches from Governor Cortina, for whom I ask your friendly civil- ities. Colonel Davis is possessed of my views more fully than it would be convenient to reduce them to writing, and will afford any desirable explanation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, lifaj. Gen., Comdg. 13th A. C. and Goast and Frontier of Tex. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 90. New Orleans, La., April 8, 1864. 1. Paragraph 7 of Special Orders, No. 38, current series, from these headquarters, is so far amended as to direct that Major-Gen- eral Dana will proceed to Philadelphia instead of to New York, and thence report by letter to the Adjutant-General of the Army for instructions. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. CULPEPER, VA., April 8, 18647.30 p. m. (Received 9.03 p. in.) Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The Thirty-fifth Wisconsin may be ordered to General Sherman. Notify Sherman, however, to send the order for, it, as he may wish to send it to Steele, now that he has been directed to take the Red River into his command. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. *8cc April 7, p. 73 Page 89 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 8, 1864. Major-General HALLECK: Are there any regiments of cavalry, either new or old, in the Western States unassigned? If so, I wish to have two or three regiments sent to General Steele at Little Rock. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HELENA, ARK., April 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT: GENERAL: I earnestly request that you send me 200 good Amer- ican cavalry. It is now impossible for me to communicate with General Steele, my departmental commander. He wrote me he could not furnish me, but I was authorized to detain any cavalry [that] passes this post. I have not had that in my power. The enemy continue to make raids to my picket lines, and have Cap- tured about 150 mules, within the last month, from the Govern- ment lessees of the plantations in this vicinity. I have commenced to enforce General Grants order No. 4, in retaliation. The guer- rillas take the mules off as far as White River, and then sell them, and my force is not sufficient to divide in pursuit, without danger of being outnumbered in a difficult section of country. My cavalry brought in 12 prisoners and 90 animals last night. With the additional force which I request from you I will try to crush out those marauders. I am obliged to weaken my little squad of white infantry to-day, by detailing from them a guard for 35 prisoners of war, now in my hands, including Colonel Josey and 3 other officers. I am of the opinion that I have not a sufficient num- ber of troops to do the duties required of me. Your obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. BROWNSVILLE, ARK., April ~, 1864. Maj. W. D. GREEN, A. A. G., Little Rock: There are various rumors of an attack along the railroad. McRae is said to be near Austin with quite a force. A lot of citizens came into the camp at Bayou Meto last night, with the report that an attack would be made before morning. I think the guards should be strengthened by troops from Little Rock, and that the train guards should be increased. B. 0. CARR, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 8, 1864. Capt. LYMAN RICHARDSON, Master of Transportation: SIR: I design sending a scout of 75 cavalry across the river to-night, and it is very important that the steam-boat Davenport should be in readiness so that they can all be crossed at once and without delay. I ani, captain, very respectfully, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General Page 90 90 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS., Little Rock, Ark., April 8, 1864. Lient. Col. S. M. MEEKER, Commanding Sixty-second Illinois Infantry: COLONEL: In consequence of information having been received here that a considerable force of rebels are near the Fort Smith road, about 20 miles above here, the general commanding directs that you send out at once under a proper officer a party of 13 or 20 men, the main part to be stationed on the road at the rebel fortifications and a part thrown forward three-fourths or ~1 mile for observation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. P. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 8, 18641.40 p. m; Major-General ROSEdRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: Order the Ninth Iowa Cavalry to proceed to Little Rock, Ark., to report to General Steele. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 8, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pilot Knob: What do you think of the expediency of sending a company from Centerville to Patterson; also of sending the three howitzers now at Camp Curtis to Patterson? Ascertain and inform me whether it will be practicable, when grass comes, to subsist three companies at Poplar Bluff or Doniphan, with the aid of such forage as can be gathered up about there. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. UNOFFICIAL.] HDQRS. DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warrensburg, Mo., April 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Comdg. Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.: GENERAL: Your letter by the hands of Mr. Joseph G. Atlee, of the firm of Tesch & Atlee, merchants at Sedalia, has been received. I desire to state fully all the facts in connection with this subject, so that it will be understood. In June last I was assigned to this command. An unlimited traffic in liquors had been permitted, and large stocks were in the hands of wholesale dealers, while the towns, villages, and every Central point, such as cross-roads, were filled with groggeries. Ther Page 91 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 911 being no civil law in force to operate as a check npon bad men, many of whom, in the army and ont of it, had private wrongs to re- venge, murders and other ontrages were perpetrated by drnnken men and it was fonud absolutely necessary to restrict the sale of liqnors; bnt in order not to embarrass parties who had invested their capital in this bnsiness, in July orders were issued prohibiting its importation bnt allowing the sale of stocks on hand. Dealers were informed that after a sufficient time had elapsed for them to dispose of their stocks, sales wonld be prohibited to a great extent. In September ~ders were issued prohibiting sales, except wines and beer, by all parties except druggists, regnlariy in that business. This was changed so as to include hotel keepers and pmtac- ticing physicians, about the 1st of January. The orders that are now in force are as follows: Any person may import and sell beer and wines and no permits are necessary for the purpose. Druggists, hotel keepers, and physicians may import spirituous liquors in small quantities, and citizens for private use. The parties are under the necessity of obtaining special permits for each importation. On this order being issued, a large number of persons obtained and paid for licenses to keep hotels or as druggists, and because the sub-dis- trict commanders refused to recognize them as regular traders they claim that they are not treated fairly, as they have paid for a license to trade and are not permitted to do so. The only place in the district where it is said that the general business is injured by the prohibi- tion is Sedalia. To remedy this, I at one time granted permits to sell to parties who were living in the Southwest District, but I SOOIL became satisfied that under this change the dealers were flooding the country again in all parts of the district, and the permission was revoked. I am advised by Col. J. F. Philips, commanding the Second Sub- District, that many of the best and largest traders at Sedalia concur with him in the opinion that the traffic in the town is not injured by the prohibition referred to; that the loss in liquor traffic has been more than replaced by the increase of other branches of trade, re- sulting from the restoration of quiet and safety to the people in con- sequence of the breaking up of a large number of groggeries that were the resorts of bad men. Mr. McKissock, general superintendent and engineer of the Pacific Railroad, and a number of the contractors, inform me that unless the prohibitions are continued it will be very difficult, if not impos- sible, to carry on the work of construction. All good citizens recog- nize the restrictions in the sale of this article as having had the best effect, and I am satisfied that the orders that have been issued give all tae license that is necessary at this time. The business is a profit- able one, and the parties who desire to deal are clamorous, and it would relieve you from their importunities to remove the restric- tions, but if it is done it would endanger the good order that is now growing in the district. You will pardon the length of this letter, but as this is another of the numerous complaints that have been made and that have once been settled, I have thought proper to give you its history and my views fully. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, K B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volnnfeer8 Page 92 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warrensburg, April 8, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis: MAJOR: This week a foraging party from Springfield entered the southwest part of Henry County, and while moving about in the night were mistaken for a party of bushwhackers. The citizens and a scouting ~)arty of the First Missouri State Militia pursued them, but fortunately learned their character in time to prevent serious con- sequences. I respectfully repres~iit that n~arly every bushwhacker we kill has a sky-blue overcoat, regulation pattern, and is otherwise in Ii. S. uniform, and irregular commands who are passing in the district, foraging parties and others, will be in danger of being at- tacked by my troops or bands of loyal citizens, unless care is taken to advise the people and the several commanders of their character. Will you please transmit this letter to Brigadier-General Sanborn. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. ~Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, April 11, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Brigadier-General Sauborn, command- ing District of Southwest Missouri, who will concert signals and badges with General Brown, so that scouting parties from different districts may not mistake each others character. By order of Major-General Rosecrans: FRANK IENO, Assistant Adjutant- General. IJDQRS. FOURTH SUB-DIST., DIST. OF CENTRAL Mo., Kansas City, Mo., April 8, 1864. Capt. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to transmit, for the information of Brigadier- General Brown, commanding District of Central Missouri, copies of letters addressed to the different commanders of stations in the sub- district, giving for the month of April, 1864, the signals and coun- tersigus to be used by different scouting parties when they meet; and also copy of letter to Maj. P. Pendleton, paymaster, U. S. Army, giving a list of stations and troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. H. FORD, Commanding Fourth Sub-District. [Inclosure No. 1.j HDQRS. FOURTH SUB-DIST., DIST. OF CENTRAL Mo., Kansas City. Mo., April 4, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Station Kansas City: SIR: The colonel commanding Fourth Sub-District orders that for the month of April, 1864, the following signals will be used by all scouts, patrols, escorts, & c.: The challenging party will ride for Page 93 ChAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. 93 ward, take off his hat or cap, and hold it vertically above his head. The challenged party will answer by taking off his hat or cap and holding it down by his right side. If near enough to speak, chal- lenging party will call out Who are yon? the answer, Rosecrans. Then the challenged party will call out Who are you? answer, Babes in the wood. The different commanding officers will use discretion and great caution when communicating this and maintain it as private as possible, to avoid disaster or to provide against it being divulged. By order of Col. James H. Ford, commanding Fourth Sub-Dis- trict: EDWARD L. BERTHOUD, First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. (Copy furnished Colonel McFerran, April ii, 1864, with instruc- tions to direct station commanders in his sub-district to use the same signals.) [Inclosure No. 2.] HDQRS. FOURTH SUB-DJST., DIST. OF CENTRAL Mo., Kansas City, Mo., April ~, 1864. Maj. P. IPENDLETON, Paymaster, U. S. Army: SIR: In obedience to orders received this day from Brigadier- General Brown, commanding District of Central Missouri, I have the honor to forward for your information the following list of stations, troops, & c., in the Fourth Sub-District, District of Central Missouri: 5tation. con~rr~ander. Troops. Kansas city capt. E. w. Kingsbury Company D, Ninth Minnesota; companies B and D, Second colorado cavalry. westport capt. william H. Greene Detachment company E, Second colorado cavalry. Independence Lient. col. T. II. Dodd Detachment Second colorado cavalry; company F, Ninth Minnesota. Little Santa F6 First Lient. I. F. Evens Detachment company E, Second colorado cavalry. Hickman Mills capt. John nail company A, Second colorado cavalry. Blue Mills First Lieut. G. c. Manville company F, Second colorado cavalry. Snibar First Lieut. J. F. Bennett company H, Second colorado cavalry. Blue Springs capt. Thomas Moses, jr company M, Second colorado cavalry. Pleasant Hill Capt. E. P. Elmer company K, Second colorado cavalry. Morristown First Lieut. F. A. Spencer Company G, Second Colorado Cavalry. Harrisonville .... Maj. J. L. Pritchard Company C, Second Colorado Cavalry. Dayton Sergeant in command Detachment Company L, Second Colorado Cavalry. Johnstown Capt. G. G. Norton Do. Pleasant Gap.... Second Lieut. R. 0. Rizer .... Squadron Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry. By order of Col. James H. Ford, commanding Fourth Sub-District: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD L. BERTHOUD, First Lie atenant and Acting Assistant Ac0ntant-General. SNIBAR STATION, Mo., April 8, 1864. Capt. THOMAS MOSES, Jr., Second Colorado C~avalry, ~iJoinmanding Battalion: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your instructions I left Snibar Station with 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, and 16 privates April 5, 1864, at 7 a. m. and proceeded to a point 3 mile Page 94 94 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. northeast of Lone Jack, and on the farm of one Scott deployed the men in squads of 3 and scouted the brush thoroughly from that point to the house of Jemima Johnson, which is situated at the junction of the county lines of Jackson, La Fayette, and Johnson Counties, finding nothing of iniportance. From Johnson I sconted again in the same order through very heavy brush toward Round Prairie; found many tracks of unshod horses and one or two old camps, and at a point about 1 mile east of Round Prairie, in a deep hollow, I found a camp evidently left but a short time; found canteens, plates, knives, butternut clothing, and halters, together with some U. S. cavalry clothing. The parties who had occupied the camp had a number of aninials and had taken forage from Smiths farm, near there. A house within 200 yards of the camp was occupied by an old widow woman named Plunkett and two other women, whose nanies were Martin and seen o~ The outhouses were full of meat, and every evidence was its being a place where the bushwhackers were harbored, for which purpose it is very conveniently situated. I was totally unable to glean any information from the women; the younger women were very indignant at the house being searched. This house should be well watched. From this point scouted through the brush to Round Prairie, when the command came together, meeting a scouting party of Captain Burns company, Missouri State Militia. Being near night, marched to the farm of Robert Moore, in Clay Township, La Fayette County, and there went into camp at sunset. April 6.Broke camp at suiirise and scouted through the brush to the house of Judge Grey. Surrounded and searched the house; every trace that men had been secreted in the hay-loft the night before; was informed that Grey was at Lexington, under arrest, Elicited nothing further. Proceeded thence to Napoleon, Mo., ii~ search of one Potts; searched every house in town; finally heard of his whereabouts and found him on a farm near Harris place, on the Lexington road, about 3 miles from Napoleon. He has a pass to reside in La Fayette and Jackson Counties. This man is strongly suspected of harboring bushwackers. He expresses disloyal senti- ments, and in my opinion should not be allowed to live in Jackson County, as his antecedents all point to the fact of his being a dis- loyal man. From there scouted through the brush at and near Bone Hill, toward evening sending Sergeant Leslie with 7 men through the brush to the northward of Pink Hill; found three camps, evi- dently lately occupied; went into camp near Seminary at sunset. Plenty of forage in this section of the country. The men scouted this day part of the time on foot. April 7.Broke camp at sunrise; took the brush at Pink Hill and scouted southeast. The men deployed over a space of l4~ miles, a part of the time on foot; found many traces and tracks of guerrillas; there is evidently a traveled track for them across the frontier of the county; found also there old camps, clothing, & c. Party ren- dezvoused at Lick Skillet; scouted thence through the brush to Round Prairie, coming in on the opposite side from where we en- tered it the day before; visited again the Plunkett house near the large camp; dogs gave the alarm before we were within 1,000 yards of the house; surrounded and entered the house and outbuildings; found a third of the meat before reported had been taken away; ordered the dogs to be shot. This house is a very suspicious place and should be well watched. Scouted through the brush for a circl Page 95 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 95 of a mile, then started for a point of timber near and to the east- ward of Lone Jack. Scouted through it thoroughly and went into camp at dark. Many people without permits are living about this point on the edge of the two counties. April 8.Broke camp at daylight, scouted through brush, and at 11 oclock came out on the prairie 4 miles from Pleasant Hill. Being out of rations, went into Pleasant Hill to get breakfast for the men and forage for the horses; left at 12 in., and came by the most direct course through the prairie and brush to this station, arriving at 1 p. in. The command has traveled in all on this scout about 90 miles, and the brush has been thoroughly searched on the course of the march. The country in and about Round Prairie, Greys, and Bone Hill is full of signs of the guerrillas, and they evidently have a crossing place on the Missouri River near Napoleon. I am, captain, with great respect, your obedient servant, ALBERT L. GOODING, Second Lieut. Co. H, 2d Cob. Car., Corndg. Detachment. FAYETTEvILLE, April 8, 1864. Brigadier-General SANJiORN: I have what I consider reliable information that a heavy raid is intended on this place within a few days at most. Small parties have been crossing the river for three weeks and are now concen- trating. It is estimated that there are at least 1,500 rebels in the woods within 60 miles; rebels boast that there are 2,500. Do not fail to send me 300 guns at once by special train, with 50 rounds of ammunition to each gnu, and send me all the troops you possibly can. I have only 7 companies here and but poorly armed, and out of them I am guarding stock and several mills. Do not fail to start them in the morning. Let the ordnance officer enter these articles on my last requisition. Give me the best arms you have. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., April 8, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS: I have the honor to report myself as duly installed, with head- quarters established in this city. Everything working well. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF NORTH MISSOURI, No. 5. Saint Joseph, Mo., April 8, 1864. In compliance with orders from Major-General Rosecrans I hereby assume command of the District of North Missouri, comprising that portion of the State lying north of the Missouri River. Headquar- ters of the district are established in the city of Saint Joseph. The following staff officers are announced: Capt. George A. Holloway, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Vol- unteers, assistant adjutant-general Page 96 96 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. First Lieut. W. T. Clarke, First Cavalry, Nebraska Volunteers, aide-de-camp and chief of cavalry. First Lieut. Amos J. Harding, Sixth Cavalry, Missouri Volunteers, aide-de-camp and judge-advocate. Lieut. Col. S. P. Jennison, Tenth Infantry, Minnesota Volunteers, district provost-marshal. Surg. Frank G. Porter, Missouri State Militia, medical director. Maj. E. Wilmot, assistant quartermaster, Missouri State Militia, quartermaster. Capt. William Barr, commissary of subsistence, U. S. Volunteers, commissary of subsistence. Second Lient. Albert G. Clarke, Second Cavalry, Colorado Volun- teers, assistant provost-marshal. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General, U. & Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 8, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel DRAPER, Commanding, illacon, Mo.: A marauding party consisting of less than 10 villains visited Brookfield and committed robberies last night. They are supposed to be about 13 miles from Brookfield, in the fork of Yellow Creek. Can you send an exterminating squad after them? Muster out the rascals if you find them. Squire Moore and Mr. Myers were among the persons plundered. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. EASTON, April 8, 1864. General FISK: RESPECTED SIR: For some time I was expecting to see you personally, but as my furlough is up to-day I must repair to the battle-sod; but I was greatly surprised after an absence of two years from my native State and village to see those same reptiles on whose hands still smoke the blood of our murdered brothers domineering over our sons and aged fathers in a most shameful manner, supplied with arms by the United States. That i~ a great wrong which I as a soldier that never turned his back on either friend or foe humbly ask your excellency to rectify. MICHL CALLERY, First Lient. Co. K, Eighteem~th Missouri Vet. Vols. BROOKFIELD, LINN COUNTY, Mo., April 8, 1864. General CLINTON B. FISK, Commanding North Missouri, Saint Joseph: DEAR SIR: Last night a party of armed men, numbering some 6 or 8, came to several houses of conditional Union men in the vicinity of this place, and took by force horses, guns, clothing, & c. The Page 97 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.UNJON. 97 took from Squire Moore one horse, saddle and bridle, overcoat, shot- gun, and ammunition, and quite a quantity of clothing. They then went to the house of Louis Myers and took from him one horse, sad- dle and bridle, and 20 in money; from there to Richard Crystals, and took shotgun and ammunition; then to George Stienes, and there took a horse, saddle, and bridle. Three of them were recog- nized. I have learned the name of but 1, but will find out the other 2 that were recognized. One was named Williams; he lives near the mouth of Elk Creek where ft empties into Yellow Creek. It is reported they belong to a gang of robbers, commanded by Jackman, who are committing such depredations to quite an extent, and are located in Howard County. About one year ago we were visited by one of these individuals, who were then commanded by Holtzc]aw. He lia~ quite a good many men in his company from Liun County. When they came here before I was assistant provost- marshal for Liun County, and I arrested the fathers and brothers of those who were known to belong to the gang, and in several instances other prominent rebels of the county, and held them personally re- sponsible for the peace and safety of all their respective districts, putting them under bonds. This last raid seems to be located in a different locality, but I am told some of the same parties are connected with the gang. Whether we shall be able to prove any of them guilty, if caught, remains to be seen. I hope we may. These men who were plunder~ed have ever been unconditionally for the Union, and as they have been used nearly the same way for the past three years at least once a year, they begin to get greatly exercised over it, and I am fearful of a collision between them and those who are known to sympathize with traitors. Many of our men (who are good reliable citizens) met yesterday for tbe purpose of or- ganization to devise some means of retaliation. I have advised them to not be hasty, but hold on. I have assured them that as soon as matters could be regulated in this department steps would be taken to put all bushwhackers and robbers out of the way. We would like it, if it is consistent, to organize a company of men from those who reside here in this place and vicinity, for self-pro-- tection; it would be comprised mostly of men connected with the railroads, who would at any time stop their work to hunt bushwhack- ers for a few days at a time, and could no doubt keep this county free from them. Colonel Haywards regiment, the Thirty-eighth Railroad Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia, I think, are all armed; at least Company G, of that regiment, have their arms here at this place. We have also some ammunition. We could, with your consent, very readily reorganize the company, and extend the enrolling into the company to a few men who are not connected with the road, and very soon get ourselves in good condition for home service at no expense to the State or Government, except for ammunition, if we should need it. As I said before, we have good rifled muskets, and would hold our- selves in readiness on short notice to look after such matters in this county and adjoining ones. I trust you will excuse the length of this uninteresting document, and believe me Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. J. CRANDALL, 7 R RYOL xxxiv, PT II Page 98 98 LOUISIANA AND TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 8, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIvINGToN: I hear that Indians have committed depredations on or near Platte River. Do not let district lines prevent pursuing and punishing them. Give Colonel Collins and General Mitchell your full co-opera- tion and [all the] information you can. You can furlough veterans, but give them Government transportation. S. S. CURTIS, Major, & c. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE.NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, ilium., April 8, 1864. Col. R. N. MCLAREN, Commanding, Fort Snelling: COLONEL: The Indian prisoners from Pembina encamped with their guard at Coon Creek, about 3 miles above the Falls, last night, and will reach the post under your command during the day. Major Camp will leave them after they have passed through Minneapolis, and give you due notice of their approach. In order that the train and prisoners may not be pressed upon or interfered with, you will detail a company of infantry to meet them at a convenient distance from the fort, and conduct them safely to their appointed station. It will be necessary also to have a proper guard to protect the women and children from molestation. The men captives will of course be placed under guard. By command of Brigadier-General Sibley: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. OLIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Gommanding Mississippi Squadron: The land colnmn that was intended for the movement against Shreveport encountered a superior force 4 miles this side of Mans- field, and, being unable to communicate with the forces from the river, has been compelled to retreat. It is now our expectation to fall back to Grand Ecore. You will make your dispositions accord- ingly. The fighting was very sharp, but, from the situation of the country, it has been impossible to bring but a portion of onr forces against the entire strength of the enemy. The loss of the enemy has been very severe; ours serious. General Ransom has ~ wounded. If possible, send a communication to General Steele. Jam, & c., N. P. BANKS ]Ifajor- General Qomm~tmdin~i Page 99 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 99 PLEASANT HILL, April 9, 1864. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. Miss. Squadron, off Grand Ecore: ADMIRAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the advance of his for ~es reached a point about 5 miles this side of Mansfield about noon yesterday. There the advance became engaged with a force of the enemy, which proved to be the combined forces of Green and Price. After hard fighting until sunset with largely superior numbers the advance party had to fall back, with considerable loss in men, artillery, and transportation, under cover of the Nineteenth Army Corps, which managed to hold its ground through the night and fall back to form a junction with General Smiths forces here this morning. I intend to return this evening on the same road with General Franklins aird General A. J. Smiths commands, and to be in communication with the transports of General Kilby Smith and the gun-boats at Springfield Landing on Sunday evening or Monday forenoon. The major-general com- manding has ordered General Grover to join his forces to those of General Kilby Smith as soon as practicable. Very respectfully, admiral, your most obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE GULF, Pleasant Hill, April 9, 18649.30 p. m. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Sqziadron: ADMIRAL: By direction of the major-general commanding I have the honor to inform you that about noon yesterday the advance of his forces reached a point about 4 miles this side of Mansfield. There the advance became engaged with a force of the enemy which proved to be largely superior, being the combined forces of Taylor, Green, and Price. After hard fighting until sunset with these supermor forces, the advance party had to fall back, with con- siderable loss of mnen, artillery, and transportation, under cover of the Nineteenth Army Corps, which managed to hold its ground through the night, and to fall back to form a junction with General A. J. Smiths forces here this mormming. This afternoon, nearly at sunset, the enemy attacked our forces here with the command of yesterday, strengthened by two divisions of General Prices army, which had miot arrived here in time to take part yesterday. The enemy was driven at all points in the most brilliant mammner by charges, and were utterly discomfited. We recaptured two guns taken from us yesterday, and captured caissons and other material of great value to the rebels. The vic- tory is a complete one, and together with the loss of morale, which is its natural consequence, will contribute greatly to the object in vmew in the expedition. Very respectfully, admiral, your obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, J3ridicr-cjerpcra1 c~ncl Chief of Staff Page 100 100 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that your com- mand shall be silently withdrawn during the night from its present position, and drawn back on the Grand Ecore road to a point which shall give the advantages of a strong position and a supply of water, both of which are wanting for a force of the size of his command. The commanding general will be happy to confer with you on this subject to-night. Very respectfully, & c., CTIAS. P. STONE, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. PLEASANT HILJ~, April 9, 1864. Brigadier-General RANSOM, Grand Ecore: GENERAL: The enemy attacked this position this evening a little before sunset, and for a time advanced stea(iily upon our positions and threatened much damage. By infantry charges, made in an admirable manner by the reserve, the enemy were driven in from all points with great loss, and with the capture of much material and between 400 and ~00 prisoners. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,. ~. STONE, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, April 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN, Gommanding Nineteenth Army Corps, & c.: The major-general commanding desires me to say that General Dwight can, if he chooses, camp outside the town, and that we shall probably resume the march forward this afternoon or to-morrow morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 3D DIv., 13TH ARMY Conrs, No. 29. Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864. The undersigned hereby assumes command of the Third Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, and announces the following changes in the staff: Surg. Darwin Dubois, chief surgeon. Capt. Henry E. Jones, acting assistant inspector-general. First Lie at. C. B. Bradshaw, acting assistant adjutant-general. First Lieut. Joseph R. Gould, acting aide-de-camp. WM. H. RAYNOR, Golonel, Comdg. Third Div., Thirteenth Army Corps Page 101 OnAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOX. 101 OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, DEPT. OF THE GULF, New Orleans, April 9, 1864. Capt. D. N. WELCH, Assistant Quartermaster: CAPTAIN: Mr. R. B. Post goes to Alexandria ill the interest of Messrs. 0. Bercier & Co., to look after cotton which this firm is anthorized to bring ont by the major-general commanding. A copy of the order will be shown yon by the bearer. Yon will transport all the cotton offered by this gentleman promptly to this city as yon have transportatioll, forwarding bills of ladir and cha Very respectfnlly, rges. S. B. HOLABIRD, Colonel and Assistant Qmartermaster. HEADQUARTERS, Baton Ron ge, La., April 9, 1864. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans, La.: No change has taken place in a few days, except departnre of the 230 Fonrth Wisconsin Cavalry veterans. Monthly retnrn was sent to Colonel Irwin. Have ordered another for yon. There are varions reports of a threatened attack of this post and I have asked for a gnn-boat. P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Baton Ron ge, La., April 9, 1864. Captain GREGORY, U. S. Navy, Gommanding Dirision, Donaidsonville, La.: I have reason to reqnest that a gnn-boat be sent here withont delay, to remain some time. Respectfnlly, P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Port Hndson, La., April 9, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Actjntant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report that I am nrging on the prepara- tion of another brigade of colored troops for the field. The neces- sary transports have made some delay, bnt I hope to have the brigade in complete readiness before the end of the coming week. A detach- ment of my cavalry, while ont repairing telegraph line on the 7th instant, was attacked by a large force of rebel cavalry and lost some 16 men aiid a gnn which was with the detachment. I have recoin- mended that the telegraph line be transferred to the west bank, as it is now too mnch exposed for my small cavalry force to protect it. Respectfnlly, yonr obedient servant, GEO. L. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General of Volnnteers, Commanding Page 102 102 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSTSSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass (Javallo, Tex., Apr ii 9, 1864. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Gulf: COLONEL: I would earnestly urge that the Second Regiment Texas Cavalry, now at Brownsville, be exchanged for the One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry, which formerly belonged to this command. This recommendation is based on the frequent desertions from the Second Texas, resulting, no doubt, from the proximity of the men of that regiment to their families, who are constantly asking theni to return home, and the inducement of higher pay in specie offered them on the other side of the Rio Grande. It will be remembered that this regiment is composed of men, in considerable part, who were formerly Mexicans. The One hundred and eighteenth, or some such regiment, is much needed near the Rio Grande, particularly since a mounted detachment of the enemy has occupied Corpus Christi, probably with the intention of making predatory raids upon our land and water communications between Brazos Santiago and Brownsville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND ]liqjor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass (Jarallo, Tex., April 9, 1864. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant A5~jutant-General, Department of the Gulf: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the following persons were captured by the U. S. gunboat Estrella, on the 6th instant, at Indianola: Capt. Green Hall, late commanding Confederate gun- boat Carr; Joseph P. Hanna, late first pilot of the Confederate gun-boat Carr; James Delaney, late seaman of the Confederate gun- boat Carr; William Austin, captain Confederate dispatch and mail schooner J. A. Hodges. They came within our lines on a flag-of-truce boat on the 3d instant, and again on the 5th instant, during my absence on the Rio Grande. There is little doubt that this was with some ulterior motive. They pretend to some claim of protection from the flag of truce they came into our lines with, but at the time of their capture they had returned to the place from which they started with the flag, had arms on board, and were in communication with an armed force of rebels on land. Their return to Indianola was on the pre- vious day, and there are no grounds whatever for their l)retended claim. It is reported that the commodore, the same who captured the Harriet Lane, is at Matagorda, and it is believed that he purposes some similar movement in sending these men down here, 43 miles from their vessel, to spy out, under cover of a flag of truce, our de- fenses and the po~ition of vessels in our harbor. Joseph P. Hanna is said to be the last regular pilot of this portion of the coast they had, and his capture has rendered their gun-boats in Matagorda Bay almost useless. They will be forwarded to the provost-marshal Page 103 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 103 general in charge of Capt. J. D. Brewster, aide-de-camp. The schooner Julia A. Hodges, used as a mail and dispatch boat by them, and a small sloop were captured at the same time. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obdient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, lIliajor- General, Commanding. ENGINEERS OFFICE, Pass Cavallo, April 9, 1864. Capt. JOSEPH C. STONE, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report relative to progress on defenses for the 8th and 9th instant: Ninety men from the First Brigade, First Division, of whom Captain Voorhees, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, was in charge, were em- ployed on second lunette on exterior line on the 8th instant. Four teams reported at this work to-day. At redoubt on left of same line 62 men reported; these were from the Second Brigade, First Divis- lou. This party were relieved immediately, as no teams reported. Very good revetments are being made at both of these works, but the progress is very slow, as we are able to employ only a very small number of men on this long line. The wind is destroying rapidly that portion of the line and the works where revetments are not yet made. Eighty-two men from the First Brigade, First Division, were employed the 9th instant on second lunette half day. Two teams reported at this work and none at the left of tile line. No men were employed at redoubts on this line. I employ very nearly 100 men daily at Fort Esperauza. Worked only half day on this fort the 9th instant, Saturday. Two hundred and thirty-five men were employed at interior line on the 8th, and 236 half day on the 9th instant. The progress on ulterior line is very satisfactory, as the work is being done systematically and well. The earth is well ramlued in layers of about 1 foot each. Lunettes A and B of this line are nearly complete. In lunette A the revetments are complete, and two plat- forms (earthen) have been made. One remains to be finished. Lu- nette B is nearly all sodded. The grollud of the cr~mailllre line has been broken nearly the whole length of this line. I have made the profile of this line strong. The width of parapet, horizontal dis- tance, 11 feet; command, 8 feet. The earth-work of the platforms of the left battery at McHenry Bayou is complete, and I am waiting for Inaterial with which to construct platforms. Six teams report daily at Fort Esperanza and a 2-mule team at interior line to draw sods. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. COBB, Colonel in Charge. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 9, 1864. Major-General STEELE, Little Rock, Ark.: Captain Manns battery of the First Missouri Artillery is under orders for your command. One-fourth of the men are, however Page 104 104 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. still absent on furlough until the 14th. A complete new battery will be here for him in ten days. His requisition for equipments will not be filled in less than that time. I recommend that he be all6wed to wait, and shall so order unless you dissent. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF ARKANSAS No. 8. Camp No. 9, April 9, 1864. The command will march to-morrow morning in the following order: I. The First Division, Brigadier-General Carr commanding. II. The Third Brigade, Third Division, Colonel Engelmaun com- manding. III. The First Brigade, Third Division, Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice commanding. IV. The trains of the First and Third Divisions, ordnance train, forage train of the First Division, in the order heiein mentioned. V. The Second Brigade, Third Division, Col. William E. McLean commanding, who is charged with guarding the trains in his front and reai-. VI. The pontoon and supply train. VII. Brig. Gen. J. M. Thayers division. General Thayer will dispose of a portion of his cavalry so as to guard the trains in advance and place his train between the infantry l)rigades of his division, using a section of artillery and a squadron of cavalry with his rear guard. VIII. The First Division will march at (3 a. m. The remainder of the command will follow in the order herein mentioned and encamp on the creek near Lads plantation. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: GLO. 0. SOKALSKI, First Lieul., Second Car., an(i Aety. Asst. A~jt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DET. SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 8. Little Rock, Ark., April 9, 1864. I. Col. William H. Graves, commanding the Twelfth Regiment Michigan Veteran Volunteers having reported at these headquar- ters with his regiment, is assigned to the Third Bi-igade of the Sec- ond Division, Seventh Army Corps. II. Lient. Col. Henry Yates, One hundred and sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, is relieved from the command of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, and will report to his regiment for duty as soon as lie shall have turned over the command to his successor. III. Col. William H. Graves, Twelfth Regiment Michigan Veteran Infantry, will assume command of the Third Brigade, Second Divis- ion, Seventh Army Corps. IV. Col. C. C. AndreWs. commanding post of Little Rock, is re- lieved of the command of all the troops in the Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, except the Third Regiment Minnesota and the Sixty-first Regiment Illinois Infantry, these troops having been assigned to him for post duty Page 105 CHAP. XLVJ.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .ITNION. 105 V. All the troops in the First aid Second Brigades of the Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, in the vicinity of Liftie Rock, are attached to the Third Brigade of the Second Division. Command- mg ofllcer5 will report to Col. William H. Graves, commanding, withont nnnecessary delay. By order of Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball: IE. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. CLARKSVILLE, April 9, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General: Is it the design of your communication of the 30th, directed to me, to revoke the following telegram? LITTLE ROCK, March 15, 1864. Lieut. Col. G. M. WAUGH, Commanding: The major-general directs that you make the country infested with guerrillas and those who are aiding them uninhabitable as soon as practicable. Respectfully, W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. My men are in no manner guilty of indiscriminate pillage. They only act under my orders. I now respectfully ask the names of such persons as make these accusations. Respectfully, G. M. WAUGH, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 9, 1864. Col. R. R. LIvINGsTON, First Nebraska Cavalry, Comdg. District of Northeastern Arkansas, Batesv ille, Ark.: COLONEL: The general commanding directs nine to say that he wishes you to send him a report that will give him complete informa- tion as to the strength and effectiveness of the troops under your command. He wishes to know the condition of the country around you, particularly between Batesville and Jacksonport, as to the force of the enemy and the amount of forage that might be obtained. He intends to make another demonstration toward Augusta, but will not do so before hearing from you, and he wishes to know what you could do in connection with such an expedition should it be ordered to go farther up the White River. He desires you to give him any informatiomin of interest from your district of which you may be pos- sessed that might in any mammuer assist in forwarding the interests of the Government. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. MASON, Assistant Adlntant-General Page 106 1% LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPpJ. [CHAP, ILVI. CULPEPER, April 9, 186410.30 p. m (Received 11th.) Major-General ROSECRANS: I see it will not do to take infantry from your department. If necessary for you to station troops in Arkansas for the protection of Missouri, do it. The State militia, with their consent, can be or- ganized into U. S. volunteer infantry, but not into cavalry without special authority from the War Department. I cannot send more cavalry to you now. I will refer your recommendation for muster- ing militia into U. S. service and consolidating or mustering out such as will not accept service to the Secretary of War. U. S. GRANT Lieutenant- General, Com?nan~ling. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 9, 1864. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C.: Dispatch received ordering Ninth Iowa Cavalry to Little Rock, Ark. If it is not urgently necessar{ to send them at once, I recom- mend a delay of a few days to enab e board of examination to finish the examination of the officers. The regiment came here perfectly new, and has been kept here for discipline, drill, and to get rid of incompetent officers. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 9, 1864. (Received 1.30 p. in., 10th.) Gen. ROBERT ALLEN, Quartermaster, Louisville, Ky.: The whole of transportation on hand in the Department of Mis- souri shows 1,650 teams, besides ambulances. Of this number they ought to spare 500 at least, if you want them elsewhere. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. General ROSECRANS, NASHVILLE, TENN., April 9, 1864. Saint Louis: General Grant tells me that General Steele will hold the line of Red River. Banks troops are ordered elsewhere, and I have sent for A. J. Smiths command, which I loaned Banks for thirty days. You should send to Red River with dispatch all the men you can possibly spare, for if Steele can hold Alexandria and Shreveport, the only organized enemy will then be held at a great and safe distance from Missouri. Surely Missouri now is safe with its organized militia. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General Page 107 ChAP XLVI.] 107 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UXION. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 9, 1864. General ROSECRANS, Commanding Department of the Missouri: I am anxious that you should be interested in the state of affairs on Red River, because I know their importance. My troops from Yicksburg were loaned for a month, dnring which they captured a fort and garrison, and have pushed the enemy to Natciiitoch es, and dont know how much farther; bnt I must now have these troops back. Banks, too, is needed in another quarter. There remains only Steele and the navy to hold and guard what has been made, and to push the enemy to Texas. The gun-boats never were in better order, but Steele has not enough men for the purpose. I did not know till to-day that General Grant had ordered Banks to another quarter. Every organized regiment in Missouri and Kansas should hasten to Red River ; those in Mis- souri by water, and those in Kansas by land, by Fort Smith. No time should be lost, as I fear that Steele would be discouraged by the sudden withdrawal of his co-operating forces, unless he should per- ceive other fresh troops arriving. You surely dont need anything but militia now in Missouri. You should risk minor chances to se- cure larger results. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 9, 186411.30 p. ni. Major-General SHERMAN: Your two dispatches received. I have only three available regi- ments of infantry in this department (one more guarding Alton prison) in all. Two guarding the depots here, where about that force is needed. Only seven regiments of volunteer cavalry. The with- drawal of these troops at this time would injure concentrating much. The Missouri cavalry could go south when subsistence is procurable, sweeping rebel troops before them. A call for troops from Fayetteville, Ark., came to-day. Rebels crossed the Arkansas this way. Would it were in my power to help General Steele. Ii dont see how it can be done by detachments nor without moving southward by land. Unfortunately the Missouri State Militia have not been organized as volunteers; my suggestions to that effect have not probably been acted on. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI, No. 53. Saint Louis, Mo., April 9, 1864. I. The attention of the commanding general has been called to the fact that certain district commanders have assumed the right to form sub-provost-marshal districts and appoint assistant provost- marshals therefor. This is in direct violation of department orders. The provost-marshal-general of the department alone has the right, nuder existing orders, to appoint district and assistant provost-mar- slials, and in future no other appointments will be made. The right of forming sub-districts for assistant provost-marshals and estab- lishing their headquarters also belongs to the department l)rovost- marshal-general, and cannot be exercised without his authority Page 108 108 LOUISiANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. II. The following is aimounced as the present apportionment of the department DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, PROVOST-MARSHAL HEADQUARTERS, MACON CITY. First Sub-District.Counties of Macon, Chariton, Linn, Snilivan, and Adair. Headquarters, Macon City. Second Sub-District.Counties of Marion, Shelby, Knox, Lewis, and Rails. Headqnarters, Hannibal. Third Sub-District.Counties of Audrain, part of Boone, How- ard, Randolph. and Monroe. Headqnarters, Mexico. Fourth Sub-District.Counties of Saint Charles, Lincoln, War- ren, Pike, and Montgomery. Headquarters, Troy. Fifth Sub-District.--Couuties of Livingston, Grundy, Mercer, Carroll, Ray, Caldwell, Daviess, and Harrison. Headquarters, Chil- licothe. Sixth Sub-District. Counties of Buchanan, Andrew, Holt, Atchi- son, Gentry, De Kaib, and Clinton. Headquarters, Saint Joseph. Seventh Sub-District.Counties of Clay and Platte. Headquar- ters, Liberty. Eighth Sub-District.-Connties of Callaway and a part of Boone. Headquarters, Fulton. Ninth Sub-District. Counties of Clark, Scotland, Schuyler, and Putnam. Headquarters, Keokuk, Iowa. CENTRAL DISTRICT, PROVOST-MARSHAL HEADQUARTERS, WARRENS- BURG. First Snb-District.Counties of Osage, Cole, Miller, and Camden. Headquarters, Jefferson City. Second Sub-District.Counties of Morgan, Mommitean, an(i Cooper. Headquarters, Tipton. Third Sub-District.---Counties of Saline, Pettis, Benton, and Hickory. Headquarters, Sedalia. Fourth Snb-District.----Counties of Johnson and La Fayette. Headqnarters, Warrensbnrg. Fifth Sub-District.Connties of Jackson and Cass. Headquar- ters, Kansas City. Sixth Sub-District.Counties of Henry, Bates, and Saimit Clair. Hehdquarters, Clinton. DISTRICT OF ROLLA, PROVOST-MARSHAL HEADQUARTERS, ROLLA. First Sub-District. Counties of Phelps, Crawford, amid Demit. Headquarters, Rolla. Second Snb-District.-Couuties of Texas, Sbannon, Oregon, How- ell, Ozark, and Douglas. Headquarters, Honston. SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT, PROVOST-MARSHAL HEADQUARTERS, SPRINGFIELD. First Sub-District.Connties of Laclede. Dallas. and Wright. Headquarters, Lebammon. Second Sn b-District. Coumities of Polk, Greemi, amid Christian. Headquarters, Springfield Page 109 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 109 Third Sub-District.Counties of Vernon, Cedar, Barton, and Dade. Headquarters, Greenfield. Fourth Sub-District.Counties of Lawrence, Jasper, and Newton. Headquarters, Carthage. Fifth Sub-District.Counties of McDonald, Barry, Stone, and Taney. Headquarters, Cassville. DISTRICT OF SAINT LOUIS, PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL HEADQUAR- TERS, SAINT LOUIS. First Sub-District.Counties of Saint Louis, Franklin, and Gas- conade. Headquarters, Saint - Louis. Second Sub-District. Counties of Jefferson, Washington, Saint Francois, Saint Genevieve, Iron, Reynolds, and Madison. Head-~ quarters, Pilot Knob. Third Sub-District.Counties of Perry, Cape Girardeau, and Bol- linger. Headquarters, Cape Girardean. Fourth Sub-District.-Counties of Mississippi, Stoddard, and northern part of New Madrid. Headquarters, Charleston. Fifth Sub-District.Couuties of Wayne, Butler, Ripley, and Car- ter. Headquarters, Sixth Sub-District. Counties of Dunklin, Pemiscot, and south- ern part of New Madrid. Headquarters, New Madrid. By command of Major-General Rosecrans 0. D. GREENE, Ass istant A~jn taut- General. FAYETTEVILLE, April 9, 1864. Brigadier-General SANBORN: Official dispatches from Van Buren and Fort Smith say Stewart, a Missourian, has 800 men on Mulberry and is concentrating; also 200 men crossed yesterday below Fort Smith going north, and smaller parties crossing daily. Major Fitch was fired on both going and coming between this and Cassville. He says the cross-roads are thoroughly beaten by footmen and horsemen, and thinks that they are rebels from the marks and from information received. A mes- senger from below says Quantrili crossed with a party a few days since between Smith and Gibson. The guns sent by you have arrived, but II must have more. I have given out every one to supply the immediate necessities of my own regiment and have not enough yet. Please send those called for last night, as well as 100 picks and 200 spades, to my quartermas- ter. I am fortifying, but lack tools. Trains between Cassville and this place should be well escorted. I will keep you informed of all movements. Goods for citizens had better be kept back for the present. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Saint Louis, Mo., April 9, 1864. (Received 10th.) General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: Your dispatch received. * You do not say where these rebels crossed the Arkansas, but at all events get trooi)s on hand to whip *See Part I, p. 876 Page 110 110 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MiSSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. them when they come in reach, and keep me fully advised of their reported movements. From the scarcity of forage, they will hardly be able to come up into Missouri for the present. You could not well quit your posts to re-enforce those in Arkansas, but look out for an opportunity to strike effectively, and then do it, no matter if it be in that State. You have plenty of force. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, ilIo., April 9, 1864. Col. W. R. JUDSON Commanding District of Frontier, Fort Smith: I cannot spare any troops from this district at present. I am still holding the Yellville Rolling Prairie region in Arkansas, and I will move some troops along toward Huntsville in a f~w days, two or three days, and assist you all that I can. My command has killed and captured about 100 in Arkansas within the past twelve days. JOHN B. SANBORN Brigadier- General, Commanding. FORT SMITH, ARK., April 9, 1864w General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: GENERAL: Cant you send your scouts in direction of Fayettevilie? Colonel Harrison is pressed. I cannot relieve him, but will be ablt~i to in a few days. W. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, JIb., April 9, 1864. Colonel JUDSON, Commanding District of Frontier, Fort Smith: It is utterly impossible for me to relieve Colonel Harrison before Friday or Saturday next. I have no mounted men here and must send troops from Rolling Prairie and in vicinity. Colonel Phelps, of the Second Arkansas, has been ordered to his regiment to-mor- row, and to make a movement that will create a diversion in favor of Fayetteville at once upon reaching his command. This is the best and all that I can do. Would not the enemy fall back if Har- rison should attack? JOHN B. SANBORN Brigadier-General, Commanding. GLASGOW, Mo., April 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK, Commanding North Missouri, Saint Joseph: DEAR SIR: We, the undersigned citizens of Glasgow and vicinity, take t140 liberty of addrv~in~ you this QOI]MUU QQ~t~OE~ to si~uify t Page 111 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 111 you our desire to give you all the assistance in our power in your position as commander of North Missouri. We may congratulate you and ourselves that the district yo~ uow command, and of which we are residents, has so far fared well compared with many portions of our war-devastated State. We sincerely trust we may hereafter escape the ravages of war as we have heretofore done, but desire to state to you that we have grave apprehensions that such will not be the case, especially if there shall be any further letting up of mili- tary power, which alone has saved us. More or less troops have been in this section for two years past until quite recei~tly. The rebellious spirit of the people seemed to be subdued, and the military force has been gradually withdrawn, but this giving up of the rebellion and its objects was only apparent, as is now evidenced by the increased and daily increasing boldness of rebels and Southern sympathizers. Our immediate sectioii is much troubled with marauders; but few of the people stand out against them, a large number either being too much intimidated to oppose them, eveii in the giving of information, while by far too many evidently regard these outlaws as aiders of the Southern cause, and of course oppoiients of the Federal Govern- ment. This is evidenced in the fact that Union men, and men who have abandoned the Southern cause and evinced a willingness to aid the Federal Government, are nine cases in ten the sufferers at the hands of these brigands. We cordially indorse the sentiments uttered in your telegraphic dispatch to the assistant provost-marshal at this place. That is the basis we have been striving to get the people on for months past, but, we regret to say, with but little success. We are satisfied, general, as matters now stand, that unconditional unionism, such as we profess, will continue to grow weaker as the rebel spirit grows bolder, until it will not be safe for a free, outspoken de- fender of our Government to reside here. Another fact we desire to call your attention to. Large numbers of people are moving from the south to the north side of the river. Of these there is an unusual number of women, children, and aged men. They are doubtless the families of men who are in the South- ern Army, who have found the south side, where Federal troops are abundant and active, too hot for them, and hence their migration. In time their husbands, sons, brothers, and fathers (rebel soldiers) will follow them, and we may yet witness the scenes enacted in the border, southwestern, and southeastern counties. It is believed not a few of the men of these families are now on the north side of the river. We submit the facts and our impressions, leaving the remedy to your superior judgment. We beg to add, in conclusion, that we believe the public peace and safety would be conserved by stationing at this place a company or part of a company of good soldiers com- manded by active and efficient officers. Tendering you our well wishes for your success in the cause in which you are engaged, we subscribe ourselves, Your obedient servants, CLARK H. GREEN. Z. C. HUGHES. ALFRED W. ROPER. JOS. A. LEW[S, 711. Ii), JOHN TILLMONN. F. W~ DIGGES Page 112 112 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. NASHVILLE, April 9, 1864. General CURTIS: General Grant telegraphs i~e that General Steele will hold Red River. General Banks is ordered elsewhere, and the troops of A. J. Smith are merely loaned to Banks by me for thirty days, and these are abont ont. Steele will need re-enforcements, and they should come from Missouri and Kansas. If Steele can hold securely Shreveport and Alexandria you would need nothing but militia in Kansas. Your re-~iforcements. should go by laud to Fort Smith and on to Red River, wherever General Steele may be. General Grant wants me to direct in that matter, and I ask what troops yon can send. Of conrse we must concentrate here and Virginia all the men possible, leaving you west of the Mississippi to hold in check Price and Kirby Smith. W. T. SHERMAN, ]Jlcijor- General. CULPEPER, VA., April 9, 18642.80 p. iii. (Received 3.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Letters from Secretary of Interior and Commissioner of Indian Affairs, indorsing letters from P. Chouteau & Co., of Saint Louis, requesting to be furnished means of defense and protection in trans- porting Indian goods up Missouri River, have been received from the Secretary of War. Please direct the officer in charge of Saint Louis arsenal to furnish them two 12-pounder howitzers and 30() rounds of anmiiunition, and General Curtis to furnish them a detail of 30 men from troops nearest the Missouri River to protect Govern- ment property. Telegraph copies of each order to P. Choutean & Co., Saint Louis. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. FORT SMITH, ARK., April 9, 1864. Major-General CURTIS, Commanding Department of Kansas: GENERAL: I have the honor to report to you the progress of forti- fications at Fort Smith. Fort No. 2, on the Texas road, is nearly completed, and two 12-pounder brass guns are mounted. Mechanics are now employed in building the drop bridge, which will be com- pleted in a short time. Fort No. 3, near the Catholic convent, is pro- gressing finely, and I think it will be completed, with the exception of the rifle-pits, in ten to fifteen days. Fort No. 4, on the Van Buren road, is progressing fast, but as it is the largest work of all, and cal- culated to coiitain quarters foi- ~00 men, it will yet require thirty to fifty days till completed. The block-house is built, lacking the top covering, and the stockades are now in progress. The balance of the batteries are not yet beonn but they will take little work to make them. I did iutend to inclose herewith the plan Page 113 Ca& p. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 113 of the works I have in progress, but on account of the insecurity of the mail I think that I had better withhold them than to risk them falling into the enemys hands. Hoping to receive your notice at the earliest convenience, I am, your obedient servant, ANTON GERSTER, Captain, Engineer, District of the Frontier. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob., April 9, 1864. ASST. ADJT. GEN., DEPT. OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant a party of Cheyenne Indians stole 175 head of cattle from the Government con- tractors, Irwin, Jackman & Co., from the headwaters of the Big Sandy, on the Smoky Hill route of the overland stage line (which they ran when the line was first started from Leavenworth to Den- ver). The Indians with the stock were traced by the herders about 15 miles. They then left the stream, and the trail ran a due east course, which would take them into the headwaters of the Smoky Hill. I have sent out a~ section of artillery and company of cavalry in pursuit of them, with instructions to recover the stock. If they refuse to give it up, to chastise them. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Corndg. District. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Minn., April 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Milwaukee: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of 4th instant. Your order prohibiting the departure of the Sixth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers until orders to the con- trary are sent me from department headquarters will be complied with, and the detachments of that regiment now stationed along the outer defenses of the frontier will be directed to hold themselves in readiness to move as soon as marching orders reach them. I cannot but believe that the latter part of your dispatch is based upon a misapprehension of the force in this district. Leaving the Sixth Regiment out of the estimate, I have under my command the Eighth Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, numbering about 800 effective men; the Second Minnesota Cavalry, about 1,050 men; Hatchs battalion, about 350 men; the Third Minnesota Battery, about 125 men; and the Invalid or Veteran Reserve Corps, num- bering about 150. The first-named regiment (to be mounted), with eight companies Second Cavalry and two sections of the battery, say, 1,500 men, or perhaps I ,600, are to be dispatched in accordance with your directions to join General Sully. I shall then be left with- out any infantry force to establish the two posts in the interior, and the rest of the military strength specified will be barely sufficient to 8 R RvoL XXXIV, PT II Page 114 114 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. garrison the posts already in existence and gnard the frontier against hostile raids. Bracketts battalion is, of conrse, not embraced in the foregoing enumeration, it being nnder marching orders for Sionx City. Forts Abererombie, Ripley, and Ridgely should not be gar- risoned by less than two companies each, and the Veteran Reserve detachment will be required at Fort Snelling. There are some exposed stations along the extensive line which should be occupied by small detachments, and to effect all these objects you will perceive I shall be left with a force all told of not more than one regiment of men. To enable me to carry out your plan for the establishment of the posts on Janies River and Devils Lake the First Regiment should be ordered on duty in this district without delay. Its three years term of service expires on 29th in- stant, when many of the veterans will be mustered out, leaving be- tween 300 and 400, including recruits. The ranks can, I think, be filled up to the minimum, at least in time to enable me to dispatch a force sufficient for the two posts. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. N. B.I did not advert to another fact, as I perhaps should have done, and that is the necessity of having some disposable force on hand to enforce the draft. It is Governor Millers belief, as well as my own, that in some localities in this State there will be resistance unless there is a military force on hand to compel submission. Respectfully, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Baton Rouge, La., April 10, 1864. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant- General, New Orleans, La.: I have stopped here parts of three companies First Indiana Artil- lery, which had orders from Colonel Keith to proceed to regimental headquarters, New Orleans. But this is now the regimental head- quarters. Colonel Keith is expected very soon with 300 men or more. I shall stop them unless otherwise ordered. They may be soon called upon to do service here. P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 10, 1864. Col. W. H. DICKEY, Comdg. First Brigade, First Div., Corps dAfrique: The major-general commanding directs that you throw out to-night pickets upon every road leading into the town upon this side of the river. He desires me to state that cavalry vedettes will be posted in front of these pickets. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 115 Cii~~. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send a sufficient force out upon the Red River road to-night to thoroughly picket and protect the entrance to that portion of the town. He desires me to inform you that infantry pickets from the Corps dAt- rique will be posted upon all the roads leading into the town upon this side of the river. You will please post vedettes in front of these pickets. He directs that you send a squadron up the Red River road to communicate and come in with a squadron sent from Pleasant Hill to the Red River yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GLO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Twelve miles from Grand Ecore, junction of roads to Pleasant Hill and Natchitoches, April 10, 18647 a. m. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant-Adjutant General: Your dispatch of yesterday afternoon was received at 3.30 oclock this morning, while on the march on the White Store road, while in my rear was a train of some 15 miles in length, rendering it im- possible to turn back, and I have marched to this place, intend- ing to take the road over which I marched before, but the trains are coming in on both roads, and from officers connected with theni I learn that they are stretched out for 10 miles in the rear, and the road reported in terrible condition. Our mules are completely worked down, as they have been in harness and pulling on bad roads for the last three days and nights, with scarcely any rest, notwith- standing that yesterday I abandoned nearly all the tents and heavy articles and reduced my loads nearly one-third, to keep up with General Ransoms escort, as directed by message from headquarters. I have necessarily halted here for feed and rest for men and teams, but will start on as soon as the road is clear, although with the teams and roads in their present condition I do not think we can make Pleasant Hill before to-morrow night; however, I will do all I can. The dispatch for Colonel Dudley I sent by an orderly from the First Divisioii of cavalry, as Sullivans horse was about used up, and no one that I could find had any idea where Colonel D. was. Colonel Chandler was here a few moments ago and said that it would be im- possible for me to move on, as it would take nearly all day for his teams to get off the road, but I will try and go as far as I can. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. POOLE, Lieutenant, & c. My guard will consist of 40 cavalry and about the same number of infantry. I am trying to obtain some mules from the train now passing to take the place of mine that are used up. Thus far I have not succeeded in obtaining any. Was pleased to hear of your bril- liant victory yesterday. Am sorry that I did not receive the order to turn about before I got to these awful roads. H. POOLE, Lieut~re~ant, Page 116 116 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CRAP. XLVI. SPECIAL ORDERS,) HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 92. New Orleans, La., April 10, 1864. * * * * * * * 3. The battalion of the Third Rhode Island Cavalry, Lient. Col. Charles H. Parkhurst commanding, just arrived from the North on the steamer Mississippi, will be reported to Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds, commanding the Defenses of New Orleans, to be prepared for the field, and when ready for the field, will be sent to join its regiment without delay. By command of Major-General Banks: RICHD. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 76. Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 10, 1864. * * * * * * * V. Company A, Fourteenth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Heavy Artillery, is hereby detached from Major Comstocks bat- talion and will be reported by the senior officer, Capt. T. W. Fry, to Major Thompson, at Aransas Pass, to take charge of the guns at that station. VI. The two companies of the First Regiment of Engineers, Corps dAfriqne, now located at Aransas Pass, are relieved from duty there, and will be reported by the senior officer, Capt. I. C. Blanchard, to Col. J. Hodge, at Brazos Santiago. * * * * * * * VIII. Lient. Col. Gilbert A. Pierce, quartermaster Thirteenth Army Corps, will cause all water transports in or near Pass Cavallo, subject to his orders, to be immediately anchored, and to lie at anchor, when not in use, outside of Fort Esperauza, and nuder its guns. He will also have all small craft so cared for as to prevent their surprise and capture. IX. Brigadier-General Warren, commanding First Division, Thir- teenth Army Corps, will take measures to prevent any flag of truce from the enemy approaching by land nearer to this island than the mainland beyond Bayncas Island, and all vessels bearing such flag will be stopped opposite the month of the npper bayon, otherwise known as Bayncas, by a blank cartridge from right battery on Mc- Henrys Bayou, to be followed by solid shot or shell if the signal is not obeyed. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McCleruand~ SAMUEL CALDWELL. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 10, 1864 (Received 15th.) Major-General SHERMAN: General Steele has ordered thirty days supplies of subsistence and ammunition to be sent to Camden from Pine Bluff, and will move to Shreveport as soon as they are received. Respectfully, ~. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 117 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 11~T HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, Little Rock, April 10, 1864. CoMMANDING OFFICER DETACHMENT FIRST DIVISION: SIR: You will please direct that all trallspDrtatiOll in your diVis- ion not absolutely required for present use be reported to Capt. Un Mauly, assistant quartermaster, at 8 a. m. to-morrow, April 11, to be loaded with supplies for the army in the field. Captain Manly will decide as to what is required for use at this post. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. (Copy of above furnished Capt. Un Manly.) LITTLE ROCK, April 10, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON, Gommanding, Pine Bluff: Dispatches just received from the front. Army in camp ~ miles beyond Elkins Ferry, on Little Missouri River, on 7th instant, waiting for Thayer, who was within one days march. Had ~ev- eral skirmishes with Marmaduke and Shelby, in all of which we drove them. Loss but slight. How many wagons can you furnish. to load with quartermasters and commissary stores to go to Cam- den from Pine Bluff? The general desires that every wagon and mule that can possibly be spared should be sent. The country is almost entirely destitute of supplies for troops. Forage for animals is plenty. The general will move on Camden as soon as Thayer joins him. Answer about wagons immediately. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Roe/c, Ark., April 10, 1864. Col. C. H. MACKEY, Commanding Detachment Third Division: The general commanding directs that every man of your command able to march be at once placed in readiness to move from this point to-morrow with two days rations and 60 rounds of ammuni- tion. All the transportation you have for duty will accompany the detachment, yourself in command. You are to guard a wagon train from this point to Pine Bluff, thence with your detachment you are to report to the front. H e desires you to report at his headquarters for particular instructions. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 118 118 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVII LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 10, 1864. Col. A. H. RYAN, Commanding, Lewisburg: Who is the Texas general and what is.his force ? Tell Fnller to defend Dardanelle to the last man. How is the river above? An- swer immediately. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General, C~ommanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 10, 1864. Colonel LYNDE, Comdg. Ninth Kansas Cavalry, Fort Scott: Move your command to Fort Smith at once and report to Colonel Judson, and by telegraph to these headquarters. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele. W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. LITTLE ROCK, April 10, 1864. Col. W. R. JUDSON, Commanding, Fort Smith: Has the Ninth Kansas arrived? Has the post at Roseville been disturbed? Are the rebels in any force near your post? Is the river rising? Defend your post to the last man if attacked. Answer im- mediately. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Lieut. Col. JOHN N. HERDER, Patterson, Mo., April 10, 1864. Commanding at Pilot Knob, Mo.: SIR: Your telegram has been received. I do not think it would be practicable to place troops at Poplar Bluff or Doniphan, making them dependent upon the country for forage, even after grazing be- comes good, as there is no forage in this country worth mentioning; but twenty wagons would supply three companies at Doniphan with fnfl rations of forage and provisions from Pilot Knob. Considera- ble bacon may be procured in the country, and after the 15th of May beef-cattle could be obtained; this with the corn that can be obtained in scourilig the country would reduce the transportation required, and after the 15th of September there would be, I would suppose, sufficient forage in the country to subsist a command of that size. Applications are being made to me daily by citizens of Oregon, Rip- ley, and Butler Counties to furnish them assistance to remove their families from that country. Up to this time I have not encouraged them in removing, advising them to wait and see if troops would not be sent there to remain and protect them. It seems very hard for every loyal man to be driven away from that country by a mere handful of guerrillas. It is out of the question to operate against them effectively at so great a distance, with such a scarcity of forage and provisions in the country, but i Page 119 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 119 stationed among them, well supplied, we might soon kill and drive out these devils and restore peace and quiet to those counties; and instead of the citizens being supported by the Government the coming winter, they would be enabled to support themselves and to supply the Government troops in that country. I prefer Doniphan to Poplar Bluff because it commands the range of guerrillas on Currant River, and is centrally located between Black River swamps and Eleven Points River. I think the placing of troops at that point would be productive of much good, if well supplied. I have the honor to be, colonel, your most obedient servant, JAMES WILSON, lIfajo r, Gommanding Outpost. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS POST, Pilot Knob, April 12, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to General Ewing, commanding District of Saint Louis, Mo. Within is in answer to telegram of the 8th instant. Major Wilson is fully acquainted with the country referred to; has been down there many times. He can be fully relied upon. I entirely agree with him in regard to placing troops at Doniphan, & c. His whole state- ment consists of my own opinion. JNO. N. HERDER, Lient. Gol. First Infantry, 111. S. 111., Corndg. Post. PATTERSON, Mo., April 10, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS: SIR: We, the loyal citizens of Wayne, Butler, and Ripley Counties, would humbly petition the establishment of a post at Poplar Bluff, Butler County, and at Doniphan, Ripley County, or otherwise grant us permission to organize home guards for our defense. There are not a dozen loyal men (I mean what I say; they cant say shibboleth) left in Butler and Ripley Counties. They are about all driven from home or killed, their farms lying idle; their families reduced almost to a state of starvation. A post of infantry at these places would answer almost as well as cavalry, for those demons can iiever be sub- dued by raids. Their paths must be watched. If an order was issued for every loyal man from eighteen, to fifty to take up arms and scout the country until jayhawking was no more it would soon cease. If neither can be granted, please inform your most obedient serv- ants, H. C. DAVIDSON. HIRAM WALKER. [And 44 others. I HDQRS. COMPANY A, 7TH CAy., Mo. STATE MILITIA, Warsaw, life., April 10, 1864. Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS, Commanding: COLONEL: I have the honor to report, in obedience to Circular No. 2, headquarters District of Central Missouri, that on 5th April, 1864, I sent a scout of 1 non-commissioned officer and 10 men, mounted Page 120 120 LOUISIANA AND TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. XLVL. 25 miles southeast of this to hunt out soiue robbers who have infested that portion of the county for some time. They succeeded in cap- turing 2 of them. No bauds of guerrillas heard of in this county within the last month. Number of men ou scout within the last ten days, 11; average distance traveled by each, 60 miles. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE P. CHILES, Second Lient., Comdg. Company A, Seventh Gay., M. S. H. HEADQUARTERS POST, Lexington, Mio., April 10, 1864. Col. JAMES MOFERRAN, Comdg. 3d Sub-Dist., Dist. of Gent. 31o., Warrensbu~q, Mo.: COLONEL: I have to report that since my last report, of March 31, the troops at this post have made no scouts, being only a sufficient force for guard and escort duty. Company G has traveled a distance of 150 miles, or about 1~ miles each, on escort duty. Company H has traveled a distance of 160 miles, or about 1~ miles each, on escort duty. The troops at Mound Prairie Church have done some scout- ing in that vicinity, but can find no trace of bnshwhackers. The troops at Republican Church killed a man by the name of Fear, said to belong to Ganns band of bushwhackers. With this exception they have found nothing of any further trace of bushwhackers. I am, very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, ALEX. W. MULLINS, Major First Gavairy, Missouri State Militia, Commanding. HDQRS. COMPANY M, FIRST Mo. STATE MIL. CAY., Halls Mills, Julio., April 10, 1864. Col. JAMES MCFERRAN, 1st Car., Mo. S. H., Comdg. 3d Sub-Dist., Warrensburg, Mo.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report to you that the men under my command have been on nine scouts within the last ten days, and have traveled in the aggregate 1,440 miles, being equal to 174~ miles travel to each man. We find the country all quiet and the people generally at work with all their force preparing for their spring crops. We have neither seen nor heard of any bushwhack- ers or other persons in the country in arms against the Government, but on the contrary find the people generally well disposed toward the Government and desirous to submit to all military orders. We find forage rather scarce in the country, but up to the present we have been able to get full rations for our horses. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES D. EADS, Capt. Company Mi, First Car., Missouri State Militia. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 10, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS: If I draw troops away from the posts and county seats it will cre- ate a panic throughout the (listrict. I have therefore ordered Col- onel Phelps, Second Arkansas Cavalry, to keep his force in readiness to move constantly, and to move upon and attack the enemy whe Page 121 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOTh 121 ever he can find him. This force is near Bellefonte and Veliville, Ark., and if this force is moved I may abandon Yellville. It is now difficult to obtain forage there. If the troops are withdrawn I will give the citizens seasonable notice, so that all can come away that desire. Qnantrill, with a small force, is reported to have crossed be- tween Fort Smith and Gibson; Stewart, with 300 men, between Van Buren and Clarksville and 200 below Clarksville, and many small bands. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIsT. OF THE FRONTIER, DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, Fort Smith, Ark., April 10, 1864. Brigadier-General SANBORN, Comdg. District of Southwest Missouri, Springfield, Mo.: GENERAL: Colonel Harrison is doing all he can. His men are mostly dismonnted and cannot follow and attack them. He is strengthening his breast-works; can hold the place until yonr move- ment is made. Eight hundred men (Battles brigade), mostly Texans. They divided, 400 attacking Roseville, 45 miles southeast. The enemy was driven back, with loss of 10 killed and 15 wounded; 1 major and 1 lieutenant wounded. Our loss, 4 killed and 8 wounded. The other party crossed over the river in the direction of Clarksville. At last accounts they were 15 miles off. My men will fight them to the last. Lines down. Anxious to learn the result. In a few days more my cavalry will be relieved from guarding cot- ton. An active campaign will be commenced at once with all the independent companies I can organize. Help me all you can. Am fortifying here. Guns mounted on one of the forts. All safe. Have no transportation. Can I use your teams here temporarily? Yours, respectfully, ~. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Commanding. IN THE FIELD, April 10, 1864. General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: I request that ammunition be forwarded to me as promptly as possible. I am in need of it for both pistol and carbine. I have per- mitted or ordered to Springfield officers of the regiment to be mus- tered in [to] return immediately. Ordnance was to be brought down and ought to be here, but is not. The enemy is scouting all around me and I cannot venture out in a long pursuit, for the cause explained. Captain Orr had a skirmish with Sissell, Cooper, and Pattens forces, numbering 250. He had 50 men, and fought them two hours on the headwaters of Buffalo. Returned with the loss of 1 killed, 1 cap- tured, 1 wounded. Sissell is there yet, sick or wounded, and if I re- ceive ammunition I can wipe him out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. MELTON, Major, G1ommanding Second Arkansas LYavcdry Page 122 122 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, JIb., April 1Q 1864. Major BURCH, Commanding at Neosho, Mo.: The commanding officer at Fort Smith states that a large number of small bands of rebels and guerrillas have crossed the Arkansas River, moving north. Quantrill is reported to be among the number. You should, if possible, keep out sInall scouting parties to the south and southwest, and keep well informed of the enemys movements, and strike him whenever you can successfully. You should retain Captain Ruarks company at Neosho or within supporting distance of that place, if possible. Report all information of importance to Newtonia and on through to these headquarters at the earliest time possible. If tbe enemy comes within striking distance of your post, attack him with all the force you can bring to bear, and vigorously call the Enrolled Militia to your ai(l, if necessary, and citizens. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 10, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Mount Vernon, Mo.: There is information that a large number of small bands of rebels and guerrillas have recently crossed the Arkansas River moving north. You will keep out small scouts to the south and southwest. Hold your men well in hand and keep a good supply of ammunition on hand, and be ready to move with all available force at the shortest notice. Support any position threatened by the enemy, and attack him whenever you can do so successfully. Call Enrolled Militia not in the service and citizens to your aid if threatened by a superior force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 10, 1864. Capt. WILLIAM RAY, Commanding Company, Gadfly, Mo.: There is information that a hirge number of rebels and guerrillas have crossed the Arkansas River, moving north. Be on the alert. Keep out small scouts and fight whenever there is a chance of suc- cess. Send any information you get to me via Cassville; also to Neosho and Mount Vernon, if it is such that they should know it. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 123 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 UNION LEAGUE OF AMERICA, OFFICE GRAND LECTURER OF STATE OF KANSAS, Leavenworth, April 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK, Saint Joseph, Mo.: DEAR SIR: I learn this evening that you purpose personally to examine into the organization of the Paw Paw Militia in Parkyille, Platte County, Mo., my old home. I wish yon could make it con- venient to have an interview with me at Leavenworth City as you pass down previous to yonr visit to Parkyille. I can give yon more reliable information concerning the state of affairs there than any other one man, and might give you some suggestions which you might find valuable, if had [an interview] before your visit, which would prove unavailable afterward. These suggestions would prob- ably save you and the Government much in the settlement of this vexed question; yourself in personal exertion and the Government the expenditure of both blood and treasure. I have studied the matter carefully from the beginning of the war, at which time I resided in Parkville myself, and since which time I have been sent to the county in command by General Hunter and took no mean part in inducing President Lincoln to remove General Schofield and appoint General Rosecrans, principally upon account of his actions in the very preniises in which you are now about to act, and you will excuse me if I venture to say that I consider the present question in Northwest Missouri to be at present the most important feature of the rebellion. More important a thousandfold than the capture of Richmond or the overthrow of the army there or in any of the Southern States. The North is pretty well settled in an opinion, in perfect accord- ance with that of the Government, that in the Southern States the war must be carried on with the utmost vigor and severity, but in Missouri, especially in Northwestern Missouri, the question for solu- tion is whether the President shall sustain and arm his friends who have been tried and proven, or those who profess to be his friends now, and who have proven that friendship her6tofore by fighting against the Government and bushwhacking and robbing the un- doubted Union men. There are many minor details which I dare not commit to paper which you ought to know before going down there, and I shall take great pleasure in communicating them to you at Leavenworth as you go down if you wish. Please write or telegraph me immediately upon the receipt of this whether I shall see you or not, and oblige, very respectfully, yours, EBENEZER N. 0. CLOUGH. P. S.General Curtis is absent,, or I would take this up to him and get him to forward it to you for me, with his recommendation that you see me before you go. I am in the city and not at the fort. E.N.O.C. FORT LARAMIE, April 10, 1864. Col. J. M. CIIIVINGTON: General Mitchell telegraphs information received that Indians stole 175 horses near Denver and directs me to co-operate with you Page 124 124 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Js it true? When and where? If so, call on Major Mackey, at Hal- leck, for all troops he can spare, and telegraph inc what help I can send from here. WM. 0. COLLINS, Lieutenant- Colonel Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 11, 18641 p. m. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn.: Order either Captain Wilson or Hams, of the engineers (which- ever you can best spare), to immediately report to Major-General Banks for duty in the Department of the Gulf. H. W. HALLECK, Mqlor- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Grand Ecore La QUARTERMASTER, , ., April 11, 1864. Alexandria, La. The quartermaster in charge of water transportation at Alexan- dria will report to the post commissary at that point all sugar and molasses that may be brought in for transportation. No sugar or molasses will be allowed to be shipped by private parties on any U. S. transports from Alexandria or any river or bayou connecting therewith. All the sugar and molasses in this section is required for the use of the army, and the pos~ commissary at Alexandria is directed to seize all that may be reached. By order of Major-General Banks: H. D. WOODRUFF, Lieutenant- Colonel and Commissary of Subsistence. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, Baton Rouge, La., April 11, 1864. Capt. T. B. GREGORY, U. S. Navy, Gomdg., Donaldsonvilie, La.: Your dispatch received. There is not a navy vessel in the second district. I wish a gun-boat for a few days. P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding. PORT HUDSON, LA., April 11, 1864. Capt. CHARLES B. GASKILL: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following brief report as to the condition of the batteries and magazines of the inner line of fortifications of this post: Since my last report implement sheds have been built, with one exception, at all- batteries supplied with implements. Doors have been fitted to one magazine, but as ye Page 125 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 125 have no hinges. Platforms for shot have been constructed at two batteries and the gulls partly supplied with shot. The others, I pre- sume, will be finished and supplied to-morrow, and the magazines have been supplied with powder. The ordnance officer informs me that he will complete the complement of implements at all the guns as far as in his power immediately. The guns are still much in need of Qil and work hard and clumsily. Some of the axles I doubt not have never been oiled since mounted, if, indeed, they were then. I hesitate to apply salt grease, fearful that it will do more harm than good. Hoping soon to report a complete battery, I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. BEARDSLEY, Lieut., Comdg. Detach. 6th Michigan Vol. Heavy Arty. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, In the Field, April 11, 1864. COMMANDING GENERAL FORCES, C. S. ARMY, Pleasant Hill: SIR: When tile troops of my command evacuated Pleasant Hill there were left behind for want of ambulances quite a large nuluber of wounded officers and men. At tile moment it was imprac- ticable to leave with them the proper supplies for men ill their con- dition, but I request of you now the privilege of forwarding for them necessary supplies of food, medicines, clothing, & c. Very respectfully, I am, sir, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. FIELD ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 16. Grand Ecore, La., April lii, 1864. 1. The One hundred and thirty-third Regiment New York Volun- teers is relieved from duty in the Defenses of New Orleans, and will report to Brig. Gen. C. Grover, commanding Second Division, Nine- teenth Army Corps, at Alexandria, La., for dnty in the tield. 2. The four regiments of infantry belonging to the Thirteenth Army Corps, now serving at Baton Rouge, will be immediately re- lieved by an equal number of dismounted cavalry, now serving in the Defenses of New Orleans, and on being so relieved will be re- ported under command of the -senior field officer to the commander of the detachment of the Thirteenth Army Corps now serving in the field. * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjntant- General. GRAND ECORE, April 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN, Commanding Nineteenth Army Gorps: GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to inform you that a line of defense has been selected here, aiid that the troops upo Page 126 126 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. arrival will take position upon it, where the line of battle will be formed, and where the organization of the forces will be made. General Lees cavalry will be formed upon the left, and the exact position he will take will be communicated to yon as soon as possi- ble. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 11, 1864. Major-General FRANKLIN, Comdg. 19th and Detachment 13th Army Corps: GENERAL General Stone desires you to send Captain Oltman to report to him if it is convenient to you, as it is reported that he has examined the ground about Grand Ecore. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0.8. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, C~omdg. Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires to know what information you have of the enemy and how you are progressing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 11, 1864. Col. W. H. DICKEY, Gomdg. First Brigade, First Division, Corps dAfrique: COLONEL: You will move your camp immediately to the left of Colonel Dudleys, in the lower part of the town. - By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to send out at once 500 of the best cavalry in your command to relieve Colonel Lucas from rear-guard duty. Colonel Lucas on being relieved will report to you. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 127 127 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ET~.UNION. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 11, 1864. Lieut. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General: On Wednesday, the 6th instant, Major-General Franklins com- mand moved in the direction of Mansfield, General Lees cavalry force forming the advance gnard, and a portion of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smiths force bringing np the rear. On the 7th, General Lee passed to a point a few miles beyond Pleasant Hill, after having skirmished with the enemys rear during nearly the entire day. At one time Colonel Robinsons brigade lost about 70 men. The advance of our column reached a point about 4 miles from Mansfield, at a place, I think, called Sabine Cross-Roads, on the 8th, when it met a determined opposition from the enemy in torce. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Webb, of the Seventy-seventh Illinois, was killed a short time before reaching this point. Onr force, with the exception of General Smiths command, engaged the enemy until night. A full report of the action I will forward as soon as reports are received from the various commanders. In the action Brigadier-General Ransom was severely wounded. At night onr line fell back for water to Pleasant Hill, at which place the enemy attacked at about 4 p. in., but was repulsed with serious loss. A report will be forwarded with the one referred to above. On Sunday and Monday the entire line fell back to Grand Ecore for supplies and water. In this action Col- onel Benedict, commanding brigade, was killed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 11, 1864. [Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General:] M~ DEAR COLONEL: We have just returned from Pleasant Hill and Mansfield, at both of which places serious actions have taken place. On the morniiig of last Friday ou~ cavalry advance, after having skirmished for upward of 40 miles, was checked by a deter- niined stand of the enemys rear guard at a point about 4 miles from Mansfield, called sometimes Sabine Cross-Roads. The entire cavalry force at or~ce deployed in hue, and were in action as soon as so de- ployed. It soon became evident that our force in action was too small. Colonel Landrauns division of the Thirteenth Army Corps went in on a hill in the center of the line of battle. The firing now became furious, and a general engagement began. General Cam- erons division of the Thirteenth Corps was ordered up and 500fl became engaged. From the extreme right to the extreme left the most desperate efforts were made to dislodge our first line. After the most dreadful carnage for above three hours, and the most des- perate resistance, the line gave way, retiring to a second position. This line was strengthened by new troops, but the enemy came on at a tremendous charge and drove our line in with much confusion and loss. We were now forced back by the impetuous enemy to our reserves. On they came, yelling like demons, firing tremendou Page 128 128 LOUiSIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSJSSJppI. [CHAP. XLVI. volleys of musketry and salvos of artillery. The hopes of the army are conceutrated in the reserve, whiCh was General Emorys division of the Nineteenth Army Corps. They were on their knees, not firing a gun until the Charge of the enemy reaChed about 30 yards, when a most furious fire was delivered and Continned; not a man wavered. Like a wall of fire they held their position, inflicting the most terri- ble punishment until night, when the battle Closed. At night our line fell back to Pleasant Hill for water and snpplies. They followed us very closely, and at about 4 p. m. of the following day engaged us again with renewed vigor and increased forces. As upon the day before, our first line was forced in by overpowering numbers. The Sixteenth Corps came up upon a most magnificent charge, led by Generals Stone and Mower, accompanied by sevei~al members of the staff. On they went, with terrible effect, turning the enemy and driving him niost disastrously, aiid continued in pur- suit until night. In this action we took a large number of prison- ers and guns that had been taken from us the day before. We have now fallen back to our base ou Red River, to resupply ourselves with rations and ammunition preparatory to a new advance. These fights have been as sanguinary as any I have ever seen. The list of killed and wounded is tremendous. For four days I slept on the ground, with nothing but an overcoat, without removing an item of apparel, and with nothing to eat from breakfast to breakfast and then nothing ibut hard bread and salt meat. I shall send you full reports as soon as possible to obtain them. Please forward the inclosed letter, addressed to General McClernand, as soon as possible by a trusty messenger. I return your letter addressed to Colonel Benedict. He was killed at the action near Mansfield. Iii reply to your communication of the 4th, I beg leave to report that copies of every order issued have been sent you. I am, coloiiel, sincerely yours, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adiutant- General. [inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army (Jorps, Pass Gavallo, Tex.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding the department desires that you return to New Orleans, and thence to his headquarters in the field, to assume personal command of that portion of the Thir- teenth Army Corps now serving in the campaign. He further desires that you bring from Pass Cavallo all the white infantry at that place, except the necessary garrison for defense of the position in conjunction with the gun-boats of the navy. This necessary gar- rison, the major-general commanding thinks, should not exceed 2,000 infantry of the Thirteenth Army Corps, the field and heavy artillery troops now there, and the cavalry which has been hereto- fore assigned to duty with you which is deemed sufficient for scout- ing purposes. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 129 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Department of the Gulf: COLONEL: I have just returned from a tour of inspection and observation, embracing the whole coast of Texas south of this place and the frontier from the mouth of the Rio Grande to Brownsville. I will not dwell on the details affecting the condition of our forces stationed along this extended line, which were lately brought to the attention of the general commanding by Major-General Ord, and which either have been or are in course of being definitely arranged. I pass to other considerations. The health of the troops is good, excepting some cases of ophthalmia, increasing in number and caused by flying sand, and a limited number of other cases such as are incideut to camp life. Fatigue duties have been heavy and contin- uous, consisting of constructing defensive works in shifting sands and unloading boats. The amount of labor bestowed on such works here on Mustang Island and at Brazos Santiago would, from the cause mentioned, have reproduced the same works several times. The works here are nearly completed, except revettiiig with sod, which, from the scarcity of such material and of wagons to haul it, has proved to be a tedious job. In the absence of suitable lumber I have improvised, to the extent of my limited means, temporary platforms for guns for such of the works as are ready to receive them. The works on Mustang Island are of little or no value, not only for want of intelligent and con- sistent design, but from the difficulty, if not impracticability, of pre- serving their identity amid the drifting sands. Major Thompson, who is in command on this island, informed me that the location of his camp was fixed at or about the time our forces left there for Fort Esperauza, and that he had not felt at liberty to remove it. The location is immediately among the sand-hills and is almost uninhab- itable. Have ordered an examination to be made for the purpose of ascertaining whether the garrison and guns there might not be trans- ferred to a position on the foot of Saint Josephs Island equally favorable to command Aransas Pass and more favorable for a camp; but of course, in view of what has been said, would not order accord- ingly without the consent of the general commanding. Major Thompson has scoured the neighboring shores and captured all the enemys boats, large and small, that he could find. On the night before I arrived at Mustang one of his parties had occupied Corpus Christi and learned that Nolans rebel company had been in- festing that vicinity. Corpus Christi, as I learned at Brownsville, has been since occupied by Fords command, numbering variously, ac- cording to different accounts, from 400 to 700. The work on Brazos Island is misplaced and incapable of commanding the inlet to La- guna del Madre, but a new work has been begun by Colonel Hodge, commanding that post, which, from its plan and location, with proper armament, will be effectual for the purpose. Six guns with barbette carriages were being unloaded there, as I was informed, for the works at Brownsville. The route between these two places, via Boca Chica, has superseded the more difficult one via Point Isabel, and thus time and distance have been saved. In view of this fact, I can- not see that any valuable object is to be secured by continuing, the present garrison of two companies at Point Isabel, unless it be to 9 R RYOL XXXIV, PT II Page 130 130 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. secure the light-house there from further injury. Should the enemy occupy that point, which is hardly supposable, we could cut off his escape by marching upon him either from Brownsville or Brazos Island. Colonel Hodge is now throwing a bridge across Boca Chica which, when completed, will much facilitate communication between the island and Brownsville. The projected railroad between the island and Halls ranch, on the Rio Grande, would still more facili- tate it, and I think should be early completed. Colonel lodge needs an addition to his force for fatigue duty. I would recommend that one of the colored regiments at Port Hudson be sent to him; also, that another be sent here to relieve the heavy fatigue in hand- ling stores and constructing defenses. I understand that Col. A. J. Edgerton, commanding Sixty-seventh U. S. Infantry (colored), de- sires to come here. His regiment would be very acceptable. The works at Brownsville are well planned as against the rebels, and are well constructed, so far as they have progressed. 01(1 Fort Brown has been partly dismantled, and materials taken from it for the works above the town, which has been abandoned. This fort is the only work which would afford defense against attack from the opposite side of the Rio Grande, andshou]d be rebuilt; and to meet contingencies on that side, it would be well to throw up two batteries, one above and the other below old Fort Brown, on the river bank, thus commanding the Mexican side of the river by a perfect cross- fire of artillery, and securing the rear of the works now nuder construction, which is entirely exposed. The inclosed drawing * will illustrate the plan of the works near Brownsville. The altera- tions I propose are marked in red ink. I have directed that all deficiencies existing in any of the staff departments be immediately supplied. In conclusion, it would be uncandid to conceal the fact that the long-continued dispersion of this corps over so extended a space has been and still is working injury to its morale and efficiency. To arrest this evil and to secure an opportunity for aggressive operations, it is earnestly recommended, in accordance with the universal desire both of officers and privates, that the corps be early concentrated and ordered upon active service in the field. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Jlfajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass Cavallo, Te ., April 11, 1864. Maj. A. C. MATTHEWS: MAJOR: Your dispatch of the 7th instant (among others) was brought to my notice on my return from Brownsville. You are permitted, in the exercise of your discretion, to cross over with such portion of your command as you may think proper to Saint Josephs Island, for the purpose of making a reconnaissance and bringing away cattle and horses. I am informed that our forces left a num- ber of horses on that island on their advance along the coast to Matagorda Island. As it appears that parties of the enemy have * Not found Page 131 CHAP. XLVI.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 been hovering about Bayucas, Oyster Shell Reef, and Corpus Christi, you will be careful to guar a ainst surprise aud to provide for your safe return. You may also, if you should think it entirely safe, extend your reconnaissance to the south end of Saint Josephs Island and ascertain whether the detachment on Mustang Island might not be transferred to a position on this side of Aransas equally eligible for commanding (by artillery) that pass, and more eligible for a camp. Should you extend your reconnaissance so far, you will, if you find it convenient to do so, communicate with Major Thompson, commanding on Mustang Island. To meet this con- tingency I will send a copy of this dispatch by the ~teainer Saint Marys, now here. You will not, however, consider yourself in any way constrained against your judgment by this suggestion. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. (Copy to Maj. W. G. Thompson.) HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, A Pass C~avallo, Tex., April 11, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel PIERCE, Chief Quartermaster: COLONEL: Major Thompson, commanding at Cedar Bayou, wants a grappling-hook to fish for torpedoes. You will have one furnished him if possible. By command of Major-General SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 77. Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864. I. Brigadier-General Warren, commanding First Division, will detail a company 35 to 50 strong, with at least 2 officers, to report on board the naval vessel Estrella to Lieut. Commander A. P. Cooke. The men will be supplied with 100 rounds of ammunition. They will take their knapsacks and light mess furniture with them, and will carry two days rations in their haversacks. The company will remain with Lieutenant-Commander Cooke until relieved by him or by orders from these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 11, 1864. Brigadier-General WARREN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: The two companies of infantry ordered to report on board the Estrella and Zephyr have not yet done so. You will hasten their movements. They must be aboard before daylight to- morrow morning. IBy command of Major-General McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 132 132 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. GRAND ECORE, April 11, 1864. Major-General SiEELE: We have met the enemy in full force on the 8th and 9th and beat him both times, but have been compelled to fall back for want of water. His force is 22,000. Smith, Price, Green, and Taylor are here. Mouton is killed. The enemy will attack us, or assault you in force. Both must be ready. I shall communicate with you as often as possible. N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, No. 9. j Prairie DAne, Ark., April 11, 1864. The command will move to-morrow morning at 5 oclock, in the following order: Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr will place his cavalry on the right and left, the same as iu the movement of to-day. Brig. Gen. F. Salomon will move in the center, and in columns, covered by skirmishers. Brig. Gen. J. iN/I. Thayer will form his command in columns in the same position assigned hini to-day. The entire command will move in columns, covered by skirumishers, the center of the column on the Spring Hill road. The train will remain parked in the same position it now occupies. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: GEO. 0. SOKALSKI, First Lient., Second Gavalry, and Act. Asst. Adj. Gen. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 11, 1864. Major-General STEELE, Commanding Department: GENERAL: Yours of the 7th, from Elkins Ferry, is received. I rejoice at your success, and do most sincerely hope that you may di-ive the enemy before you and gain victories in every engagement. I am rejoiced that the Fiftieth Indiana has sustained its reputation and the honor of our flag and the State; and, general, I know that they will continue to do so. They can be relied upon in any emer- gency. They will never falter, nor will they be defeated. Sorry to hear of General Rices sanguinary mishap; hope he may escape in future. General, I regret that I am not with you. I would rather be your orderly than be here. I am doing the best I can under the circumstances. I regret that you have deemed it necessary to give confidential instructions to your assistant adjutant-general, dernier resort. I will do nothing except what is right, demanded by the circumstances or the good of the public service, and I will act as my judgment and the requirements of the service dictate and demand. I will treat all citizens with due kindness, and administer affairs for their good and for the advancement of our cause and the good of the Government. The trains with supplies are dispatched with the utmost prompt- ness. I sent forward all the troops belonging to the commands wit Page 133 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 133 you. I have trouble with General Blunt; he has seized and holds all the transportation at Fort Smith. I have directed Colonel Jud- son to take it by force, if necessary. The rebels ~re thick near Fort Smith and above Dardanelle. Outpost at Roseville was attacked a few days ago, but the enemy was repulsed with loss. The forces at Clarksville were also attacked, but repulsed the enemy. The force of rebels on the south side of the river are Texans and Missourians, under command of some brigadier-general of Texas. I send with the train a detachment of Third Iowa Cavalry. Lieutenant-Colonel Caldwell, of that regiment, is here with an order from the War Department, for all men of the Third Iowa in this command, as also is Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart, of Tenth Illinois, to go to Nashville. I hope that the officers and men of the Third Iowa and Tenth Illinois may be returned with the train. The Fifty- fourth Illinois has been detained in Illinois by order of General Grant for a few days. Four companies of the Third Minnesota have been detailed at Cairo by General Brayman. I have not more than force enough to defend this post and the railroad and the depot at Devalls Bluff. My cavalry is nothing. More force is needed at Fort Smith and points between this and Fort Smith. I will visit McRae again, and, I think, will get him. I have closed all the liquor shops and forbid the sale of liquors, and ordered all gamblers, loafers, and other per- sons having no proper means of support, and who are non-residents, to leave the boundaries of my commands. The Legislature assem- bled to-day, but there was not a quorum; there will be in a day or two. Major Green and I will have no misunderstanding, nor will I have any with any of your staff officers remaining here. I will do my duty and allow no one to interfere. I am made responsible for. the welfare of this command and the safety of all here, and I will govern myself accordingly. I would prefer to be in the field, and ask you to relieve me from this command if my course is not acceptable. I cannot feel satisfied that it is necessary for a staff officer to have confidential instructions to issue orders as dernier resort, or control or countermand my or- ders. If I do wrong, I am willing to be reproved and have my con- duct investigated. I am either capable of commanding and worthy of confidence or I am not. If not, I wish to be relieved. Brigadier- General West is here, under orders to report to you. Inclosed you will find copies of orders* from these headquarters; also communi- cations* from Major Green and my reply. I find it necessary to control the issuing of passes, and absolutely necessary to prohibit the sale of liquors and send away all loafers and gamblers, and will, if permitted, protect all citizens, preserve the peace, promote the welfare of the people, and advance the cause of the country. No one will have cause to complain except such as are dangerous, and who should not be allowed to Lremain] with or near the armies. The classes I have enumerated in general orders. I sincerely wish that success may continue to attend you and the army, and that the rebels may be completely annihilated. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. * Not found as inclosures Page 134 134 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CrIAP. XLVI. [Inc1osur~.] HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 11, 1864. Maj. W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Arkansas: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your coinmunica- tion dated to-day, and inclosing a copy of General Orders, No. 47, dated headquarters Army of Arkansas, Little Rock, December 23, 1863, and to say that General Orders, No. 14, dated headquarters Department of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark., March 22, 1864, super- sedes the first-mentioned order, and that during the time said Gen- eral Orders, No. 14, is in effect, the troops in this command will obey such orders and instructions as I may deem it expedient and proper to give them, and that I see no cause for revoking any orders or instructions given by me to the guards and pickets at this place. [Neitheri instructions, orders, nor papers will be respected and obeyed from any officer or person claiming to be left with verbal confidential instructions superior to those of the major-general com- manding the department, as published in said Orders, No. 14. I inclose for your inforn~iation the order* of Col. C. C. Andrews, ap- pointing a provost-marshal for this post, and have to say that I be- lieve he is properly instructed in relation to passed to citizens who claim to be marketiiig, and that I deem him the proper officer for citizens to apply to for passes. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 11, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BLACK, ~iJommanding Detachment: You will send the detachment of the Third Iowa Cavalry with the train. They will return from the front with the train on its return. Have them report to the officer commanding the escort to the train. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, C~omnzanding. PORT SMITH, April 11, 1864. General KIMBALL: The Ninth Kansas was at Fort Scott on the 7th. The post at Rose- yule all right. Clarksville threatened by 500 men. Have ordered re-enforcements from Roseville. Send what you can spare from Dardanelle. River not rising. Where is General Thayer? W. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Commanding. * Not found Page 135 CHAP. XLVI.] 135 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. FORT SMITH, April 11, 1864. General KIMBALL: Roseville was attacked at two different timesthree to one. My men drove them back. Enemy destroyed two cotton-gins and some cotton near by. Have pressed teams to bring away Government cotton. Cavalry can follow them. Clarksville most in danger. Ordered them to barricade the streets, take possession of the honses, loophole the walls, and defend it to the last. Extending breast- works at Fayetteville. General Sanborn will send relief there soon. Have no fear of this point. Gnns monnted on one fort; all the men at work on the others. W. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Corn manding. [LITTLE ROCK, ARK.,] April 11, 1864. Col. W. R. JUDSON, Commanding District of the Frontier: The general is glad to hear from you. Major Green telegraphed you last night orders about the transportation, and ordered the Ninth Kansas to report to you as soon as practicable. General Thayer probably made the connection with General Steele at 5 miles from Camden last Friday. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. LEWISBURG, April 11, 1864. General KIMBALL: I was absent on the ontpost when yonr dispatch of last evening arrived relative to the skirmish at Roseville. I do not think there were more thau 250 rebels, althongh reported to have been 600. Colonel Cloud, who, I presume, reached Little Rock last night or this a. in., will post you fully, as some of his scouts were there. Small bands of rebels are coming up from below daily. Of their operations in the vicinity of Dardanelle, Lieutenant-Colonel Fuller will keep you advised. I am keeping out scouting parties of all the men I can spare, sending two to-day. The steamer Alamo has just left for Lit- tle Rock with Judge Harper, Mr. White, and [Mr.] Stephenson on board. The river is falling. A. H. RYAN, Colonel, Commanding Post. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 11, 1864. Col. A. H. RYAN, Comdg. Fourth Arkansas C~avalry, Lewisburg, Ark.: SIR: The general commanding directs that you order Second Lient, John N. Jones, of your regiment, to proceed in command of a scout of 75 men, to be detailed by you and properly officered, to Hot Springs County, on a special duty, in which he is instructed by the prope Page 136 136 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIppI. [cHAP. XLVI. person. He wishes the detail to start at the earliest practicable mo- ment. He orders that no honses be burnt by them and no property destroyed, but he wishes them to secure all guerrillas and bush- whackers who may fall in their way. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MIsSoURI Saint Louis, Mo., April 11, 1864. General RAWLINS, Assistant A6~jutant-General, Washington, D. C.: If the General-in-Chief accedes to my views of allowing two good disciplined regiments of cavalry from without the State for this department, ask him to please let me have the Second Iowa and Third Michigan. The Seventh Kansas is a good fighting regiment, but would be less likely to answer our purpose here. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI, No. 100. Saint Louis, Mo., April 11, 1864. * * * * * * * 10. The Ninth Iowa Cavalry, Colonel Trumbull, will proceed l)y rail to Rolla. Mo., and march thence, via Springfield, Mo., to Little Rock, Ark., and report for duty to Major-General Steele. At Spring- field, Colonel Trumbull will report to Brigadier-General Sanborn, commanding Distript of Southwest Missouri, for instructions and orders to enable him on his march to co-operate with troops of that district and in Northwest Arkansas, in extirpating bands of guerril - las in that section of the country. General Sanborn will not give orders which will materially delay the regiment in reporting at Little Rock, unless the exigencies of the service at the time should require it. Colonel Trumbull will make the usual requisitions on proper staff officers for transportation, supplies, & c. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Rosecrans: 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General. PILOT KNOB, April 11, 1864. General EWING, Commanding District of Saint Louis: Some more of those most notorious bandits and guerrillas I got track of crossed the river into Illinois. May I send after them ? To catch the leaders and to catch these robbers at their haunt will do more good than to send whole companies after them when they have once come over the river. JOHN N. HERDER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Post Page 137 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 137 HEADQUARTERS SAINT Louis DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 11, 1864. Lient. Col. J. N. HERDER, Commanding, Pilot Knob: You will by all means cross the river at any time to kill guerrillas and break up their Camps. I want none of them taken prisoners. But no squad must cross except under a commissioned officer, who will be held responsible for the conduct of his men. Such robberies as were committed by Captain Milks men must not be al] owed to recur. You will exert yourself to recover the property stolen and bring the offenders to justice. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April II, 1864. Colonel PHELPS, Cassville, Mo.: You can make such moves as the condition requires when you learn what the condition is. Send out the militia as soon as their condition will permit, but make everything subservient to whip- ping out the enemy and keeping them south of you. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS, Paola, Kans, April 11, 1864. Col. N. P. CHIPMAN, Chief of Staff, Dept. of Kansas, Fort Learenwortk, Kans.: CoLoNE~~: I have information that there are several droves of cat- tle from the Indian Territory in Greenwood, Allen, and adjoining counties, in charge of persons professing to have permits from Colonel Phillips and other commanding officers south of this district. I re- spectfully request to be informed in reference to the instructions of the major-general commanding the department upon this subject, especially whether or not these officers have authority to give such permits. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. J. MCKEAN, Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., Comdg. District. WASHINGTON, April 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. JAMES H. CARLETON, Santa F~, N. Mex.: GENERAL: Your letter of March 20 is received,* and so much of it as refers to quartermaster and commissary business will be referred to the chiefs of those bureaus for their action, which will be duly communicated. It was not supposed that, with the means at your disposal, you would be able to move far into Texas, but it was hoped *8cc Part II, p. 671 Page 138 138 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. that some demonstration might be made on the upper Rio Grande which would at least embarrass the rebels in that quarter. Any troops sent out for this object should not be advanced so far as to be seriously exposed. Since my last letter to you on this subject General Banks seems to have changed his base of operations from the Gulf west to the Red River. This will probably render any demonstration on your part of less assistance to him than when he was operating on his former base. Indeed, I am of opinion that after his long delays he will not accomplish much in Texas this spring. On the 1st of February last Brig. Gen. J. R. West was ordered to report for duty to Major-Gen- eral Steele, Department of Arkansas. It appears from your recent dispatches that you had not received the order. If so, this will be sufficient authority for~ you to send him to General Steele. In any- thing you may do on Mexican territory, be exceedingly careful to give no offense to the French. It is important at the present time that we maintain the most amicable relations with that power. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. IIALLECK Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC, San Francisco, April ii, 1864. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington C~ity, D. C.: SIR: Capt. B. C. Cutler, assistant adjutant-general of the Depart- ment of New Mexico, has arrived at my headquarters with dispatches from Brigadier-General Carleton. Inclosed herewith is a copy of General Carletons communication addressed to me on the 7th ultimo; also copy of a letter from Captain Cutler communicating the wishes of the general. I have already reported the departure of all the companies of the First Cavalry for the Department of New Mexico. The seventh and last company has not yet reached Fort Yuma; the other six companies are far in advance of that point. To enable General Carleton to comply with the instructions he has received from the General-in-Chief, I have ordered my chief quartermaster to prepare with dispatch the thirty wagons; they will be sent forward from Southern California, laden with the articles of subsistence asked for, at the earliest moment practicable. Very respectftilly, your obedient servant, G. WRIGHT Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO General GEORGE Santa F~, N. Mex., March 7, 1864. C~omdg. Dept. of the Pac~ific, Sacramento, Cal.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: Your kind letter of the 23d of January reached me in Franklin, Tex. There are reasons connected with the public service, which Captain Cutler will explain to you, that renders it necessary that I should retain all the transportation that comes through with the cavalry companies. and ask of you, besides, the favor to send me thirty first-class 6-mule teams, the wagons to b Page 139 OflAP. XLVt.] C01fl~ESP0NDENCE, ETC. U1~IO~. 1~9 laden each with sugar, coffee, tea, candles, soap, rice, vinegar, and pork, in due proportions, except sugar and coffee, which should be 2 per cent. in excess over and above all the other articles. Beans and flour, and doubtless salt, I can get on the Rio Grande. The train should come at once through to Las Cruces, N. Mex., where it will be greatly needed. I beg not to be disappointed in this, as every- thing depends on getting the train and stores at the earliest possible day. Captain Cutler will give you all the news, and tell you how much we regretted the idea of your removal. * * * * * * * Sincerely, yours, JAMES H. CARLETON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 2.] SACRAMENTO, CAL., April 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE WRIGHT, C~omdg. Dept. of the Pacific, Sacramento, Cal.: GENERAL: I had the honor to hand you to-day a communication from Brig. Gen. James H. Carleton, commanding the Department of New Mexico, dated Santa F~, N. Mex., March 7, 1864. In this let- ter General Carleton desired you to transfer to the Department of New Mexico a certain amount of public transportation and subsist- ence stores; he also stated that I would explain to yon the reasons which compelled him to make this request. Short 1 y before I left Santa F~ for California. General Carleton received orders from the Headquarters of the Army to concentrate, at some convenient point within his department, all of the cavalry force at his command, with a view of organizing a column to operate against the rebels in Texas. This column was to move as soon as practicable down the valley of the Rio Grande as far as Eagle Pass, at which point it was to be joined by a force to be sent up from the coast by Major-General Banks. The Commander-in-Chief did not make known the ultimate destination of this force, but directed that his orders referred to above be carried into effect with as little delay as possible. General Carleton at present has at his disposal but a limited amount of pub- lic transportation, and it is next to impossible to purchase mules or wagons in New Mexico at this time; he desired me to say that if you could furnish the transportation and supplies asked for he would be able to act efficiently, otherwise it would be extremely dif- ficult for him to carry out in a satisfactory manner the orders re- ceived from the War Department. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BEN. C. CUTLER, Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Port Hudson, La., April 12, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report that an examination was made yesterday of the telegraph line on the west bank of the river with a view to repair it, and that 8 miles of the line has been destroyed b Page 140 140 LOUISTANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVT. the enemy, the poles being cut down and the destrnction complete. It is reported that the force of the enemy has been increased and that it now numbers, as variously estimated, from 150 to 500 men. In order to clean the country and protect the line on that side of the river from this point to Red River, and also below to Baton Rouge, it will be necessary to have 1,000 cavalry, with which force the enemy can be routed and communication maintained. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. L. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Gornma nding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 12, 1864. Captain PHELPS, U. S. Navy: The major-general commanding the department desires me to say that a pontoon bridge is to be laid across the river to-night, and that the barge he understands is in your possession would be of great use in its construction. He requests that you permit it to be used for the purpose. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 12, 1864. Col. S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Gulf: COLONEL: We have met with a serious reverse at the front, and the army has retreated to Grand Ecore, having lost a train of 165 wagons loaded with commissary stores and forage. I understand that we have lost 8,000 men killed, wounded, and prisoners, and 118 pieces of artillery; Nims lost 4 pieces; Colonel Benedict is killed and General Ransom wounded. I have received urgent orders from General Stone to send up all the commissary and quartermaster stores possib]e, but have n~ means of doing it. I have been obliged to send up the Mittie Stevens with commissary stores. The river is falling rapidly, so that boats drawing more than 5 feet 6 inches are unable to cross, and by to-morrow night boats drawing over 5 feet will not be able to cross. The river is falling 4 inches per day steadily. I most urgently request that all boats not drawing over 4 feet loaded may be seized at once and sent up here loaded light, and at the same time well coaled. I think the coast packets might be used in this emergency, and probably three or four stern-wheel boats could be procured at XTicksburg. I am hauling wood from Governor Moores plantation, 8 miles from this place, and will soon be out of fuel. I have to request that coal may be sent up as soon as possible. The captain of the steamer Laurel Hill is a scoundrel, and the sooner he is discharged from - service the better. On the last trip to New Orleans he managed to smuggle 7 or 8 bales of cotton. On his trip before this from Grand Ecore he bought 11 bales of cotton from Mr. Calhouns negroes, pay Page 141 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 141 ing them $240. I had the provost-marshal search his boat; they found 10 bales, and the next morning found 1 more secreted. He told me that he had given a receipt to 2 negroes in your name, as he said that you had authorized him to do so and that the negroes owned the cotton. To-day Mr. Calhoun ca;me in himself and proved that Thomas had stolen the cotton, paying the sum above mentioned to the negroes, and besides had stolen a number of sheep, turkeys, & c. He is a hard case; his clerk is worthless; pays no attention to his business whatever. Very respectfully, D. N. WELCH, Assistant Quartermaster. GRAND ECORE, April 12, 1864. Major-General FRANKLIN, Comdg. Nineteenth and Detachment Thirteenth Corps; GENERAL: I am directed to inform you that our pickets on the Grand Ecore road are being pressed. The commanding general desires to at once make the necessary preparation to meet an attack. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjatant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DETACH. 18TH ARMY CORPS, No. 16. Grand Ecore, La., April 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. E. G. Ransom having been wounded in battle, and thereby disabled for duty, the undersigned assumes command of the detachment of the Thirteenth Army Corps. The following-named officers are hereby announced on dnty at headquarters, and will be respected and obeyed accordingly: Surg. J. W. H. Vest, acting medical director. Capt. Oscar Mohr, acting assistant adjutant-general. Capt. Martin Klauss, chief of artillery. Capt. R. B. Hatch, chief quartermaster. Capt. Joseph T. Haskell, chief commissary of subsistence. Capt. James M. Buel, aide-de-camp. Lieut. Henry H. Hyatt, aide-de-camp. R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 13TH A. C., DEPT. OF THE GULF, No. 22. Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 12, 1864. I. The following regiments and batteries are authorized to have inscribed on their colors the names of the several battles set opposite them, in accordance with paragraph 11, Appendix B, Revised Army Regulations, 1868: Nineteenth Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Vicksburg, Jackson Page 142 142 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Twenty-third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry: Chicka- saw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson, Carrion Crow. Thirty-fourth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Yazoo City, Fort Esperauza. Forty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry: Sbiloh, Siege of Corinth, Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson. Sixty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Cotean. Seventy-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson. Eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Cotean. Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infanti-y: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Coteau. One hundred and eighteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infan- try: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson. One hundred and thirtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry: Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jack- soil- First Regiment Missouri Volunteer Light Artillery, Battery F: Camp Jackson, Boonville, Dug Spring, Wilsons Creek, Blackwater~ Newtonia, Prairie Grove, Vicksburg, Fort Esperauza. First Wisconsin Battery: Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson. Seventeenth Ohio Battery: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson. First Regiment Mounted Veteran Artillery, Battery F: Cham- pions Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Cotean. II. The following are the dates at which the above-named actions took place: Camp Jackson, Mo., May 10, 1861; Boonville, Mo., June 17, 1861; Dug Spring, Mo., July 28, August ~5, 1861; Wilsons Creek, Mo., August 10, 1861; Blackwater, Mo., December 18, 1861; Shiloh, Teun., April 6, 7, 1862; Siege of Corinth, May 1 until 29, 1862; Cumberland Gap, Tenn., June 18, 1862; Tazewell, Tenn., August 7, 1862; New- tonia, Mo., August 7, September 30, 1862; Prairie Grove, Ark., De- cember 7, 1862; Chickasaw Bluffs, Miss., December 27, 28, 29, 1862; Arkansas~ Post, Ark., January 11, 1863; Port Gibson, Miss., May 1, 1863; Champions Hill, Miss, May 16, 1863; Black River Bridge, Miss., May 17, 1863; Vicksburg, Miss., invested May 18, 1863; as- saulted May 19, 22, 1863; surrendered July 4, 1863; Jackson, Miss., invested July 10, 1863; surrendered July 15, 1863; Yazoo City, Miss., July 13, 14, 1863; Carrion Crow, La., November 3, 1863; Grand Co- teau, La., November 3, 1863; Fort Esperanza, Tex., November 27, 28, 29, 30, 1863. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 143 CHAP XLVI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 143 ENGINEERS OFFICE, Pass Cavallo, Tex., Aprit 12, 1864. Capt. J. C. STONE, Asst. Adjt. Gem., 1st Div., 13th Arm ji Corps: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report as to num- ber of men employed and progress made toward completing the de- fenses of this island for the 11th and 12th April, 1864: One hundred and three men from First Brigade, First Division, reported on the right of exterior line on the 11th instant. These were employed on second lunette. One platform was completed in the salient angle of this work this day. This platform is ready to receive a gnu if siege platform be sent with it. One hundred men from the Second Bri- gade were engaged on left of this line. Eleven teams were employed at exterior line the 11th instant. One hundred and fifteen men were employed at Fort Esperanza and six teams this day. One platform constructed of inch lumber, using three thicknesses, was laid on the north front. The second platform on this front is ready to receive the flooring. Two hundred and thirty-five men were engaged on the works on interior line the 11th instant. The First Brigade furnished a detail of 94 men for right of exterior line the 12th instant, and the Second Brigade 214 for the left. Seven teams were employed on the right and twelve on the left of this line to-day. Very good progress has been made on the whole line to-day, and with the arrangements as at present I think the entire line will be very nearly complete this week. It is necessary that I should know whether gnus mounted on field or siege carriages, or both, are to be nsed in these works and in which works the different carriages are to be placed, in order that suitab e platforms may be constructed foc either. In the first lunette there are two platforms for common field carriages; in the second, one in the salient angle for guns mounted on siege carriages. I have directed one to be constructed for same in second redoubt. The sec- ond lunette exterior line and first or second redoubt will be ready to receive the heavy guns any time they may be sent, provided siege platforms come with them. I employed 104 men at Fort Esperanza and eight teams the 12th instant and 236 men on interior line. The flooring of one I)latform in lunette A of this line is complete; of the other two not, but one of them will be to-morrow. Two guns are mounted in this work. The progress made on this hue, as well as on Fort Esperanza, for the past two days has been very good. The platforms in left battery at Bayou Mdllenry have been laid and the guns mounted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. COBB, Colonel in Charge. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., Little Rock, April 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE: GENERAL: Messengers with dispatches from you dated the 7th instant arrived yesterday eveuuing at 4 oclock. Your directions concerning the forwarding of supplies have been and are being coin- plied with as fast as possible. Upon consultation with General Kim- ball it was thought best to start the train from Pine Bluff, and rem Page 144 144 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS~MISSISSIPPI. ICHAP XLVI. dered almost imperatively so from the fact that Captain Cantine reported large amounts of stores, snch as were ordered, ha6 been shipped to Pine Bluff in anticipation of that place being made your base of supplies, and that there was not a sufficient amount of stores at Little Rock to load the teams as required. I gave Captain Manly orders to take from the transportation at this place all that he required, and directed him to decide what amount should remain behind. He reported at 12 oclock yesterday that his entire train, consisting of 123 wagons, was on the road to Pine Bluff. The steamer Chippewa is loaded with quartermasters stores and ammunition, and left for Pine Bluff at to-day and will reach that place some time to-morrow morning. The wagon train will arrive to-morrow night and will begin to load inunediately. The wagons should all be loaded and on the road at 12 oclock on the 14th. Lieutenant-Colonel Mackey, of the Thirty-third Iowa, is in com- mand of the escort, consisting of something over 600 men belonging to the regiments of General Salomons division (left behind, and that have arrived since the troops left), and about 230 dismounted cavalry belonging to regiments in General Carrs division. Colonel Clayton is ordered to furnish from 100 to 200 cavalry to accompany Colonel Mackey; also to turn over to the train every wagon he can possibly spare, and if necessary to press teams from the country in the vicinity of Pine Bluff. I have done and will do everything I possibly can to hurry the supplies forward. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. GREEN, A ssistant Adjutant- General GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DET. 7TH A. C., DEPT. OF ARK., No. 3. Little Rock, Ark., April 12, 1864. The exigencies of the service demand that from and after this date, until further orders, no license to sell intoxicating liquors as a beverage will be granted within this command to any person. All licenses heretofore granted for this purpose will cease from this date. All gamblers and loafers, and all transient white persons, not Union refugees, who have no ostensible business or means of support will leave the country occupied by this command at once, and any such person found at any post in this command, or in the country adja- cent, three days after the reception of this order at such posts will be arrested and made to perform such fatigue duty as will enable them to earn their living without loss to the Government. A cheer- ful acquiescence is expected of all citizens not of the classes above re- ferred to with these and such other orders pertaining to this matter as may be issued by district and post commanders, and a contrary ex- pression on their part will be taken as evidence that they are of the classes ordered to vacate the country, or are disloyal citizens, and they will be treated as such. Persons detected in selling intoxi- catiiig liquors in violation of this order will have their stock confis- cated and suffer such other punishment as may be deemed expedi- ent. Commanding officers of districts and posts will use all proper means at their command in the prompt and thorough execution of this order. By order of Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball: E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 145 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 145 WASHINGTON, D. C., April 12, 18642 p. m. Major-General ROSECRANS: Your report of transportation shows over 1,600 teams in the depart- ment. It is impossible to supply the necessary transportation for the army in Tennessee in time for spring operations. Can you not send the mules of 500 of your teams to Louisville at once? Send all you can. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 12, 1864. (Received 10.10 a. in., 13th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, Washington, D. C.: I can and will send all mules I can to Louisville. The reason why so much transportation is used is that we have so much hauling. For example, from Rolla to Springfield all supplies have to be wagoned 160 miles. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. PILOT KNOB, April 12, 18642.30 p. m. General EWING, Commanding District: In reply to telegram of yesterday I sent you a copy of report from Major Wilson, at Patterson, Mo. * He being better acquainted with the country, called on him for advice; in fact, he is well acquainted with the country referred to and can be fully relied on. He says it is 82 miles from Pilot Knob to Doniphan; the road is about as good as roads generally are in this country. I do not like the Greenville nor the Reeves Station roads. The most direct road is by Patterson, crossing Black River at the mouth of Bushy Creek, thence to Doni- phan. The Reeves Station is the next best road. Black River is not fordable at all seasons, but never remains past fording more than a few days at a time. During the summer and fall seasons it is nearly always fordable. Currant River has about the same depth of water as Black River, but Van Buren and Doni- phan are the roads over which nearly all the travel is done and in which the principal settlements are. It is 80 miles from Patterson to Pocahontas. There is more forage in Randolph and Greene Counties than there is near Doniphan, but it is very scarce even there. There are not more than six or eight families living in Doniphan at pres- ent. Doniphan is a very good locality to defend against small- arms, but could not be held against artillery. I expect a scout in to-day that may give some further information from below. JNO. N. HERDER, Lieutenant- C~olonel, ~Jornmanding Post. *See p. 118. 10 R RYOL XXXIV, PT II Page 146 146 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. JUNCTION RANCH, CoLo. TER., April 12, 1864. [Col. J. M. CHIvINGToN:] Send me more troops; all ~OU Call spare. If this is not stopped we will have the Sioux to fight as well as Cheyennes. The small command I have Cannot perform the amount of duty required; be- sides, the horses will all be used up. Two howitzers will do to scare, while the cavalry fight. Can you send them to me? After a pur- suit of all day yesterday captured and destroyed eleven lodges, all their implements for cooking and dressing hides, & c., besides taking a number of buffalo robes. Caught no Indians. Will write parl ticulars. J. DOWNING, Major First Colorado Cavalry. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Minn., April 12, 1864. Maj. J. R. BROWN, Special Military Agent, Fort Abererombie: MAJOR: Your several dispatches to 26th ultimo have been re- ceived, and the brigadier-general commanding awaits further infor- mation from you relative to the Sissetons and their movements and intentions. It is quite important to the bands who sincerely desire peace that they should lose no time in complying with the terms dic- tated by the Government as the only conditions upon which they can obtain it. Should the Sissetons or other bands tender their sub- mission, they must at once proceed to Devils Lake, where a proper location will be assigned them, and where they will be allowed to re- maui un(Iisturbed so long as they act in good faith. A strong mili- tary post will shortly be established at the southwestern extremity of the lake, and the commandant will be instructed to protect the well-disposed Indians against molestation by hostile bands. But in case of hostilities or depredations committed upon the per- sons or property of the whites by any of those attached to or belong- ing to bands who accept the conditions proffered, the offenders must be instantly delivered up to the military authorities, or the band it- self will be held responsible. There must be no misunderstanding on the part of the Indians as to the part they are expected to perform if they desire a restoration of peaceful relations. They will here- after be held to a rigid responsibility for any acts of violence involv- ing the person or property of the whites, for it is repeated that while the U. S. Government has no wish to do injury to innocent individ- uals, the determination to secure the whites against possible danger from hostile savages is equally well fixed, and no means will be spared to effect that object. So soon as you shall have concluded the special duty with which you were charged, and there is no longer any object in your remain- ing at Fort Abercrombie, you will report the fact to these head- quarters without delay. By command of Brigadier-General Sibley: I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. OLIN, Assistant Adjutant-Ger~er~d Page 147 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 147 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY OUTPOST, Cedar Bayou, Thx., April 13, 1864. Capt. SAMUEL CALDwELL, Actg. Asst. Adji. Gen., Thirteenth Army Gorps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that hi my exploration of Cedar Bayou this a. in., i found a new and different crossing from any we had yet discovered. It is at the point where the bayou leaves Espiritu Santo Bay and ruiis in the direction of the Gulf. I took Collins, who seems to have kept the matter a secret, and required him to pilot me across to Saint Josephs Island and back. The water in the deepest place was iiot more than 4 feet. The bottom was good, and I found out from Collins he had fre- quently crossed loaded teams there. I think light artillery with some difficulty could becrossed there. I placed a picket at the point, and hereafter, unless otherwise ordered, will keep my reserve guard a short distance above Collins house and have a vedette at each end of the bayou. In that way the reserve will be in supporting distance of either crossing. I will take 60 men and cross onto Saint Josephs Island to-morrow at 6 a. in., if the weather will permit, and will ex- tend my reconnaissance as far as the south end of the island if possible. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. C. MATTHEWS, Major, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 94. Memphis, Tenn., April 13, 1864. * * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson, commanding Cavalry Division, will send 200 men of Sixth Tennessee Cavalry Volunteers, with arms, accouterments, and horse equipments complete, without horses, to Helena, Ark., there to report for duty temporarily to Brig. Gen. N. B. Buford, commanding District of Eastern Arkansas. The quarter- masters department will furnish necessary transportation. By order Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., Little Rock, April 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. N. KIMBALL, Commanding Detachment Seventh Army Corps: GENERAL: The steamer Adams, loaded with Government stores for Pine Bluff to be sent to Camden by train, ran into the steamer Chippewa about 20 miles below Little Rock last night and was sunk, supposed to have been occasioned by the carelessness of the pilot. A portion of the ammunition and quartermasters stores were saved, and duplicate invoices of what is lost will be sent as soon as possible on the steamer Chippewa. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. GREEN, A~i~stamt Adjutctr~t- GeHCrQ Page 148 148 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS FRONTIER DIVISION, April 13, 18642 p. m. Lieutenant SOKALSKI, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: The general directs me to say that the enemy have attacked his rear; they appear to be in force. Very respectfully, WRITTEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ON THE PRAIRIE, April 13, 18645 p. m. Major-General STEELE: As soon as it is dusk I shall back and join my trains, which are parked the other side of the mill, and will come up in the morning. Very respectfully, JOHN M. THAYER, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Jib., April 13, 1864. Admiral D. D. PORTER: SIR: Personal experience in this department has fully satisfied me of the very great importance of having an able and thoroughly reli- able detective officer at Memphis. With such an officer there, hav- ing a clear and full understanding with the provost-marshal-general of this department, I am persuaded that the contraband trade and travel on the river, between here and Memphis, could be broken up and a great public good accomplished. Permit me, therefore, to sug- gest the propriety of authorizing Lient. J. B. Devoe, who is now here, to take up his quarters for a while at Memphis, amid take charge there of the duties indicated. I am, sir, very respectfully, W. S. ROSECRANS, lllajor- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 13, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pilot Knob: Has Captain Milks company yet gone to Saint Genevieve to take station? I telegraphed you several days ago to know whether the three howitzers at Camp Curtis and the company at Centreville might not advantageously be sent to Patterson, but have yet received no ~nswCr, THOMAS EWING, JR., J3ri~adier- Ger~ral Page 149 Onip. XLVI.] 149 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, lYarrensbmrg, Mo., April 13, 1861. Second Lieut. A. L. GooDING, Company H, Second Colorado (Javairy (Through Col. James H. Ford, comdg. 4th Sub-Dist., Kansas City): LIEUTENANT: I am directed by the general commanding to ac- knowledge the receipt, through headquarters Fourth Sub-district, of your report, dated 8th instant, and to say that the thorough and efficient manner in which you have scouted the section of country referred to, and the subsequent excellent report of the same, merits and receives the thanks of the commanding general. Such work will certainly prevent bushwhackers from obtaining a hold in the country. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. STEGER, Assistant A6~jntant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 13, 1864. Brigadier-General FIsK, Saint Joseph, ]Iifo.: I am informed that in Platte and Clay Counties the order to pre- vent the sale of arms and ammunition has not been duly published and observed; that Union men in some instances have been refused permission to buy. Have the order published in the local papers. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 13, 1864. Col. J. P. SANDERSON, Provost-Marshal- General, Saint Louis, Mo.: In order to distribute authority over my district I think it best to establish headquarters of my district provost-marshal at Hannibal. I will keep my own at Saint Joseph for the present. Will that ar- rangement be satisfactory to you? I am on a tour of inspection in Platte and Clay Counties. Shall be at Saint Joseph to-morrow. CLINTON B. FISK, Brig. Gen., Commanding Northern District of Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob., April 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS, C~omdg. Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: Lieutenant Dunn, First Cavalry of Colorado, had a fight with a party of Cheyenne Indians on north side of Platte River, near Fre- nionts Orchard, on 12th instant; had 4 men badly wounded and killed a number of Indians. They are stealing stock in every direc- tion and refusing to give it up. I have a strong detachment on head- waters Smoky Hill Fork, after party which stole 175 head of Irwin, Jackman & Co.s oxen. I shall chastise them severely unless you direct differently. J. M. CHIVINGTON, Coborwl, Commanding District of Colorado Page 150 150 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Capt. ~. H. COOK, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 13, 1864. 1st Oar, of Cob., (Jomdg. Officer, Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter., Capt. W. H. BACKUS 1st Cay, of Gob., (iomdg. Officer, Gamp Fillmore, Gob. Ter.: CAPTAIN: Keep a sharp lookout for Indians. Lieutenant Eayre is out on headwaters Smoky Hill after the Cheyennes, and Lieuten- ant Dunn had a fight last Tuesday (12th instant) and had 4 men badly wounded, 2 fatally, and several Indians were killed. No tell- ing where they will strike next. They are stealing large numbers of stock, and refusing to give them up, and there is but one course left for us to pursue, that is, to make them behave or kill them, which latter it now seems we shall have to do. Carbines and carbine am- munition are now on the way for your command. When you send men after these red robbers, arm with only carbines and pistols; leave sabers in camp. Be careful to provide your men on scouts, so that they will not be compelled to return just as they are about to overtake the Indians. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. STILWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO Capt. GEORGE L. SANBORN, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 13, 1864. 1st Cay, of Cob., Comdg. Officer, Camp Sanborn, Cob. Ter.: SIR: Yours is received giving account of Indian fight. * Stirgeon leaves in few minutes. Am sorry Lieutenant Dunn left the Indians at all. Put your force iu best trim and avenge the injury done to it. I send to Camp Collins for Hawkins to cut them off; also to Fort Laramie. I now have Lieutenant Eayre on the headwaters of the Smoky Hill after them. They stole 175 head of cattle. You will have to be very vigilant. Carbine cartridges come to you by to- morrow s coach; look out for them that they are not carried past you. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GLO. H. STILWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 13. 1864. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM 0. COLLINS, Commanding, Fort Laramie: Lieutenant Dunn, First Cavalry of Colorado, had a fight with band of Cheyennes near Fremonts Orchard on the 12th instant; 4 men wounded, 2 fatally; several Indians killed. They have gone with stolen stock in your direction. Look out for them and kill them. They are stealing in every direction, and refusing to give up stock when caught. J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel, Commanding District of Colorado. *See Part I, p. 883 Page 151 CHAP. XLVI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 151 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. 7~r., April 13, 1864. Lieut. G. W. HAWKINS: 1st Cay, of Cob., Comdg. Officer, Camp Goblins, Cob. Ter.: SIR: I am instructed by the colonel commanding to direct that YOU send out a strong detachment to intercept a band of Cheyenne Indians who had a fight with a detachment of Companies C and H, nnder Lieutenant Dunn, on 12th instant, near Fremonts Orchard. They had stolen stock, and refused to give it up. In the fight re- ferred to several Indians were killed, and 4 men of Company C wounded. Be sure you have the right ones, and then kill them. If your carbines have not arrived send out and meet them. Arm your men with carbines and pistols; leave sabers in camp. You had better move in the direction of Laramie. Will telegraph to Colonel Collins at Laramie. Dunn and Chase are after them. We send you more carbine cartridges by to-morrows coach. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. STILWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. MILWAUKEE, WIS., April 13, 1864. (Received 4.45 p. in.) Major~GeneraI# HALLECK: Following dispatch just received. It is vitally important that these horses be immediately furnished, otherwise the whole of the military operations in the Indian country will be brought to a stop: DAVENPORT, April 13, 1864. Major-General POPE, Commanding Department of the Northwest: Of the 500 horses required by me not 230 are yet procured. I fear the horses will not be procured; the time for the contract has passed. Can I get authority to pur- chase at $140, or below that? SULLY, Brigadier-General. JNO. POPE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, ]Jliibwaulcee, Wis., April 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. H. SIBLEY, Commanding District of ]llinnesota, Saint Paul, Minn.: GENERAL: Your letter ~f 9th instant to the major-general com- manding is received, and I am directed by him to advise you that the Sixth Minnesota Regiment will remain under your orders until its place can be supplied by the Eighth Regiment on its return from expedition. A telegraphic dispatch to that effect is sent you to-day, and I inclose a copy of it. I a~n, general, most respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. F. MELINE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 152 152 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. [Inclosure.] MILWAUKEE WIs Brigadier-General SIBLEY, , ., April 13, 1864. Saint Paul, illinn.: You misinterpret my dispatch of the 4th. The Sixth Regiment will not leave Minnesota at all until return of Eighth Regiment from expedition, but is to be used precisely as if no orders on the sub- ject of the regiment had ever been issued. It was useless to notify the companies about being in readiness to march. JNO. POPE, Major-General. BATON ROUGE, LA., April 14, 1864. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant-General, New Orleans, La.: I have just received a statement that Powers, with a 2,000 volun- teer party, was to assault Port Hudson this morning or to-morrow. Steamer Grey Eagle passed Port Hudson this morning; reported a battle or skirmish going on, and that there was no one to receive her mail. P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Comrrtanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, April 14, 1864. Captain MAHLER, Assistant Quartermaster: SIR: By direction of Major-General Banks I have the honor to request that you will make ready a suitable steamer to sail to-day for Texas to carry a bearer of important dispatches to Major-Gen- eral McClernand. You will please to notify me in writing by return of bearer what vessel you shall send, where she will lie, and at what hour she will be ready. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, A. DUER IRVING, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF PLAQUEMINE, Plaquemine, La., April 14, 1864. Capt. GEORGE W. DURGIN, Jr., Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I have the honor to report that a party of guerrillas have made their appearance in this neighborhood, of whose number I am at present unable to judge. They are reported in the vicinity of Iiidian Village, burning cotton, & c. The want of a sufficient cav- alry force is seriously felt here, and I would respectfully suggest that a company of cavalry would be of great service in this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD G. SHAW, ]Jfaj. 14th Rhode Island Heavy Arty. (Colored), Comdg. Post Page 153 CHAP. XLVI.] CORI~ESPONDENCE, ETC.tPN~ION. 153 SPECIAL ORDERS, LITTLE RocK, ARK., No. 13. April 14, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. Lieut. Col. S. B. Marks, commanding the Eighteenth Regi- ment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, will proceed to Pine Bluff without unnecessary delay, with all the detachment of his regiment remain- ing at Little Rock, excepting only the sick and re-enlisted veterans. The sick will be left in care of the proper officer. Lieutenant-Col- onel Marks will take with him the camp and garrison equipage of all that part of his command who go with him. * * * * * * * By order of Brig. Gen. N. Kimball: E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Flag-Ship Cricket, off Grand Ecore, La., April 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Gomdg. ]Jfil. Div. of the lJlississippi, Nashville, Teun.: DEAR GENERAL: You will no doubt feel much disappointed at not having General A. J. Smiths division returned to you in the time expected, but you will be reconciled when I assure you that the safety of this army and my whole fleet depend on his staying here. His is the only part of the army not demoralized, and if he was to leave there would be a most disastrous retreat. The army has been shamefully beaten by the rebels. There is no disguising the fact, notwithstanding the general commanding and his staff try to make a victory. Armies victorious dont often go back as this one has done. Your part of it maintained its reputation and saved the army from being beaten in the two days fight. It is too long a tale to write, but some of these days I will give you a full and fair account of it. The defeat arose from sending (3,000 raw cavalry to attack an army of 25,0% men, said cavalry beiug accompanied by over 200 wagons. It was only supported by 2,500 men, and when these were overpowered by vastly superior numbers the cavalry fell back on them; the wagons stampeded and fell into the hands of the enemy. General Corse has heard it all and will tell you all about it. I was averse to coming up with the fleet, but General Banks considered it necessary to the success of the expedition, and I now cant get back again, the water has fallen so much. This has been terrible work; worse, if anything, than Deer Creek. There we had plenty of water; here no water, and thousands of sharpshooters. The gun- boats had some satisfaction out of the rebels yesterday. A couple of brigades, flushed with victory, made an attack upon two of them, and, excited by liquor, fought like niadmen, coining up to the edge of the bank, where they were shot down like sheep. It is said we killed the rebel General Green, their best man. I cannot express to you my entire disappointment with this de- partment. You know my opinion of political generals. It is a cry- ing sin to put the lives of thousands in the hands of such men, and the time has come when there should a stop be put to it. This army is almost in a state of mutiny and not fit to go into a fight. They would follow A. J. Smith, though, anywhere. The more I see o Page 154 154 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. that old gentleman the more I like him. He is a regular trump, and has no give-up in him. I have been up as far as Loggy Bayou, and there was brought to a dead stand by a large steamer sunk in the channel, resting on each bank. It was providential, or I might have gone farther, and would have been cut off to a certainty. I am not sure that Banks will not sacrifice my vessels now to expedi- ency; that is, his necessities. I only wish, dear general, that you had taken charge of this Red River business. I am sure it would have had a different termination. I am very tired and must close for the present. With best wishes, & c., I remain, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI, No. 59. Saint Louis, Mo., April 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Volunteers, having reported at these headquarters for duty, in compliance with instructions from the War Department, he is hereby assigned to duty as second in com- mand of the department, the assignment to date from the 2d instant. Major-General Pleasonton will establish his headquarters in the city of Saint Louis. By command of Major-General Rosecrans: 0. D. GREENE, Assislant Adjutant- General. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 14, 1864. General EWING, Commanding: I have information that I think reliable that Kitchen and Clark are now concentrating quite a force at Gainesville. All the citizens are ordered to remove at once. I am satisfied we may expect a raid soon on our outposts. I have scouts out and will endeavor to keep you advised. I think they mean mischief either at Patterson or Bloomfield. J. B. ROGERS Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 14, 1864. Colonel IiOGERS, Commanding, Cape Girardean: If you are satisfied there is such a force gathering there, march as soon as practicable and rout it. Do not move until you are satis- fied, for more than half the reports of this character are ill founded. The commission will be postponed if you should be necessarily absent. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier-General Page 155 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 155 HEADQUARTERS SAINT Louis DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 14, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HERDER, Commanding, Pilot Knob: There was a misunderstanding in relation to sending the company to Saint Genevieve on the 7th instant. You will send it to-morrow morning. By order of Brigadier-General Ewing: H. HANNAHS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. PILOT KNOB, April 14, 1864. General EWING, Commanding: I beg your pardon for not having answered your telegram in re- gard to howitzers at Fort Curtis. I am not acquainted with the position of defense at Patterson, and therefore telegraphed on receipt of your first dispatch to Major Wilson, commanding at Patterson. for advice. Major Wilson sent written instructions which I some- how did not receive. Telegraphed tQ him again this morning on receipt of your second dispatch. Am awaiting an answer. Will inform you as soon as Major Wilson answers. Advised all the outposts in regard to Kitchen and Clarks force gathering. Entertain no fear; they are on the lookout. Major Wilson has four good companies; will fight four times their num- ber and whip them. Can re-enforce them in two hours from here. The company at Centreville should not be taken away from there; it is a most important point, an opening for the rebels to come in. Do not be alarmed; I think it is no more than a scare, to which we down here are used. Major Wilson thinks the howitzers could be used to advantage in case of an attack. JOHN N. HERDER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 14, 1864. General E. B. BROWN, Warrensburg, Mo.: Do not arm any of the home gnards without great necessity, nor any in places where the leading, thoronghly loyal element is not the basis and satisfied. The basis should be voluntary, if practicable. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. HDQRS. FOURTH SUB-DIST., DIST. OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Kansas City, Mo., April 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. B. BROWN, Commanding District of Central Missouri: SIR: Inclosed I have the honor to transmit for your information a communication, marked A, from Lieut. R. 0. Rizer, commanding station, Pleasant Gap, Mo., to Maj. J. L. Pritchard, commanding a Page 156 156 LOUISIANA A~D THI~ IVRAI~S-MISSISSIPPI. [CX!AP. XLVI. Harrisonville, Mo., which gives further information in regard to the scarcity of forage in that region, and the present utter impossibility of maintaining cavalry in an efficient condition nuder such adverse circumstances. I have ordered more transportation to that station to assist in hauling forage. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. H. FORD, Colonel, Commanding Fourth Sub-District. [Inclosure.] PLEASANT GAP, Mo., April 9, 1864. Maj. J. L. PRITCHARD: SIR: I am now located in the southeast corner of Bates Connty. There is no forage in this county. Yesterday the horses of my com- mand had nothing to eat. Am obliged to hanl forage 12 Iniles, from Saint Clair County, and have bnt one team to do it with, the other teams having gone to Kansas City for subsistence. Unless 1. can have more transportation I will be obliged to leave this station or my animals starve. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. 0. RIZER, Second Lient. Co. I, Second Cob. Car., Comdg. Company. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., April 14, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS: I have just returned from a visit to Platte and Clay Counties. I have every reason to believe that there will be less complaint from that section hereafter. Orders to stop sale of arms and ammunition, as directed in your telegram of 13th instant, have already been promulgated and ordered published. I have visited Andrew County, and sat in council with the principal Paw Paw chief. We shall not have further trouble with them. I hope very soon to smoke pipe of peace and exchange presents with the entire tribe. They will stack arms and return to the plow-handle and spades. Everything works well. When will you visit the northwest? CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 14, 1864. Lieutenant-Cqlonel DRAPER, Macon City, Mo.: Send a discreet officer with 20 men to Keytesville, Chariton County, to remain there during the session of court, which commences on Monday next. Let them arrive at Keytesville before Monday as if on a scout. I dont want the people to understand that the troops are sent expressly for this purpose. Instruct the officer in command to obtain all information possible touching the condition of affairs in the county. In the mean time lie might clean out any gangs of villains that may be in the neighborhood. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General Page 157 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 LACLEDE, Mo., April 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK: SIR: I send you a statement of William D. Vice, a good, reliable Union man, who, 1 think, knows whereof he affirms. We have within the last week captured 4 men and sent them to Macon. Supposed to be concerned with the gang that Vice speaks of. We found stolen horses and other property with them. The citizens of this county and Chariton ask that something be done to relieve them from such characters. I sent to Macon on yesterday for 25 men and have not received an answer yet. From the best evidence I can obtain the rebels are organizing through this county to pre- vent the draft. Your most obedient servant, W. J. PORTER, Assistant Provost-Marshal. [Inclosure.] Statement of William D. Vice: I reside iii Chariton County, Mo., on Porches Prairie. On last Sunday niorning, the 10th of April, 1864, I was in Grand River bottom and was captured by 5 men, and held as prisoner until after sundown and then released, after taking my saddle, bridle, and revolver, and a shotgun from a man that was with me. And then on the next morning I was taken again by 3 men and robbed of $24 and pocket-book. I saw at different times about 35 men of the bushwhackers. They made threats that if they could get Sergeant Westly, of the Ninth Missouri State Militia, that they would kill him; they had watched the road often for him, and that they would have possession of the State before next fall and stop the draft. WILLIAM D. VICE, A Discharged Soldier from the Eighteenth Regiment. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of April, 1864, at Laclede, Mo. W. J. PORTER, Assistant Provost-Marshal. OFFICE OF DEPUTY PROVOST-MARSHAL, Paris, Monroe County, Mo., April 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK, (Jomdg. District of North Missouri, Saint Joseph, Mo.: GENERAL: There has been for about two months a detachment of 10 men of the Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry at our town, sent there as a guard to the assistant provost-marshal appointed for the enlistment of negroes in our county. The appoiiitment of the assist- ant provost-marshal of this county has been vacated by special order from office of provost-marshal-general. Since his removal some 6 or 7 recruits have come in, and were escorted to the office of dis- trict provost-marshal by the sergeant commanding detachment, and I have no doubt that other recruits will be coming in from time to time, provided there is any one here to receive them. I am here on duty as deputy provost-marshal under the conscription act of Congress, aiid have been since August, 1863, and have frequently need for a guard in the execution of orders for the arrest of dosert- ors~ & c Page 158 158 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. There are no troops nearer us than Mexico, and I should be very glad if you would signify a willingness for this detachment to remain here. They are a very quiet and orderly squad, and I believe their presence is beneficial to our community, which is, as you. are perhaps aware, about nine-tenths secessionists, and is likewise a great harbor- ing place for returned rebels, horse thieves, and other criminals. I shall further take the liberty of stating to you that under General Schofields Goiieral Orders, No. 86, arms were returned or distrib- uted to all in our county without any regard to present or former status, and there is not a man in Monroe County, no matter how vile a rebel lie has been, or is still, but what has or can have any arms lie may choose. I repeat again that there is no restriction placed upon any man in Monroe County in regard to carrying fire-arms. There are hundreds of young men, most of whom were directly or indi- rectly connected with the rebellion, who are now carrying revolvers under their coats. Some of them have permits from General Scho- field both to carry arms and buy ammunition when and where they choose. Will these permits be good under General Rosecrans general orders regulating sale of arms and ammunition? They think they will and intend to act accordingly. Now, it does seem to me that (and it is the feeling of all the Union men of the county) there should be some distinction between men who have been rebels so long as they could safely be and those who were friends of the Government through all our troubles. We believed Schofields order contem- plated that there should be. But such is not the case, and all are treated alike in this respect. I only allude to this thing because I think it my duty as an officer of the U. S. Goverunment to do so, but my duties as deputy provost-marshal do not require me to take official notice of them; but do hope the time will conme when traitors shall cease to be entitled to all the privileges allowed loyal men, and our loyal people hope so, and God grant we may not be disappointed. The squad of the Missouri State Militia is now here, and hav& sub- sistence for balanoe of present month. Should you think the good of the service would be promoted by their continuation at this place please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. E. FOWKES, Deputy Provost-Marshal, Monroe County. [Memorandum in pencil.] CLARKE: Answer: Squad will remain for the present, bnt will probably have to join their company ere long; but troops will be kept at Paris as long as needed. General Schofields order yet in force. Arm question will receive due attention. Rebels must play second fiddle. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MIssouRI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 14, 1864. CLARK H. GREEN, HUGHES, and others, Glasgow, Mo.: GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your valued communication of 9th instant, and thank you for the infor- rn~tiou thQxein ~ontainQd, II assure you that my entiro Oner~ie Page 159 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 159 shall be directed to the putting down of disorder and the restora- tion of tranquillity among the people of my district. There will be no letting up of military power until the safety of the State will permit it. I hope soon to put more troops in your country, and trust by constant vigilance to weed out the marauders. I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 14, 18643.45 p. m. Major-General POPE, llliilwaulcee, lYis.: The Secretary of War authorizes the purchase of horses to com- plete General Sullys command, as proposed in your telegram of yes- terday. H. W. HALLIECK, Major- General, Chief of Staff. CONFIDENTIAL.] WASHINGTON, April 14, 1864. Major-General POPE, Milwaukee: GENERAL: Hearing that your report * on Indian affairs had been grossly misrepresented by parties interested in perpetuating the pres- ent system of frauds, I applied to the Secretary of War to have it published. He gave his consent, and the copy received from you to- day will be immediately put in the hands of the printer. So far as I learn from honest men acquainted or connected with Indian affairs in the Northwest, your policy is the correct one. Nevertheless, it will be strongly opposed by nearly everybody connected with the Department of the Interior. Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, has just been here on Indian business. I called his attention to your re- port, and he called at the Department of the Interior to see it. At first they pretended that it had been mislaid, but he finally got an opportunity to read it. He approved it entirely, and as soon as it is published he will call attention to it through the press of Min- nesota. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK. MILWAUKEE, WIs., April 14, 1864. Brigadier-General SULLY, Davenport, Iowa: The three companies infantry will leave here T aesday afternoon; arrive in Saint Louis Wednesday morning. When will you be in Saint Louis? J. F. MELINE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. * To 8ecretary of War, February 6, 1864. 8cc Part H, p. 2~9 Page 160 160 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. IcHAP. XLVI. CULPEPER, VA., April 15, 186411 p. m. (Received 12.10 a. in., 16th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Please send General Hunter to report to me. From the last dis- patches from Major-General Banks, I fear he is going to be late in his spring movement, and 1 am desirous of sending an officer of rank with duplicates of his orders, and with further instructions. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 15, 186410 a. m. (Received 3.15 p. in.) Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: I have a dispatch from Little Rock of April 10, giving dates from General Steele of April 7. at Camden. He had had considerable skirmishing, in all of which he was successful, and had halted and sent back to Pine Bluff for provisions and ammunition. It seems to me his movement is very slow, and he may be so late in reaching Red River as to keep Generals Banks and A. J. Smith away behind time. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 97. f New Orleans, La., April 15, 1864. * * * * * * 6. The Third Battalion, Fourteenth Rhode Island Heavy Artil- lery, Lient. Col. Nelson Viall commanding, just arrived from the North, will be reported to Major-General Reynolds, commanding Defenses of New Orleans. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: RICHD. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, Baton Rouge, La., April 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. J. REYNOLDS, Commanding, New Orleans, La.: Nothing certain. A boat down last night reported nothing. Some cannon firing heard about 6 p. m. yesterday. P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army, Commanding. CONFIDENTIAL.] WASHINGTON, D. C., April 15, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: GENERAL: I inclose herewith a telegram* just received from Gen- eral Kimball, commanding at Little Rock. When the Departments of Kansas and Arkansas were formed, I advised that the Indian Ter * ~ee Kimball to Halleck, April 7, p. 79 Page 161 CHAP. XLVI.] CORIWSPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 161 ritory west of the latter State should be included in that department, inasmuch as it must be defended by General Steeles army and receive all supplies through Little Rock and Fort Smith. The Secretary of War concurred with me in opinion, but the President, on the urgent solicitations of Senator Lane and others, directed that the Indian Territory and Fort Smith be assigned to General Curtis command. General Blunt, who seems to be a very quarrelsome man, and against whom there are very serious accusations, was sent by General Curtis to command that district. Since then there has been much difficulty and confusion, which may produce some serious results. I see no way of avoiding these evils but to attach Fort Smith and the Indian Territory to the iDepartmnent of Arkansas and send General Blunt back to Kansas to report to General Curtis. If you concur in this view and will write to that effect to the Secretary of War, I think the President will consent to the change. Colonel Marcy, inspector-general, has just reported that General Rosecrans has in the Department of Missouri 16,824 troops present, exclusive of some 2,000 Enrolled Militia, and that there are not more than 2,000 armed rebels in the entire department, and that these are in small guerrilla bands, concealed in the woods. Occasional raids from these men cannot be prevented by any number of troops. Col- onel Marcy recommends that 5,000 men be sent from General Rose- crans command into the field. This will leave some 12,000 or 14,000 men to contend with some 2,000 guerrillas. He is of opinion that even more can be spared if those left in the State should be properly organized and distributed. Nothing, however, but a peremptory order from you will ever get any troops out of Missouri. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of St aff. P. S.You will remember that in addition to Colonel Marcys estimates an additional regiment of cavalry was given to General Rosecrans a few days ago. H. W. H. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 15, 1864. Gemmeral STEELE, Via Little Rock: Dispatch of 7th from Camden is received. I know that General Grant expects Generals Banks and A. J. Smiths forces to come out of Red River for some other work very soon, and you should push with all possible speed to make a junction on Red River. Banks forces should by this time be in Shreveport. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. GRAND ECORE, LA., April 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE: GENERAL: * * * * * * * The enemy is in larger force than was anticipated by the Govern- ment, and has manifested his determination to fight for the posses- 11 R RVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 162 162 LOUISIANA AND TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. sion of Shreveport and the country he now occupies, which was not anticipated by many of our officers. The lines upon which we oper-. ate are so far separated from each other that it is impossible for either of us to sustain effectively the forces of the other. If you can join us on this line I am confident we can move to Shreveport with- out material delay, and that we shall have an opportunity of de- stroying the only organized rebel army west of the Mississippi. * * * * * * * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 13, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General: The line is still down above Clarksville. Reports from there by telegraph to-day say that my repairer was killed and one of my teams captured 25 miles above Clarksville. There are 50 cavalry and 180 infantry at Clarksville, but Colonel Waugh says the force is inadequate to keep the line up, and asks for more cavalry. I think the above number of the right sort of men could keep the line up and the country clear of guerrillas. The line this side is not in- terfered with, and a little energy at Clarksville would place matters right. The generals, quartermasters, commissaries, & c., of this army depend on the telegraph as a means of communication with their base of supplies, and I hope General Kimball will re-enforce Clarks- ville, or take some other steps to have the telegraph kept as he has so frequently done before. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. CLOWRY, Capt. and Asst. Q. 711., Supt. ]Ililitary Telegraph. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER, DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, Fort Smith, April 15, 1864. Mr. MILOR: Feeling satisfied that you are always pleased to hear from home, I seize the present moment to drop you a few lines. Several skir- mishes have taken place since you left, the country being full of guerrillas. Fitzwilliams, with his band of accomplished cut-throats, has been in close proximity with this place for a number of days past. He attacked our train several times between here and Rose- ville, but could not effect anything. The organization of the militia will render available service and co-operate very advantageously with the present military forces in this district at present. I inclose you copy of General Orders, No. 4. We are pleased to learn that our worthy Governor indorses its organization. Do what you can for me, judge. I will forward some credentials from commissioned officers in a few days. Very respectfully-, your obedient ~ery~nt, QHAS. C. REID Page 163 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 163 [Inclosure.] GENERAL ORDERS, H DQRS. DIST. OF THE FRONTIER, DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, No. 4. ) Fort Smith, Ark., April 8, 1864. I. All male persons capable of bearing arms in this district are re- quired to proceed to the nearest military post and enroll themselves for military duty on or before the 1st day of May next. II. As soon as the enrollment is completed, the enrolled persons will be divided into two classes. The first class to be composed of persons mounted for active field service, to be called rangers. They furnish their own horses. The second class to be composed of the balance of the enrolled persons, for home protection, to be called the reserve. III. As soon as the organization is completed, a roster of officers and men of each organization will be forwarded to these headquar- ters, when ammunition and rations will be issued to them. Both classes will, as far as practicable, furnish their own arms. In all cases when necessary and practicable the Government will furnish them. IV. Any person neglecting or refusing to attend any meeting called by proper authority shall pay a fine of $5, said fine to be col- lected and used for the benefit of the companies from which the fine was collected, under the direction of the officers of said company, subject to the approval of the nearest post commander. V. It is made the duty of the post commanders and provost- marshals to see that this order is promptly executed. By command of Col. W. R. Judson: H. C. CHASE, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 15, 1864. Major-General SHERMAN Nashville, Tenn.: From news by telegraph it would seem Buford is not where he is for nothing. Commissary supplies are being laid in, and provisions collected on White River, and the secret rebel order in this State is actively organizing, and lines of probable movements from Arkan- sas this way indicated. Cant Buford and Co. be driven from West Tennessee? W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, ]lJio., April 15, 1864. E. N. 0. CLOUGH, Leavenworth, Kans.: SIR: I am directed by the general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of April 10, and in reply to state that he visited the counties in the neighborhood of Leavenworth in the early part of the present week. He regrets that he did not receive your communication before going to Platte County. It is the intentio Page 164 164 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. of the general so to administer the affairs of this command as to bring order out of the chaos that at present exists and to restore tranquillity and confidence to this district. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. CLARKE, Lieutenant and Aide-dc-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 15, 1864. Sergt. T. J. WESTLY, Brookfield, Mo.: SERGEANT: I am directed by the general commanding to express his thanks for the prompt and efficient service rendered by the de- tachment under your command in pursuing, dispersing, and captur- ing the desperadoes Hickman, Hinds, and Lazier. We only regret the capturing of such fellows, who have violated all claims to life or consideration, but since they are prisoners the law must visit swift and sure punishment upon them. Hoping your little command and the good citizens of Brookfield will always respond to the calls of justice with the same alacrity, I have the honor to be, sergeant, respectfully, G. A. HOLLOWAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 15, 1864. Major-General ROSEcRANS, Saint Louis, ililio.: I have information from reliable parties that a prominent rebel colonel is at or near Liberty, Clay County, Mo. I have the proper men at hand to go after and capture him. If consistent with your views and your authority is given, will try and capture the person in question. Dispatch necessary. By command of Major-General Curtis: H. H. HEATH, Major and Provost-Marshal- General. BENTON BARRACKS, April 15, 1864. Geiieral EWING, Commanding District of Saint Louis: Colonel Wells, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, to whose regiment the picket at Lowell belongs, thinks there is a disposition on the part of outside troops to threaten the guard stationed there. He thinks it advisable for me to add one squadron to that picket, which I have done, now requesting your approval. B. L. E. BONNEVILLE C~olonel, Commanding Page 165 Cr{xp. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNJON. 165 PILOT KNOB, Mo., April 15, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING: Will send two howitzers and one caisson to Patterson right off. There are oniy two howitzers and two 3-pounder guns, smooth-bore. One Caisson is being repaired and the boxes belonging to caissons for the Woodruff smooth-bore guns are being altered to suit the new kind of ammunition, all of which has been ordered to be finished as quickly as possible, and will also be sent to Patterson as soon as practicable. Captain Milks company at Farmington has been or- dered to Saint Genevleve. Will answer yonr inquiry of last night as soon as advised by Major Wilson at Patterson. Preparatory to my going to Cape Girardean on court of inquiry, will you please permit me to visit Saint Louis for two days on very important per- sonal business needing my personal attention? Please answer before train time, 3 p. m. to-day, and oblige, JOHN N. HERDER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Post. PILOT KNOB. Mo., April 15, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commanding: There are some five or six fords between Van Biiren and Doni- phan, aiA many places that the river can be forded at low water. All roads crossing Currant River between Van i3uren and Doni- phan are very bad and scarcely ever traveled. I am not sufficiently well acquainted with the country to give you a satisfactory reply 5n regard to fortifications, but I would suppose that a location might be selected within 1 mile of Doniphan for fortifications. Captain Johns has just returned from Cherokee Bay. He reports guerrillas all gone below to join Kitchen. He did not find one oii the trip. There was a mistake in regard to the howitzers. I understand Lieu- tenant Pope, in charge of them, that [he had] the boxes, or car- riages, of guns and one caisson, but I found it not so. The boxes had been taken off some days ago, but the workmen not having the required lumber, a delay was occasioned. At the last issue of ordnance a new kind of cartridge was received not fitting the boxes, being 1~ inches longer than the old ones, projected that far out at the top of the box, making them unserviceable. Relying on having enough artillery in Battery G, Second Missouri, since ordered to Cape Girardean, I ordered an alteration in the boxes to suit the ammunition, which has not yet been accomplished; there- fore it is impossible for those howitzers to move to-day as promised. In order to do the thing as quickly as possible, 1 shall, if not coun- termanded before mail time this noon, send Lieutenant Pope with the boxes to Saint Louis arsenal for exchange if possible; if not, then for the speediest repair. I would suggest to have those two compa- nies, L and K, First Infantry, Missouri State Militia, at present at Benton Barracks, sent down here to re-enforce this post, so that Cen- treville and Patterson might be sufficiently re-enforced by cavalry from this post, besides some more infantry, there being only one company, omme being exclusively used for artillery in Fort Davidson here, and would for garrison duty be far more advantageous, an(l secure this part of the country against any force that can be brough Page 166 I ~ LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (ChAP. XLVI. from below. However, as it is, II entertain no fear. I wish guer- rillas would show themselves in force so as to give us a chance to whip them to hell, from where they can rise no more. JOHN N. HERDER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Post. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, JIb., April 15, 1864. Colonel JUDSON, Commanding District of the Frontier: Colonel Lynde, commanding Ninth Kansas Cavalry, is en route to Little Rock under orders from General Halleck to report to Gen- eral Steele. Have you orders from General Steele for him to report to you? W. D. HUBBARD, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob., April 15, 1864. Governor JOHN EVANS, Territory of Colorado, Denver, C~obo.: SIR: I have the honor to report that Mr. Ripley, who lives on Bijou Creek, on the evening of the 11th instant came into Camp Sanborn, and reported that his stock and the stock of all the ranches in his neighborhood had been driven off by a warlike party of In- dians, and requested Captain Sanborn, commanding camp, to send with him troops to recover his stock. On the morning of the 12th instant Lieutenant Dunn, with 40 men, left camp, and after travel- ing about 60 miles came up with the Indians on the north side of the Platte River, near and below Fremonts Orchard. The Indians on seeing the troops formed line of battle, under which they ran off the stock into the bluffs. Lieutenant Dunn drew up the men now with him, being only 15, he having sent the balance of his command in two squads to look for the InQians in. another direction. Lieutenant Dunn dismounted and advanced about 200 yards and met the chief of the band, of whom he demanded the stock, but the chief informed him he would fight him before he would give it up. The lieutenant told him that if they did not stop running it off he would have to disarm them, to do which the chief defied him, and giving the signal the Indians opened fire on the troops. The troops returned the fire. The fight lasted about one hour, when the Indians began to give way, Lieutenant Dunn and his command following up, and a running fight ensued for about 15 miles, when, owing to the tired condition of his horses, the lieutenant ceased the pursuit and returned to Camp Sanborn, now about 10 or 12 miles distant. In this fight Lieutenant Dunn had 4 men badly wounded, 2 of them thought to be fatally. The loss of the Indians is supposed to be about 20 killed and wounded. The whole number of Indians engaged in this fight is estimated to be 60 or 70. On the morning of the 13th instant Lieutenant Dunn, with a fresh command of 60 men and a competent guide, with four days cooked rations, pursued th Page 167 ~AAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOX. I GZ Indians, being better armed than the day before, having only Whit- ney pistols and sabers on the 12th. These facts I glean from a hastily written letter by Captain Sanborn, and from Maj. Jacob Downing, who was at Camp Sanborn when Lieutenant Dunn came in. I have strong hopes that these red robbers will be overtaken and cnt off. This may be matter of concern to you as superintend- ent of Indian affairs for this Territory. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Gomdg. District. HEADQUARTERS, Camp Sanborn, April 15, 1864. Col. JOHN M. CHIvINGToN, Commanding District of Colorado: SIR: One of my scouts returned last evening from below the Junction and reported that the party of Indians that Lieutenant Dunn had the fight with came back on the Platte and took a herd of cattle, and killed two of the herders and pounded the owner, Mr. Bradley, in the neck with an arrow. Upon the receipt of the intelligence I dispatched 30 men under Lieutenants Dunn and Chase, with one wagon, to cross over to the cut-off to take the trail this morning ; they started at 12 oclock last night. Lieuten- ant Dunn returned from his second trip, being unable to follow the trail, as it snowed most of the day, and Gerry said it would be an impossibility to follow; so returned to camp the same day, having traveled about 60 miles. They had one days rest and will iiow be prepared to follow for several days, and, should they come up with them, will give them a lesson they will remember. They all have their carbines and pistols, also sabers. Lieutenant Dunn has not as yet had time to make a report of the fight, but says, tell the colonel they will fight, and understand the skirmish drill to perfection, and that they were more than a match man to man on account of their arms, but now he feels confident he can whip twice his number. Private Brandly died this morning from his wounds, and Dr. Tolles thinks 2 more of theni are dangerous, but may save them. Your communication of the 13th was received at ii oclock on the 14th. Cartridges came all right this morning. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, GEO. L. SANBORN, C~apt.~, First Cavalry of C~olo., Comdg. Camp Sanborn. Inclosed I send you copy of a note received from Mr. Gerry yes- terday. [Inclosure.] GERRYS RANCH, April 14, 1864. Captain SANBORN: SIR: Two lodges of Indians came here yesterday from the North Platte (Cheyennes). They dont know anything about the war party that you were after. There are also 3 Indians here from the south that came from the main village, which is camped on the headwater Page 168 168 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. of Beaver Creek. They say that no war party has left the village that they came from. There are also ten lodges of Sioux camped at the mouth of Beaver Creek, an(l thirty lodges at Valley Station, all Sioux. The above is the report of the Indians that are camped here. Respectfully, E. GERRY. MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 15, 1864. Brigadier-General SIBLEY, Saint Paul, Minn.: Please assign the horses as they arrive from La Crosse, first to the troops you are to send to Sully. There may be a short delay in the arrival of the last of the lot of horses for your district, but Sullys force must be mounted first and sent to him as soon as the season will permit. Acknowledge receipt of this telegram. JNO. POPE, ]lfajor- General. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Miun., April 15, 1864. Maj. E. A. C. HATcH, Independent Battalion, Fort Abererombie: MAJOR: Orders have been issued to the commanding officer at Fort Abercrombie to turn over the command of that post to you im- mediately upon your arrival with your battalion from Pembina, and then to take up the line of march to Sank Center with the least pos- sible delay. You will retain three companies of your battalion at Fort Abercrombie, one of which will be detached by you to per- form patrol duty along and down the Red River, as soon as the sea- son will permit, to protect the route to Pembina and keep open communication. You will dispatch one full company, to be equally divided, to relieve the companies of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers at Pomme de Terre and Alexandria, and garrison those posts until further orders. There is a detachment of upward of 80 recruits for your battalion now at Fort Snelliug, who are detained until they can be dispatched with the horses for your command now en route from Detroit. As soon as practicable after your arrival at Fort Aber- crombie you will dispatch the two cbiefs you have in custody to Fort Snelling, under a strong guard. By comm~and of Brigadier-General Sibley: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. OLIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST Capt. JOHN FEILNER, Milwaukee, Wis., April 15, 1864. First U. S. Gavalry, Engineer: CAPTAIN: In addition to your duties as topographical engineer of the expedition of General Sully into the Indian country, you wil Page 169 CHAP. XLVL] CORRESPONDENCE ETC.UNION. 1439 please make to these headquarters upon your return as full a report as possible upon the geology, botany, natural history, and physical character generally of the region over which the operations of the expedition will extend. As full meteorological observations should be made as opportunity and the means at your disposal render prac- ticable. I need not remind you of the important results to science which will ensue from even a partial success in these observations. General Sully has been furnished with a copy of this letter, and will give you all the assistance at his command in carrying omit these instructions as far as circumstances will permit. I have myself made very complete collections, both of natural history and botan- ical and mineralogical specimens, by instructing 2 or 3 enlisted men how to make them, and keeping them constantly employed. I need riot suggest to you that it is best to bring in specimens of everything, however common, as it is of as much, if indeed not of more interest to science to determine the geographical distributions of known species than to discover what is new. The ordinary extra pay will be given to enlisted men employed by you in this service. I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major-General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 10, 186411 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper: General Hunter ordered as directed. Dispatch from General Banks, dated 2d instant, at Alexandria, says Admiral Porter went up Red River that day, the gun-boats having been detained at the rapids by low water. Hopes to reach Shreveport by the 10th. Sigel says General Averell with 2,000 cavalry is moving from Martinsburg to Webster and Clarksburg. Two regiments of Glilmores command have reached Fort Monroe, viz, Fourth New Hampshire and Eighth Maine. General Butler has asked for two more batteries, which will be ordered to him to-day. I will send you copy of General Banks letter. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. FLAG-SHIP CRICKET, OFF ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 16, 186t. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Mil. Div. of the Miss., Nashville, Tenn.: DEAR GENERAL: I wrote you a hurried note the other day by General Corse, and I imagine your disappointment at having your well-laid plans interfered with and having par.t of your command mixed up in an affair the management of which would be discredit- able to a boy nine years of age. You need not blush, however, for anything that was done by your troops. General A. J. Smith was not in the fight on the first day, but on the second day, when Frank- lins corps, which behaved nobly, began to waver before the wild and desperate shocks of the rebels, who came on shouting like madmen, he, with 8,000 men, charged through Franklins ranks and met the incoming devils with a Hi! hi ! that brought them to a full stop. Smiths men then poured in their volleys, which cut tip the rebel Page 170 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. into mince-meat; they turned and fled, and yonr boys chased them 3 miles, until every one of them disappeared, leaving General Smith in possession of the battle-ground, all the killed and wounded, twelve pieces of onr artillery lost the day before, two of which he brought off. At this important moment, when there was not a rebel within (3 miles of ns, General Smith was ordered to retreat. He begged per- mission to remain long enough to bury his (lead and remove his wounded, all of which was denied him. The Confederates sent in a flag of truce six hours after, asking permission to bury their dead, and found the cannon they had left behind them, and the killed and wounded in possession of the field. The general will never get over it as long as he lives; he cried like a child at having to leave his poor fellows on the field. I am, however, getting a little ahead of my story. I must give you a little sketch of the first days fight, and tell you how it happened. General Banks, you must know, has organized 6,000 infantry into mounted cavalry under the command of General Lee, who travels with 250 wagons and a camp train of many persons. He was not satisfied with his large command, but made frequent applications to General Franklin for 2,500 infantry as a guard to the cavalry. Franklin persistently refused to give him these men, very properly arguing that without them Lee would not be precipitating a battle, while with them he might get the army into a fight when they were not prepared for it. On the 6th instant the army of General Banks left Grand Ecore. The fleet left at the same time for Springfield Lauding, which we were to reach on Sunday, the 10th, at 12 oclock. We made our time to the minute, with difficulties enough to appal a stout heart. General A. J. Smith left Grand Ecore the next day after the grand army, and had a terrible time in getting to the front through the numerous trains which completely blocked up the road. The same day that General Smith left Grand Ecore General Lee was sent in advance with his cavalry to reconnoiter, his whole train of wagons in his rear (250 in all) close after him; the army, consisting of the Nine- teenth Corps, under Franklin, some regiments of negroes, and the Thirteenth Corps, under Ransom, were coming on behind in only one road and in no particular order, as far as I can learn. There was sharp skirmishing in the front by the cavalry, who were apparently driving the enemy (that is the enemy were leading them into a trap), and Lee was sending Franklin messages to lend him 2,500 men with which to annihilate them. Franklin sent him word that he was not sent out to bring on a battle, and to fall back at once and act on the defensive until the main body of the army came up. Unfortunately, at this time General Banks rode to the front, and Franklin said lie saw there was going to be terrible work. Lees messages reached Banks, and lie ordered Ransom with 2,500 men to re-enforce Lee. Ransom protested against this disposition of his men, stating that they would be sacrificed, but General Banks ordered the movement. Franklin then prepared for the consequences which lie knew were to follow. In a short time the cavalry, emboldened by the small support, brought on a fight. The part of the Thirteenth Corps did its best to support them, but, opposed to about 15,000 infantry, were swept away almost to a man. The cavalry broke and fled back on the wagons, the wagons stampeded and blocked up the road, while such a scene ensued as was never seen before except at Bull Run Page 171 CHAP. ~LVt.1 COttRF~PONDENCI~, E3~O.tINIO~. 1 ~I Franklin opened his ranks and let the flying mass through, and received the rebels with such a murderous fire that they were soon dispersed, leaving many killed and wounded on the field. The rebels fought well that day, indeed desperately, coming up to the charge in a compact body and filling up their ranks as their men fell like veterans. It was just such a time as our men would have desired in the open field, but the panic created by the disorder at first was too great to get the men to do their work thoroughly. There was enough done, however, to allow us to hold our position and recover our lost trains. To expect to recover again the eighteen guns we lost was out of the question. They were mixed up with the trains, and the rebels had secured them with 100 rounds of ammunition each. Three of the best batteries in the army were lost and most of the men killed or wounded. Part of Nims battery was taken and all the ammunition wagons. At 1 oclock that night the army retreated back to Pleasant Hill, the fugitives arriving at Grand Ecore reporting that the army was cut to pieces, and I hear that when the general and staff arrived at Pleasant Hill he had lost all command of himself. I do not wonder at that. An uneducated soldier may be cool and pleasant enough in the hour of victory, but the true general is best known in the hour of defeat. General Banks lost all his prestige, and the men talked so openly of him that our officers had to check them and threaten to have them punished. Retreat was still the order of the day, and the army was ordered to fall back on Grand Ecore. The reason given was want of provisions. The rebels, however, pushed their advantage and attacked us on our own ground, charging right at the Nineteenth Army Corps. which met them like men, sweeping them away with artillery and musketry. Still on they came, and Franklins commenced to waver, when General Smith came on with that splendid charge and scattered them like sheep. Out of 500 cavalry that charged on A. J. Smiths division only 1 man escaped; every saddle was emptied. He saved the fortunes of the day, and chased the rebels, as I have stated in the former part of this letter. The latter retreated 15 miles without stopping, and our army soon followed their example, showing the singular spec- tacle of two armies running away from each other, both claiming the victory. Certain it is that the rebels sent in a flag of truce ask- ing permission to bury their dead, and finding no one there, they took possession of the field with all our killed and wounded, the guns they had lost themselves, and have held it ever since. Our pickets do not extend even beyond Natchitoches, but we are en- camped at Grand Ecore, the headquarters of the general near the big red brick house of De Russys. A. J. Smith is encamped on the plain above the bluffs, outside of the present line of defense. The gun-boats are drawn up in line in front of A. J. Smith, who will have to take our fire over his head, which he is willing to do. While all the figh~ng was going on on shore the fleet was slowly and painfully working its way up Red River, through snaggy bends, loggy bayous, shifting rapids, and rapid chutes. The rebels, frightened to death, went on before us, burning all the fine cotton (bales being hid in the woods), but de- stroying none of the corn or cattle. Of these we found an abun- dance, and though we only stopped at three or four places there was enough and more to satisfy the troops without touching the ra- tions. It struck me very forcibly that this would have been th Page 172 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPJ. (CHAP. XLVI. route for the army, where they could have traveled without all that immeuse train, the couutry supporting them as they proceeded along. The roads are good, wide fields on all sides, a river protecting the right flank of the army, and gun-boats in company. An army would have no difficulty in marching to Shreveport in this way. There is Bayou Pierre to pass, and some bridges to be built, but this is childs play to our ~Western men, and not so bad as being beaten in a pine barren, with only one road through it, and that a narrow one, where troops cannot pass carts. I send you a correct map,* which I think will give you a good i(lea of the views I have expresse(l, if you have not got it already, knowing this country as well as you do. Why General Banks went through a desert, where he could not even find water (so he says), instead of a prolific coun- try, I cannot say. You know I have always said that Providence was fighting this great battle its own way, and brings these reverses to teach us, a proud, stiff-necked, and unthankful people, how to be contented under a good Government, if peaceful times come again. I hope it will teach us not to place the destinies of a great nation in the hands of political generals or volunteer admirals. When I arrived at Springfield Landing I found a sight that ma(le me laugh; it was the smartest thing I ever knew the rebels to do. They had gotten that huge steamer, New Falls City, across Red River, 1 mile above Loggy Bayou, 15 feet of her on shore on each side, the boat broken down in the middle, and a sand-bar making below her. An invitation in large letters to attend a ball in Shreve- port was kindly left stuck up by the rebels, which invitation we were never able to accept. We had landed, though, at Springfield Landing with many hundred thousand rations, twenty-six transports, and six gun-boats. Word had already gone to General Dick Taylor, at Mansfield, that the transports contained many men (a large force), whereas we only had 2,000 under General Kilby Smith; still that report shook the rebels. We surprised the guard who were watching our movements; my boat, the Cricket, came on them suddenly; our men rushed on shore, nearly taking them while eating their supper, and the letter was lying on the table giving an account of our strong force.~~ When the recipient was in the act of reading it he got away to carry the miews to Taylor, who would have been in full retreat on Shreve- port had General Banks not appeared on the field on the morning of the 8th. While discussing the feasibility of getting the Falls City out of the way (we were provided with everything to do it) a courier rode in to tell us that Bamiks had been badly whipped and was in full retreat to Grand lEcore, and that the transports and troops were ordered to return without delay, an easier thing said than done. We had disembarked the troops, none dreaming of anytbing but victory to one of the best appointed armies I ever saw in the field, and after getting in our pickets and getting the troops on board, I reversed the order of steaming, and with a heavy heart started downward, anticipating that the rebels, flushed with vic- tory, with our army in full retreat before them, would come in on our flank and cut us to pieces. The banks were high above our pilot houses, and sharpshooters could annoy us with impunity. I was much annoyed when I found that General Banks quartermasters had added to the convoy ten *To appear in the Atlas Page 173 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 173 large steamers which I had expressly stipulated with General Kilby Smith were not to come up the river. We were detained six hours lightening one of them loaded with ammunition, and the others were constantly getting into trouble. General Kilby Smith was in no way responsible for this outrageous procee(ling, for it was done after we departed from Grand Ecore, and that officer left nothing undone to co-operate with me and carry the expedition through successfully. On all occasions I found General Smith ready and willing to co- operate in the same harmonious manner that has always existed between the Navy and the Army of the Tennessee. I am sure nothing will occur to interrupt that good feeliiig. As I anticipated, the rebels were soon aware of our turning back, and were after us like a pack of wolves. They assailed us from every point, but the dispositions that were made always foiled them. We always drove them away with loss. The large transports so impeded us that it was with diffi- culty we made more than 20 miles a day, and it seemed that everything we came in contact with belonging to Banks army was (lisorderly and a drawback to us. My gun-boats were helping them off of sand- bars half the time, they having no disposition to help each other. Small bands of 100 or I ~50 had followed us along until we arrived at a place called Graffs Bluff, where our friends, the negroes, informed us that the rebels had a battery. It was about 3 oclock in the after- noon, and I laid to the bank while two gun-boats could get into po- sition to whip the battery. They were permitted to occupy the l)lace quietly, and I began to think there was none about. We shelled the woods in all directions and they kept quiet. At this moment a tremendous fire of musketry and heavy cannon, interspersed with artillery, broke out about 3 miles behind us. It sounded like a heavy 1oa4iAAe. XXea~i.ng aXY tX~e g~nxs ot t?ae gwn-boats, X & LdL ixot teaT for tlxe result. It lasted so long that I at last turned my head upstream to join in the fray, and met a gun-boat coming down, whose captain told nine it was all over and the rebels had fled, so I tied up to the bank again, expecting the attack in front, when the firing commenced again and lasted until nearly sunset; in all, two hours. It turned out to be what I had been expecting, an attack with artillery and infantry, 2,000 strong, in our rear, General Kilby Smith and two transports being divided from the main body by the artillery, which it was noh proper to pass until silenced by the gun- boats. This body of men was commanded by General Green, the best man they have, and one in whom the rebels place more confi- dence than any one else. He led his men to the very edge of the bank, they shouting and yelling like madmen. They were hand- somuely received by the Osage and Lexington in the old style. Gen- eral Smith, in the Hastings, with part of his men poured in his fire, and amoiigst us the rebels were cut into mince-meat. General Green and Colonel Chisum had their heads blown off with an 11- inch shell. The ground was covered with killed and wounded amid without great loss to ourselves. We whipped out 2,000 rebels, and kept 3,000 more in the rear of us from advancing, not liking the reports of the first partys reception. This saved us from further molestation as far as large parties were concerned, but we were terribly annoyed by small bands. It being moonlight I ordered all the transports to leave, and had they takemin advantage of the time they would have arrived in Grand Ecore next morning. After getting them all ahead I reversed the order of sailing and followed them up, but when Page 174 174 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP, XLVI. arrived at Campti I found them so mixed up and aground that I pushed on, and in three hours had General A. J. Smith under way with five regiments of infantry and a field battery. He arrived just in time to outflank the rebels with their heavy field battery, which they kept exclusively for the transports, hiding it when the gun- boats came along. It was a most exciting and interesting week; much danger of being cut off unless aided by General Banks, which aid was not sent until I asked for it in person. Some one got in in a quartermasters boat who reported everything safe, and General Smith on that account did not go himself, though ready to start at a moments notice. Finally all came in safely, not losing a rope yarn. Your men behaved splendidly and coolly, and General Kilby Smith like a brave and gallant officer. I shall always feel proud to be associated with him, and we will both likely remem- ber for many a day the perilous scenes we have gone through together. I found General A. J. Smith much depressed at some things that had occurred, but anxious to go out and whip the rebels, which we are able to do without any trouble. Instead of that I think General Banks is watching for an opportunity to retreat. If General Smith should leave him there would be a general stampede and much loss of material, and General A. J. Smith would be made the scapegoat. Finding the water falling I sent down my largest gun-boats, and regret to say that the Eastport ran on a torpedo and sank. The dam- age was slight, and the shock only noticed by a few persons on board, and it was not for some time after they found water in her hold. She was five hours sinking, but we had no pumps that could save her. The captain forgot to put canvas under her bottom, which would have saved her. Unless we have more water I shall be kept above the falls, but with a land force at Alexandria I can hold my own until next year. We must hold the country, general, and not have to go over all this again. Had Banks been victorious, as any ordinary general would have been, we would have had no trouble at all, but he has led all hands into an ugly scrape. I did all I could to avoid going up this river with him, but he would have thrown all the blame of failure on me had I failed to go. I have risked a great deal and only hope for a rise of water to get over the falls. There are all kinds of surmises on time subject. We have had no rise this year at all. Do you think it will come? You know the nature of these rivers, having resided here so long. I have written you a long letter and said to you confidentially what I would not say to any one else, knowing that it will go no farther. I am just down from Grand Ecore; have come to provide pumps to save the East- port, which I will do if Banks dont retreat; if he does I will blow her up; am getting her guns off at once. Now, what is to become of Steele? Banks has sent him a messenger. Will he (think you) be sacrificed, or can he take care of himself? Why not re-enforce him well and let him finish the job so badly begun? If this matter is left in this state it will be a lasi~ing disgrace to us. The rebels had 22,000 men, about 19,000 effective. Losing General Green has para- lyzed them; he was worth 5,000 men to them. Wishing, you success in all your undertakings, and asking your forbearance for writing you so on a letter, I remain, truly and sin- cerely, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-A c(rnira~ Page 175 ChAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ET~.UNION. 175 HDQRS. DETACHMENT 16TH AND 17TH ARMY CORPS, Grand Ecore, La., April 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. P. STONE Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: The last of my transports having arrived from above, I take this the earliest opportunity of notifying the Commanding general of the Department of the Gulf that I have received orders from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding Military Division of the Mississippi, to return with my command immediately to Vicks- burg, Miss. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. SMITH, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Commanding, & c., Grand Ecore: GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date informing me of the return of the last of your transports from the upper river, and of your orders from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman to return immediately with your command to Yicksburg, is received. The low stage of the water in Red River, and the difficulties encountered in our cam- paign consequent thereon makes it impossible for me to dispense with your services as soon as I anticipated. Did it not involve more than the abandonment of the expedition I might consider General Shermans orders as imperative, but it is impossible for the navy to remove below at this time, and the withdrawal of your command at this moment will place my forces at the mercy of the enemy, who is in larger force than General Sherman could have anticipated. The safety, therefore, of the navy and the army compel me reluctantly to withhold my consent to your departure, and for this reason I must request you to remain, notwithstanding your orders, and will assume myself the responsibility for this course. I have written to General Sherman a full statement of the situation, and cannot but believe he will concur with Admiral Porter and niyself, as well as the other officers of my command, in this decision. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major-General, C~ommanding. FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 21. f Grand Ecore, La., April 16, 1864. 1. In pursuance of extract 1 of Special Orders, No. 130, from headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-Generals Office, dated March 28, 1864, Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone is relieved from duty in this department, and will in accordance therewith repair via New Orleans to Cairo, Ill., arid report by letter to the Adjutant-General of the Army. 2. Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding detachment Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, will at once disembark the troops Yrom all transports in his charge, the transports so discharged to b Page 176 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, chief quartermaster, Nineteenth Army Corps, for service in the quartermasters depart- ment, this transfer to be temporary and with the consent of General Smith. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DETACH. 16TH AND 17TH A. C., No. 22. On Steamer Clara Bell, April 16, 1864. 1. The First Indiana Battery will report for duty, with all mate- rial in its possession, to Brig. Gen. J. A. Mower, commanding First and Third Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps, for assignment to the First Division. By order of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith: J. HOUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES ON THE RIO GRANDE, Brownsville, Tex., April 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. A. MCCLERNAND Commanding Thirteenth Corps: GENERAL: I can hardly express the regret I felt at being unable to see you while here and confer with you in regard to matters of importance connected with this command. In visiting the different portions of the town with the surgeon-in-chief, to make arrange- ments for small-pox patients and to prevent the spread of that dis- ease among our soldiers and the citizens, I unfortunately caught the disease myself, and was confined almost three weeks to bed with the varioloid. At present I am feeling qnite well, although not as strong as I could wish. Your letter of the 7th instant was handed me, and I thank you for the complimentary manner in which my troops and the various departments are spoken of. The regim~uts composing my division have all been with me for the past two years, and are among the best troops in the service. I have seen them tried and can assure you they will bring no discredit upon the corps. In behalf of the division, I thank you for the words of cheer given them. It is the first time they have received encour- agement (except from myself) since in this department. Your kind words were fully appreciated. In regard to the fortifications, our relations with the authorities on the other side, and many other mat- ters of importance, I will say nothing until I see you personally, which I shall endeavor to.do within the next two weeks. There is nothing late from the interior of Texas or Mexico. A general rumor prevails that Colonel Ford will attack this place, but I consider it an impossibility. Brigadier-General Benton has arrived and been assigned to duty. Let me assure you, general, that although as a division we have not before served under you, yet we hail your return to the command of the corps with as much pleasure and delight as any of your old troops. With great respect, your obedient servant, F. J. HERRON, Major-General Page 177 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~~J~ION~ 177 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY OUTPOST, Cedar Bayou, Tex., April 16, 1864. Capt. SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acig. Asst. AdjI. Gen., Thirteenth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in obedience to instruc- tions from the major-general commanding I did, on the 14th instant, cross Cedar Bayon onto Saint Josephs Island with 70 men of my command for the pnrpose of making a reconnaissance and dfiving off horses and cattle onto this island. I went as far as the south end of Saint Josephs Island and communicated with Major Thompson, commanding on Mustang Island. I made a careful inspection of the ground on the south end of the island to ascertain whether the de- tachment on Mustang Islaiid might not be transferred to a position on this side of Aransas, equally eligible for commanding (by artil- lery) that pass, and more eligible for a camp, and am fully of the opinion that it could not. The south end of the island for at least 14- miles is very low, and in very high tides is covered with water. This portion of it is also fully and perfectly commanded by the sand-hills on Mustang Island that come u to the waters edge, which hills, if occupied by the enemy, wouVd command the pass. The channel is also near the Mustang side, while on the Saint Josephs side the water is so shallow that it wonld be quite impossible for transports to make a landing and discharge their cargoes. In regard to the camp I have the honor to report that there is no eligible position the other side of Aransas City, which is about 4 miles this side of the extreme point of the island. I found no enemy. I drove off 3 Government mules and 17 ponies, and drove to this end of the island about 1,500 head of cattle. I had made no preparation for swimming the cattle over Cedar Bayou, and owing to the rain that had recently fallen could not drive them over the Salt Flats to the reef over which we had to cross, and have left them on this end of the island. I carefully examined the bay side of the island, and think there is no place the enemy can cross except in boats. The land on that side is very flat and boggy. I found about 100 wagon loads of salt on the island. Major Thompson had sent over a small detachment to drive in aiid butcher cattle for the use of his command. If I had two pontoons and a sufficient amount of rope I could make a good ferry over Cedar Bayou, and if desira- ble keep up communication with Mustang Island. I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant A. C. MATTHEWS, Major, Commanding. POST ARANSAS, TEX., April 16, 1864 Capt. SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the steamer Exact landed here this morning with Company A, Fourteenth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer Heavy Artillery, and reported as per Special Orders, No. 76, in command of Capt. T. W. Fry, and will take imme- diate charge of the guns here. I have communicated with Major Matthews, commanding camp at Cedar Bayou. All quiet and well. He spent one night with me here. 12 R RVQL XXXIV, PT II Page 178 178 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANSMISSISSIPPJ. [CLIAP. XLVI. The instructions given to the captain of the Exact are somewhat conflicting, as the one received from Lieutenant Paddock, acting assistant quartermaster of transport~ition, seems to anticipate an order to me for putting on board troops for Brazos. I have no such orders. The instructions from Colonel Pierce are that the boat re- turn at once from here. Under the circumstances I have ordered the boat to return. I forward 2 prisoners (rebel soldiers), both cap- tured on the 12th instant on the mainland, not far from Corpns Christi. Colonel Ford has a rebel camp 30 miles from Corpus, and has abont 650 men. What his intended movements are I cannot state, but I am watching him closely as I can. Respectfully, WM. G. THOMPSON, Major, Commanding Post. [Inclosure.] POST ARANSAS, TEX., April 16, 1864. To all whom it may concern: This is to certify that Captain Crowell, of the steamer Exact, has landed at this post the troops as per Orders, No. 76, from Major-Gen- eral McClernand, and his instructions from Lieutenant Paddock, acting assistant quartermaster of transportation, being such that, unaccompanied with other orders, I could not understand, and the instructions from Lieutenant-CQlonel Pierce being that the boat return at once, I have ordered the captain to return to Pass Cavallo. Respectfully, WM. G. THOMPSON, Major, Commanding Post. [Indorsement.] Let Major Thompson be ordered to send the two companies of engineers at Aransas to Colonel Hodge by the first opportunity. It was intended that they should have been so sent upon the arrival of the company of colored Rhode Island artillery, from Pass Cavallo, at Aransas. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. CULPEPER, VA., April 16, 1864. (Received 1.30 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Please ask the President to authorize the transfer of Fort Smith and the Indian Territory to the Department of Arkansas. There is every reason why this Territory and the State of Arkansas should be under one man, and that man in the field. In case this change is made I wish General Blunt ordered back to report to General Curtis. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Indorsement.] APRIL 16, 1864. Let it be done. A. LINCOLN Page 179 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 179 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DETACH. 7TH ARMY CORPS, No. 14. Little Rock, Ark., April 16, 1864. * * * * * * VII. Col. William H. Graves, Twelfth Regiment Michigan Vet- eran Infantry, is relieved from duty as Commandant of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, and will take com- inand of his regiment. VIII. Col. James M. True, Sixty-second Regiment Illinois Infan- try, having reported for duty, is assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, and will re- lieve Col. William H. Graves, commanding, without unnecessary delay. By order of Brig. Gen. N. Kimball: E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 16, 1864. Col. C. C. ANDREWS, Commanding Post: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you detail 75 men, with proper officers, all mounted, with three or four days ra- tions, to go on an expedition to start to-night or early to-morrow morning, to report at these headquarters as soon as ready. The offi- cer detailed to command will report in person as soon as practicable for particular instructions. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 16, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel WAUGH, Commanding, Clarksville, Ark.: COLONEL: Captain Clowry, superintendent of telegraph, informs me that the line is down above your post. Why can you not keep it up? You have 50 mounted men and 180 foot. Fifty men should be able to protect the line above you. This line is our chief dependence and must be kept in order. I have ordered Colonel Fuller to send a force to you for the purpose of repairing the line. You will give his force every aid, and you must keep the line in repair. Hang or shoot every scoundrel whom you can find who has interfered or may interfere with the line. The rebels in your vicinity are not numer- ous; you ought to be able with your force to drive them away. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CLARKSvILLE, ARK., April 16, 1864. Brigadier-General KIMBALL: I have received private information that there are at least 300 rebels on the lines west of this 25 miles. At dark last evening I sent a s~ont of 25 men, under Lieutenant Roseman, to examine their pos Page 180 180 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. tion. The Union families have all been driven in from the conntry, so that rebels and their sympathizers have complete possession. I have nailed 23 within the last two weeks, and lost 2 taken prisoners and 2 badly wounded. There are abont 400 rebels iu this section, well mounted but indifferently armed. G. M. WAUGH, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Post. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 16, 1864. Colonel WAUGH, Clarksville, Ark.: COLONEL: I telegraphed you this morning. I want those guer- rillas captured, killed, or dispersed, and the telegraph line kept in order. Where do 300 or 400 guerrillas come from? If they are in- differently armed, take them. You have done well in capturing 23. You will do better by killing or capturing the rest. I have ordered Colonel Fuller to send you some force from Dardanelle; 100 resolute, euergetic officers and men on the side of right ought to kill and capture all the scoundrels around you. I hope yon will do it. I have no force here to re-enforce you. Seize and impress all the horses belonging to rebels and their sympathizers, and drive every disloyal man out of the country. Hang or shoot every & evil who robs and murders citizens or destroys the telegraph. Take good care of the loyal and the women and children. Dont burn auy houses nor destroy other property. Destroy the scoundrels, and the property will hurt no one. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CLARKSvILLE, ARK., April 16, 1864. Brigadier-General KIMBALL: Three hundred of these guerrillas are men collected from the south of the river, from Franklin, Carroll, and Newton Counties; 100 are in small bands scattered over this county and Pope. Every avail- able horse, mule, and ox has been pressed, by order of Colonel Jud- son, to haul cotton from Roseville. I am doing all I can with the force I have. I sent out Lieutenant Roseman last night. He was to have sent me a dispatch before this time, but have not heard from him, and fear that he is captured or driven the other way. G. M. WAUGH, Lieutenant-Colonel, Gommanding Post. Col. A. H. RYAN, [LITTLE ROCK, AHK.,1 April 16, 1864. ~Jommanding, Lewisburg, Ark.: COLONEL: You will direct Colonel Fuller, at Dardanelle, to send a good officer and 50 men to Clarksville to see why the telegraph line above that point cannot be kept in repair. You will instruct him to see to it that it is placed in good condition, and then the de- tail will return to Dardanelle. They will shoot or hang every guer- rilla who has or may interfere with the line. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General, Commandina Page 181 CITAP. XLVII CO1~RI3~SPONPENCE, ~TC.~-UNIO~. 181 HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTHEASTERN ARKANSAS, Batesville, Ark., April 16, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, A. A. G., 7th A. C. and Dept. of Ark., Little Rock, Ark.: SIR: In reply to your communication of the 9th instant, I have the honor to state that my force consists of Eleventh Regiment Missouri Cavalry, eleven squadrons, 780 men and officers; First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry, 601 officers and men; Arkansas mounted infantry, 369 officers and men; section Battery D, Second Missouri Artillery, 36 officers and men; giving an aggregate of 1,750 mounted men and 36 artillerists. Owing to causes to me unknown sufficient forage has not been sent from Devalls Bluff, and my stock of horses is re- duced to 600, the balance of the cavalry being dismounted. Jacksonport is 28 miles cast of Batesville; the road for 16 miles west from Jacksonport to this station is thrdugh a miserable bottom, the balance is over sharp hills. My command is indifferently sup- plied with aAimunition, though reqnisitions and letters urging it sent have been forwarded by the proper officers. No forage can be obtained in this region under General Orders, No. 31, from these headquarters, copy of which has been forwarded to your office. Twenty-one hundred families have reported to the chief quarter- master of this district, giving exact amonuts of forage on hand, the number of acres planted in corn, oats, and wheat, number whites and blacks in family, & c., and the result is destitution. My scouting parties are numerous and always out; report the same in corroboration of the sworn statements of the citizens, and in view of the fact that my stock is dying daily for want of food, and that I have been compelled for the last four days to press food for my comniand, and knowing that this portion of the river from here to Jacksonport is not navigable during eleven-twelfths of the year, I have considered it a military necessity, in view of my situa- tion, to remove to Jacksonport, where boats with supplies can reach me, leaving 530 men to hold this post. This will give me 1, 200 men with which to occupy the country east of Black and White Rivers. There is nothing for me to do west of above line. I have exterminated and driven out nearly all the scoundrels who infested the country north of Little Red to Missouri, and as the enemy is growing impu- dent along the east bank of White River, menacing my line of sup- plies, and as they are more numerous on that side, I have determined, under all the circumstances, that my dnty to my men and horses and my country required my presence on that side of this district, where I hope soon to do such good work as will substantiate the correctness of my judgment. I will send 600 men to Augusta, to be there 25th instant, when, if the lieutenant commanding will co-operate with me by sending a force, we will compel the enemy to remove his headquarters to the interior swamps west of ridge. I do not believe the reports of 2,000 of the enemy being with McRae; he has abont 1,200 soldiers, 200 of whom he has to keep out scouting for subststence. He could raise 2,000 armed men by pressing citizens, but that will only make the slaughter worse for him. My men will fight, rest assured of that, and I predict that McRaes glory departs from him as soon as I set foot on the other side of the river. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry, ~onidg Page 182 182 LOUISIANA AN]) THE TRANS-MISSt~4IPPI. rCHAP. XLVI. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTHEASTERN ARKANSAS, Batesville, Ark., April 16, 1864. Maj. W. D. GREEN, A. A. G., 7th A. C. and Dept. of Ark., Little Rock, Ark.: MAJOR: I have the honor respectfully to call your attention to the fact that the shipments of supplies and forage to this point have been dangerously dilatory in reaching here. I know not the causes, but feel the effect very seriously. Numerous letters from my chief commissary and chief quartermaster have been forwarded to the proper staff officers of the department; but they have been slow in responding. When the last boats came here I had been out of forage six days, and kept my stock alive by browsing them. The rations of my command were exhausted, with exception of meat, on the 10th instant, and although two boats are now here, there is not an ounce of coffee on board. That this should occur when it is known that abundance of com- missary stores and forage can be obtained at Devalls Bluff, most certainly does not redound to the credit of the officers in charge of those stores at the depot, and I have respectfully to request that their attention be invited to the matter, and the absolute wants of this command a little better cared for. I write in no spirit of fault- finding, and can starve as obediently as any one, if it is necessary, bnt simply beg to lay the facts before the general commanding for his action. I expect to be engaged with the enemy east of White River next week, and having all the cravings of a soldier, would like to have a little coffee alone; but we will have to forego that luxury until the authorities in charge consider it time to forward some to us. I will attack McRae and I have no doubt thrash him handsomely. The boats will not be molested on White River above Devalls Bluff much longer. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Nebraska Garalry, Gommanding District. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTHEASTERN ARKANSAS Batesville, Ark., April 16, 1864. Lient. Col. JOHN W. STEPHENS, Commanding Post at Batesville, Ark.: COLONEL: You have been appointed commander of the post of Batesville, with a command consisting of Fourth Arkansas Mounted Infantry and one squadron Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, amounting in all to 450 men. You will exercise the most rigid and vigilant discipline. Permit no acts of disobedience or plundering to pass unpunished. Compel your command to respect the persons and property of citizens, and see to it that a vigilant system of picket- ing is constantly kept up. You cannot drill your men too much. Maintain obedience to all orders of this division, department, and district in the most sacred manner, and you will be successful in your duties. In your treatment of citizens always make a clear distinction be- tween the unequivocally loyal and the disloyal; refer all claims of disloyal parties to be settled by a claims commissioner. to b Page 183 OnAP. XLVI.] 18~ CORkt~SPONDENCF, ETC.UNION. appointed by Congress after civil government is established in this State. Afford protection and foster the loyal men and families of yonr jurisdiction, permitting rations to be issued in accordance with the orders of the War Department to those only who are really des- titute and deserving. Learn to say no to those appeals to yonr heart which would lead you to transcend or violate prndence and published orders. Bear in mind, as paramonnt to all other considerations, the good of the service. Damage the enemy whenever opportnnity occnrs, but incnr no unnecessary risks. You will appoint a discreet officer as provost-marshal, whom you can empower to levy fines, taxes on merchants, & c., from which fund you can pay the expenses of his office. Compel all captured property to be turned over to the local provost-marshal, and he to account satisfactorily to the district provost-marshal on the 10th, 20th, and last days of each mouth. Permit no liquor to be sold to your troops, and by example and otherwise discountenance and pre- vent the abnse of intoxicating drinks both among citizens and the army. Send frequent commnnications to district headquarters, and keep me thoroughly advised of all that transpires, or which may be of the least interest. As fast as the men now in post hospital recover, send them to their respective commands, when escorts or boats are going the proper direction. If it becomes necessary to make a contract with a private physician to care for your sick, do so; look after the wants of the sick of your coin mand. and exercise all those powers which your long experience as a soldier entitle you to pos~ess for the great final triumph of a free government over the base rebellion we are now battling against. I am, coloiiel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. R. LIVINGSTON, Colonel First Nebraska C~avalry, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS MississiPPi MARINE BRIGADE, Flag-ship Autocrat, Fords Landing, Ark., April 16, 1864. Lient. Col. J. A. ELLET, Commanding Earn Fleet: COLONEL: In compliance with instructions just received from General McArthur you are hereby directed to proceed without delay to Memphis and report to Major-General Hurlbut, commanding Sixteeiith Army Corps and detached forces Seventeenth A~iuy Corps on Mississippi River, for duty. By order of Brig. Gen. A. W. Ellet: W. D. CRANDALL, Assistant Adjutant- General. CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 16, 186410.30 p. m. (Received 8.30 a. in., 17th.) Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Teun.: I have ordered General Rosecrans to send to Cairo all the forces he can, specifying three regiments that must be sent. You can have them used against Forrest. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- qeneral Page 184 184 LOUISIANA AND TIIIF TI~ANS-MISSISSIppI. [CHAP. XLVL CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 16, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 8.25 a. in., 17th.) Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: Send the Twelfth Missouri, Ninth Iowa, and Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry to Cairo without delay. You may replace as many of them as you may require about Saint Louis from other parts of your com- mand. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA.. April 16, 18642 p. in. (Received 5.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: Send at once all the force you can to Cairo to report to the com- manding officer there to be used against Forrest. S en d either cav- alry or infantry. Take that nearest the river and replace what you send away by troops from the interior. Answer what von can do. U. S. GRANI, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, General ROSECRANS, Nashville, Tenn., April 16, 1864. Saint Louis: Steps were taken to drive Forrest to the wall, but failed by the timidity of our officers at Memphis. There are assembling at Cairo two divisions of McPherson, which will prevent any such move- ment as you speak of. The whole object of Forrests movement is to prevent the concentration going on here as against Georgia. You in Missouri must counteract the machinations of the scat- tered guerrillas. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT o~ CAIRO, Gairo, Ill., April 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Commanding Department of the Missouri: SIR: Excuse my neglect of the matter of your communication by telegraph dated the 12th. The pressure of immediate duties has prevented earlier attention. I inclose a copy of General 1{nrlbuts letter of instrnctions (A); also copy of my order issued thereon, No. 15 (B); also copy of General Hurlbuts supplemental letter (C); also copy of my supplemental Orders, No. 21 (D) ; also my Orders, No. 16 (E) on a kindred subject; also my letter of April 2, showing the necessity of these orders (F). * That necessity has been tenfold more *For inclosures marked B, B, and F, see Vol. XXXII, Part III, pp. 233, 234. and 232, respectively Page 185 CHAP. XLVL) CORRESPONDI~NCI~, ETC.tFNiO~. 18~ apparent since the orders were issued than before. You will notice that my order goes somewhat beyond the letter of instructions and contains matter for which General Hurlbut is not primarily re- sponsible, the responsibility being with me. Being on the spot, being well advised, and time being important, I acted. I am satis- fled that I was right, and as well satisfied that the measure does interfere with your command and ought to be at once modified so far as Missouri is concerned, if you desire it. The reading of my letter (F) will explain so fully that I need not again say how fatal to us has been the unwarrantable freedom accorded to the landing of goods in places convenient for their pass- ing into the enemys hands. As soon as I can get communications past Fort Pillow, I will advise General Hurlbut of your dispatch and of this, my explanation. The Missouri side of the river is nuder the shadow of this post and I frequently find it necessary to visit that side to break up illicit trade, to control crossings, and to do other things concerning the safety of navigation, & c., but I respect- fully disclaim any desire to do any act on that side which you would not at once request and authorize, were you near and personally cog- nizant of the facts. On the other hand, I shall take pleasure in responding to your wishes. I will make another communication on a subject connected with your comman(l below. Respectfully, your obedient servant, M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure A.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ]liliemphis, Tenn., March 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. M. BRAYMAN, Commanding District of ~airo, Cairo, Ill.: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding corps to inform you that under present circumstances it is imprudent to permit goods and supplies to points between Cairo and Memphis or to allow boats to land, excepting at Columbus, Island No. 10, and Fort Pillow, and to request you to give the necessary orders and inform the officers of the Treasury Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure ~.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS Memphis, Tenn., April 5, 1864. Brig. Geii. M. BRAYMAN, Commanding at Cairo: GENERAL: If a military force is stationed at New Madrid, goods, & c., may be landed there. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General Page 186 18(3 LOIJISIANA ANt) TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [ChAp. XLVI. [Inclosure D.] GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CAIRO, No. 21. Cairo, ill., April 7, 1864. I. Paragraph 2 of Goneral Orders, No. 5, issued from these head- quarters, is amended in this: Landings may be made at New Mad- rid while occupied by a military force. II. Boats must take on fuel at places designated for landing, or may do so at other points under military or naval protection. III. Military supplies, also supplies permitted by post command- ers for daily consumption for officers and persons connected with the Government service, may be made at the designated landing places. By order of Brig. Gen. M. Bravman: J. H. ODLIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. COMPANY E, FIRST CAVALRY, M. S. M., Germantown, Mo., April 16, 1864. Col. JAMES MCFERRAN: SIR: In obedience to orders of Capt. J. H. Little, dated Warrens- burg, April 13, 1864, I yesterday (April 15) caused the bushwhacker Clement to be shot to death. He made no confessions of importance, except that he understood from the men in whose company he was found that there were about 100 bushwhackers scattered through the country, mostly in the region of the Sni Hills, and that Gann and others of them were with Quantrill in the Lawrence massacre. He said there were 11 of them together, on Grand River, a day or two before he was captured, and that they staid most of the time - above Deer Creek, 20 or 30 miles from this place. All quiet here at present. Respectfully, your obedient servant, L. HARDESTY, W. First Lient. Co. .E, First Cay., 211. S. 111., Comdg. Station. HARRISONVILLE, Mo., April 16, 1864. Col. JAMES H. FORD Commanding Fourth Sub-District, Kansas City, Mo.: SIR: I arrived here this morning from off Grand River to get some horses shod. I scouted on the Missouri River two days and found no sign of bushwhackers or boats. We looked at every foot of the river bank from the mouth of Little Blue to La Fayette line. We then went south on the west line of this district to Grand River, then up both sides of the Grand to Dayton, where we struck the trail of some Company L men, who were stationed at Dayton. We leave this day at noon for Grand River, taking a southwest course through Grand and its branches. Our horses are getting pretty thin, and will need some time to recruit when we get in. I hear of 2 men that were sent up to you. I hope you will keep them for us to escort to Warrensburg or somewhere else. I am happy to inform you that we have not come onto a bushwhacker trail since we started, no Page 187 CHAP. XLVI.) COI~RESPONt4~NC1~, ETC.UNIOX. 18~ heard of one, and we have sconred the country where we went well. Have followed up many trails, but they come out all right when followed up. Trusting the above will meet with yonr approbation, I am, col- onel, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, B. F. ALLEN, Commanding Scouts. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Smith, Ark., April 16, 1864. (Received 17th.) General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: GENERAL: There are many refugee families here that want trans- portation to Springfield. Shall I send them up in your wagons? I agree with you about cotton. When there is no navigation it had better be burned at once. I was directed to guard it. Did so, but at the sacrifice of 20 lives. General Steeles forces had a small engagement with the enemy on Little Missouri River, between Arkadeiphia and Camden, on the 9th. Enemys loss estimated 100 killed. Rebel General Fagan killed. * Price retreating. Steeles headquarters at Camden. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Commanding. FORT SMITH, ARK., April 16, 1864. (Received 17th.) General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: Above is a copy of orderf last received from Little Rock. I have also in my possession General Thayers order, dated 24th March, the day he left, which was by the authority of General Steele, directing me what to do on the arrival of Colonel Lynde. General Kimball has telegraphed me frequently to know if Colonel Lynde had arrived. I know that they are all anxious that he should do so, all of which I have telegraphed to Colonel Lynde. I now most respectfully re- quest you to direct Colonel Lynde to proceed on the most practicable route to Ozark, as that is the point where I want cavalry most at this time, and there is plenty of foragethat is, on route to Little Rock, and if it is the desire of General Steele for him to follow the army, he will be on the direct route. I suppose that, sending off the main road, he can obtain forage most of the way. I do not blame Colonel Lynde for not desiring to come this direction, but I deem it the most urgent military, necessity. The men sent from Little Rock with a team containing telegraph repairers were taken prisoners and brutally murdered. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Commanding. *A mistake. ~ See Green to Lynde, April 10, p. 11$ Page 188 188 LGUISTANA AND THE TRAXS-MIS~ISSIpPI. LCHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 16, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel DRAPER, Commanding, Macon Mo.: Concentrate Companies H and I, Ninth Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, at the best point for them to care well for Chariton, Ran- dolph, Howard, and Boone Counties. Tell Captain Glaze we shall hold him responsible for the good order of said counties, and for the extermination therefrom of guerrillas and thieves. Order in all the small detachments on duty as gnards for recruiting officers for ne- groes, where the officer is doing nothing. We cant afford body guards for officers doing nothing. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. LEAVENWORTH, April 16, 1864. (Received 10.30 a. in., 18th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Colonel Chivington reports Lieutenant Dunn, First Colorado, had a fight with party of Cheyenne Indians on Platte River, near Fre- monts Orchard, on the LIth; killed a number of Indians~ we had 4 men badly wounded. The Indians were stealing stock from Govern- ment coiitractors. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 16, 18~4. General W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn.: Dispatch caine while I was absent. Kansas and Indian country stripped to strengthen Steele. Steeles move does not cover my department, and I fear repetition of raids and massacres. Kansas, you know, has suffered most, and, like Missouri and Kentucky, needs more than militia to save her. I wish I had force to move down through the prairie country west of Arkansas, where grass and cattle niake it more convenient to campaign, and turn enemys left flank and seize the valleys that lead through Texas. Such a route avoids mountains and timber. But success, general, to your central movement. I will do all in my power. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. BOONEVILLE, CoLo. TER., April 16, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIVINGTON: SIR: A party of gentlenien and a Government expressinan passed our place this (Sunday) morning, aiid reported troubles with the Sioux on the Platte, and said you had ordered the troops to concen- trate at some point on the Platte. I trust, sir, that you will no Page 189 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 189 take from us the oniy protection to our women and children we have by taking away Company L. Should this be the case I am sure that you will have a iemon- strance sent you as long as the moral law, headed by Your obedient servant, fraternally, A. G. BOONE. HEADQUARTERS, Camp Sanborrt, Cob. Ter., April 16, 1864. Col. JOHN M. CHIvINGToN, Comdg. District of Colorado, Denver, Cob. Ter.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have received an ex- press from Lieutenant Dunn, First Cavalry of Colorado, in charge of detachment First Cavalry of Colorado in pursuit of band of Indians. He had arrived with his command at Bijou Station at day- light yesterday morning. The Indians were then twelve hours ahead; the report was they were near 100 strong, but I think the report was exaggerated. Private Baird, of Company C, died yester- day about 3 p. m. McBride and the other wounded man of same company are doing very well, and will soon be around again unless their wounds prove to be worse than they appear. I am, colonel, with much respect, your obedient servant, GEO. L. SANBORN, Captain, First Cavalry of tJolorado, 6~orndg. Camp Sanborn. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 16, 1864. Maj. JACOB DOWNING, Fir8t Cavalry of Colorado, Denver, Gob. Ter.: SIR: The colonel commanding directs me to say that you will pro- ceed without delay to Camp Sanborn, and take charge of and give directions in person to the movements against the Indians, and see to it that they are appropriately chastised for their outlawry. You will daily communicate with these headquarters. If more troops are needed report that fact, and all others promptly. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. GEO. H. STILWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cbio. Ter., April 16, 1864. First Lieut. G. L. Snoup, First Cavalry of C~olorado, Gomdg. Escort to Commissary Train from Denver to Fort Union: LIEUTENANT: The colonel commanding directs that you return with your command to Camp Fillmore without delay. You will forward by one of your mcii the accompanying dispatch to the commanding officer, Fort Union, N. Mex., who is therein requested to send out a detachment to meet and escort the train to that post. Th~ Indian troubles have reached a climax. On 12th instan Page 190 190 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSISSIPPl. [CHAP. XLVI. Lieutenant Dunn, with a small party, had a fight with a band of Cheyennes near Fremonts Orchard, and had 4 men badly wounded (1 of them has since died and 2 others are expected to). A number of Indians were killed. They are stealing stock in every direction, and refusing to give it up. Carbines with ammunition are en route to Camp Fillmore. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. STILWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 16, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Fort Union, AT. Mex.: SIR: I have the honor to ,request that you will send out a detach- mentfrom your command to meet and escort to your post the train of commissary stores now en route from Denver, Cob. Ter. The long anticipated difficulties with the Indians in this Territory appear to have reached a crisis. A fight has already occurred between a small detachment of my troops and the Cheyennes, with some loss on both sides. All my troops are now required for service, and I have ordered Lieutenant Shoup, who, with a detac4iment of 35 men, has been escorting said train, to return with his command to Camp Fill- more, Cob. Ter. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District. CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 17, 1864. Maj. Geii. D. HUNTER, U. S. Volunteers: In giving the instructions to M~j. Gen. N. P. Banks, a copy of which accompanies this, the design was to impress upon the general ~)articularly two points: First, the importance of commencing opera- tions at the very earliest possible moment against Mobile, so that his movement may serve as co-operative with those of the other armies in the field; second, that lie should take with him the greatest number of troops possible from his command. In fixing the Rio Grande as the only point in Texas to retain possession of, I do not intend to take from him all discretion about what should be held. If there should be any point on the Gulf easily defended against largely superior forces which, in the opinion of General Banks, it would give us great advantages in future o peratioiis to re- tain possession of, then he can hold such place. ~The same rule must a p ply in fixing garrisons for holding the Mississippi River. General Banks can tell much better from where he is than I can from here what points are necessary to hold and what is necessary to hold them. Referring to General Banks letter of the 2d of April to Major- General Halleck,* giving the strength of garrisons at the different points held by him, to wit, Rio Grande, 3,000; Matagorda Bay, 3,277; Pensacola, 900; Key West, 791; New Orleans, 1,125; Baton * $ee Part I, p. 179 Page 191 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, EfC.UNJON. 191 Rouge, 1,565; Plaqueinine, 620, and Port Hudson, 9,409, it looks to me that all might be taken from Matagorda, or 2,000, if the place is of such importance that it should be held; from Baton Rouge one- half might be taken, and 7,000 might be taken from Port Hudson. This is my judgment from here. It is of the first importance that we should hold Red River. This, you will observe, I have turned over to General Steele, in order that General Banks might have a greater number of troops to move with. If, however, General Steele has not with him the necessary force to leave for this purpose, General Banks will have to supply the deficiency until re-enforce- ments can be got to General Steele. Already several regiments have gone to Little Rock to re-enforce him, probably 2,000 men, and when some troops ordered from Saint Louis to West Kentucky get through with the work of driving Forrest from the State, they, too, can be sent. The whole re-enforcement for General Steele, however, cannot be relied on at over 5,000 men. Fort Smith and the Indian Territory having been added to the Department of Arkansas may give General Steele suflicient additional troops as to materially strengthemi him also. General Banks has always been very vigilant in the organization of colored troops. It is to be hoped that his expedition up Red River will give a large number of recruits of this class. All acquired in this way, however, being without organization or dis- cipline, could not be counted as so many men for defense of garrisons. Three of them, though, might count equal to one veteran soldier in fixing the number to leave behind at any one place. All plans for the attack on Mobile are left to General Banks. He will make his own arrangements for getting supplies of all descriptions. With movements to take place elsewhere, it is not at all probable that the enemy can make any effort at raising the siege, if Mobile is once invested. Should the place be difficult to take from the number of troops held to defend it, the success of holding them there will be great. You will remain with General Banks until his move from New Orleans is comuienced and a landing effected at Pascagoula, or such place as may be selected for the base froum which to draw the supplies. When this is secured bring to me, wherever I may be, such report of oper~itious as General Banks may then wish to for- ward. Write to me fully how you find matters immediately on your first interview with General Banks. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Inclosure.] CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: Owing to the difficulty of giving positive instructions to a distant commander respecting his operations in the field, and being exceed- ingly anxious that the whole army should act nearly as a unit, I send Major-General Hunter, an officer of rank and experience, bearer of duplicate copy of instructions sent you, of the 31st of March,* to- gether with written instructions for General Hunters guidance imi your and his interview. * See Part I, p. ii Page 192 192 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. It is not intended that General Hunter shall give orders in my name further than the instructions addressed to him are such orders, but to express more fully my views than I can well do on paper, and to remain with you until such time as you will be able to say defi- nitely at what time yon will commence your movement against Mobile. In your letter of the 2d of AprIl, brought by Lieutenant Towner, you, iii anticipation of the enemy falling back from Shreveport, pro- pose a movement through Texas in pursuit of him. You had not. when the letter was written received my instructions of the 31st of March. I hope those instructions reached you before such a move- ment was commenced. I would much rather the Red River expedi- tion had never been begun than that you should be detained one day after the 1st of May in commencing your movement east of the Mississippi. If you have commenced to move from Shreveport to the interior of Texas, or away from the Red River in any directioii, retrace your steps on receipt of this. No matter what you may have in con- templation, commence your concentration, to be followed without delay by your advance on Mobile. Hoping that General Hunter will find you back at New Orleans, with the work of concentration commenced, I remain, & c., U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 17, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper: * * * * * * * Fort Smith and Indian Territory added to Department of Arkan- sas, and General Blunt ordered to General Curtis. * * * * * * * H. W. HALLECK Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 17, 1864. Lient. Commander THOMAS 0. SELFRIDGE, On board U. S. S. Osage: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu- nication of this date. On the 15th I had an interview with Admiral Porter, in which our position was fully discussed, but did not know that he was to leave this post. In reference to the operations of the army, I can only say at present that we are here under instructions from the Government to move upon Shreveport in co-operation with the forces of General Steele. General Steele fails to co-operate with us, as far as we can learn, and thus far renders us no assistance. I have sent to him by the way of Little Rock, and requested him to join us upon the line of the river, where we can move forward in column against the enemy. With the co-operation of his forces our occupation of Shreveport is certain and immediate. It is impossible to say at this time whether we shall receive that co-operation or not. Until it is ascertained definitely that this par Page 193 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 193 of the plan of the Government at Washington will fail us, and that my force is insufficient to advance farther upon this line against the enemy, who appears to be in full force, I shall entertain no thought of a retrograde movement; certainly not if it leaves the navy in any danger. No such purpose is contemplated now. I have sent for all the troops that can be gathered from my own department to move to this point immediately. I have also requested, as I have said, the co-operation of General Steele. Governor Hall, of Missouri, who is here, expresses great interest in the success of this campaign, and will do all he can to send forces from Missouri, which he says can be spared from that State. If this assistance fails, I can then deter- mine what course to pursue; until then, it is my purpose to main- tam my position. Had I known you to have been in command, or that Admiral Por- ter was absent, I should have sought an interview with you upon the subject embraced in your letter. In my interview with the ad- miral he expressed the utmost confidence in the rise of the river, and did not speak upon the subject of the withdrawing either of his vessels or the troops. His last suggestion to me was, that it would be imprudent for me to advance until the river should rise. I will take early occasidn to explain to you in person my view of the situ- ation of our affairs. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Gommanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 47. Grand Ecore, La., April 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. P. Stone havii~g been relieved from duty in this de- partment by orders from the War Department, Brig. Gen. William Dwight, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby announced as chief of staff at these headquarters, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By command of Major-General Banks: GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 22. ~ Grand Ecore, La., April 17, 1864. 1. Brig. Geff. William Dwight, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby re- lieved from the command of the First Brigade, First Division, Nine- teenth Army Corps, and is assigned to duty at these headquarters as chief of staff to the coinman in general. * * * * * * * 7. Brig. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Volunteers, will report with- out delay to headquarters Department of the Gulf in the field. * * * * * * * 18. Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Defenses of New Orleans, and will proceed at once to Pass Cavallo, Tex., to relieve Brig. Gen. Fitz Henry Warren in the command of the U. S. forces at that point. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. 1~3 H HVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 194 194 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF PLAQUEMINE, Plaquemine, La., April 17, 1864. Capt. GEORGE W. DURGIN, Jr., Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to call your attention to the great necessity which exists for a company, at least, of cavalry in this place. The provost-marshal needs a mounted police to assist him in his business, and I have information that with a sufficient cavalry force quite a number of important seizures might be made. There are also sev- eral parties of Confederates in the vicinity, one near Indian Village, of about 30 men, under command of Lieutenant Hack. With a company of cavalry these parties might be either driven off or cap- tured. Hoping that you will take this matter into consideration, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant RICHARD G. SHAW, lJifaj. 14th Rhode island Heavy Arty. (Colored), Comdg. Post. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Port Hudson, La., April 17, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I regret to be obliged to state that Brigadier-General An- drews is unable to attend to business in consequence of severe indis- position. I am therefore in command of the post. I have the honor to state that pursuant to Field Orders, No. 16, extracts S and 6, dated headquarters Department of the Gulf, April Ii, 1864, I have this day forwarded to Fort Barrancas, Fla., the Eighty-second U. S. Infantry (colored), Colonel Zulavsky, and to Bonnet Carre the Eightieth U. S. Infantry (colored), Colonel Hamlin. General Andrews desires me to request further instructions a~ to Field Orders, No. 3, dated headquarters Department of the Gulf, March 25, 1864. He suggests that, in view of the fact that the enemy has recently shown himself repeatedly in our neighborhood in con- siderable strength, it may not be well to further reduce this garrison. Excepting some small fractions of regiments and the cavalry (whose numbers are altogether insufficient for the duty they have to perform), we have now but two regiments of drilled men. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, DANIEL ULLMANN Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. FITZ HENRY WARREN, Commanding U. S. Forces, Pass Cavallo: GENERAL: The commanding general directs that upon being re- lieved in command of the forces at Pass Cavallo by Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts, U. S. Volunteers, you proceed with as little delay as possi- ble to report at headquarters Department of the Gulf, in the field. He directs that you bring with you from Pass Cavallo all the troop Page 195 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 195 now at that point that in your judgment are not absolutely necessary in connection with the gun-boats to defend the place. He considers it almost certain that the greater portion of Magruders force will be withdrawn from Galveston and brought here. He considers that one or two regiments of white infantry, in connection with a regi- ment of the Corps dAfrique, which has been ordered to Pass Cavallo, will be sufficient to protect the place. He, however, leaves it discre- tionary with you, after a full consideration of the affairs in your front, to decide as to the number of troops that shall be withdrawn. It is desirable that every means be use6 by you to reach this point at the earliest possible moment. You will come here by way of New Or- leans and Red River. The quartermasters department has been in- structed to facilitate this movement by all the means at its disposal. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL HDQR5. THIRTEENTH ARMY COR~5, ORDERS, Pass Gavallo, Tex., April 17, 1864. * * * * * * * VI. Brigadier-General Warren, commanding First Division, will detail a force 200 strong, with arms and accouterments, and 20 men with axes, to report to Capt. J. B. Gorsuch at the landing at Fort Esperanza to-morrow morning at 7.30 oclock. The men will be provided with one days rations. VII. Brigadier-General Warren, commanding First Division, will hold the Second Brigade; Brigadier-General Lawler commanding, in readiness to embark with all its cain p and garrison equipage, land transportation, at an hours notice. The regiments will be supplied with ten days rations and forage, and the men will carry 40 rounds of ammunition in their cartridge-boxes. All officers and men on detached duty out of the brigade but within the division will be re- turned to their regiments. * * * * * * * IX. Captain Patterson, Independent Company Mechanics and En- gineers, will be ready to embark with his command at an hours notice, taking ten days rations and such tools, transportation, and camp equipage as he may consider necessary for service in the field in the Red River campaign. The remainder of his property will be turned over here or in New Orleans. X. Commanding officer signal corps will be ready to embark with his command at an hours noti& e, taking ten days rations and forage and such instruments and camp equipage as he may consider neces- sary for service in the field in the Red River The re- mainder of his property will be turned over here or in ew r eans. * * * * * * * XII. Company I, Twenty-second Regiment Iowa Volunteer In- fantry, is relieved from duty at these headquarters after the 18th instant, and will return to the regiment. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 196 196 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 164. Washington, April 17, 1864. I. By direction of the President of the United States, the Indian Territory and military post of Fort Smith, included in the Depart- ment of Kansas by General Orders, No. 1, current series, are hereby transferred to the Department of Arkansas. II. Major-General Blunt, U. S. Volunteers, will repair to Fort Leavenworth, and report to the commanding officer Department of Kansas, for orders. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. (Copies telegraphed to Generals Sherman, Steele, Curtis, Blunt, and Kimball.) HDQRS. THIRD DIvISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, C~amden, Ar/c., April 17, 1864. Col. F. H. MANTER, Chief of Staff: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in obedience to in- structions from department headquarters the Thirty-sixth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry has been detailed to occupy and run Mr. Brittons mill, under the direction of Captain Thompson, commis- sary of subistence. I have sent a staff officer to the bayou, who re- ports that the bridge is passable for infantry and the bayou fordable for teams. I would respectfully suggest that one company of cav- alry be ordered to report to Colonel Kittredge, commanding Thirty- sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantly, for picket and orderly duty at the mill, to keep up connection and be properly advised of any inten- tion of the enemy on the mill. The regiment will march at 7 a. m. to-morrow. The pioneer corps will repair the bridge to-morrow for the use of trains. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. SALOMON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HD~2RS. 3D DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, No. 14. Camden, Ark., April 17, 1864. The batteries of this division are hereby detached from the bri- gades and will report to Capt. G. Stange, chief of artillery. By order of Brig. Gen. F. Salomon: A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Camden, Ark., April 17, 1864. Col. WILLIAM E. MCLEAN, Commanding Second Brigade: COLONEL: You will immediateljT detail one regiment of your brigade to march to Brittons mil, 6 miles from town, to occupy and run the same. The commanding officer of the regiment will report at these headquarters immediately. or er of Brig. Gen. F. Salomon: A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 197 Oiiip. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 197 DARDANELLE, April 17, 1864. Brigadier-General KIMBALL: I have just arrived here with 20 men from Lewisburg. A. H. RYAN, colonel Third Arkansas. FORT SMITH, April 17, 1864. (Received 18th.) Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL: I fear you do not realize the condition of military affairs at this post. Captain Durbin, having previously reported to General Blunt, as soon as General Thayer left here refused to obey any orders from our district commander, Col. W. R. Judson: The troops of this dis- trict left behind are thus without any transportation under their con- trol. Captain Hamer, commissary, is also under General Blunts orders. We must starve unless something is (lone immediately. I induced Captain Durbin to send a train of seventy wagons to Darda- nelle for stores. The train was loaded on the 15th instant, and the stores invoiced to Captain Hamer, and train taken charge of [by] an officer under Blunts command. If these stores are taken out of the Department of Arkansas 3,000 troops in this district will be reduced to starvation, or else have to report to General Blunt and get food. There seems to be a deter- mination to produce this result, and thus p lace this district under General Blunts control. Colonel Judson should be ordered to seize this train and turn over the commissary stores to me, and the train itself to our post quartermaster, Capt. Albert Pearson. We cannot exist here unless we can control the supplies for our troops. Please order Captain Harding and Captain Cantine to send all stores to me so that. I can make the proper distribution. Actual starvation is staring us in the face. Please answer by telegraph. M. S. ADAMS, captain and chief Depot commissary. Approved. W. R. JUDSON, colonel, comdg. District of the Frontier, Arkansas. SAINT LOUIS, April 17, 186411 a. m. (Received 12.25 p. in., 18th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: By having authority to use the dismounted cavalry at depot for guard at Saint Louis, and Ninth Iowa Cavalry ordered to Little Rock, can send two regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, and Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, Colonel Beveridge, now at Saint Charles, Ill., for which I am an applicant. The rebels wish to stop and prevent planting in West Kentucky and Tennessee. The inten- tion of the rebels in Northern Arkansas, and of the guerrillas, with a powerful armed secret organization here, is to do the same in Mis- souri, and the time of the advent of their operations is at hand, for which reason no move of troops from the interior to increase th Page 198 198 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TflANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. feelings of insecurity here should, if possible, be made until plant- lug is over. Please, if you approve, send orders at once about using the Ninth Iowa and Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, and as to the dis- mounted cavalry from the depot. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 17, 18645.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper: The Ninth Iowa will be sent as ordered. The Twelfth Missouri and Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry can follow, but they are not mounted, nor have we any other mounted troops within 120 miles of Saint Louis. Judging from the last news of the rebels going south from Fort Pillow, and the tenor of your dispatch, I shall await your orders be- fore sending forward foot troops. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 17, 1864. T. McKIssocK, Superintendent Pacific Railroad, Seventh Street Depot: Please stop the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, now between here and Rolla, immediately and return them to Saint Louis on the next train. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 17, 1864. General GUITAR, Rolla, Mo: Direct Colonel Trumbull, Ninth Iowa, to report to Captain Grimes for railroad transportation to this city as soon as practicable. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Aajutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 17, 1864. General GUITAR, Rolla, Mo.: If the Ninth Iowa Cavalry has started for Springfield send courier to turn it back at once. Special train will be at Roila by to-morrow morning to bring the regiment back here for special service. Do ~everything necessary to get the regiment back here with greatest dispatch. Reply by telegraph. ~. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 199 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRI~SPONDENCE, ETC.UNTON. 199 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, April 17, 1864. lVlaj. Gen. JAMES G. BLUNT: GENERAL: I have just returned from the sick-bed of my wife, and find several very full and interesting letters from you. I have not time to take up the matters in detail, and I think a general reply will be sufficient. I have pressed the matter of troops to the utmost of my ability, and yet I get no decisive answer from proper parties. A very erroneous statement of the forces subject to my orders has been made to the Senate in lEx. Doe. 82, showing that the First Arkansas, Twelfth Kansas, Second Kansas, & c., were in my command on the 29th March, evidently making the statement upon the old re- port of the Army of the Frontier. It keeps me busy to correct errors accumulated in Washington. Your position will give you a better knowledge of the errors embraced in that Senate document, which I hope you will receive through the mails. I concur with you in the opinion that the move on Shreveport would make a move on the upper Red River more desirable and easy, and I have urged the matter upon the authorities at Washington also as the easiest way of annoying the enemy in Texas. But dispatches from General Sherman indicate a desire to draw off troops from west of the Mis- sissippi to Chattanooga, and from his expressions I perceive there is no prospect of any troops being sent to strengtheii us at present, whatever may be the final determination of tIme meaning of the military post of Fort Smith and the posts connected. In this view I must consider Fort Gibsoii our principal point on the Arkansas, and I think you should make that your headquar- ters, guarding well all passes of the Arkansas against movements through your district and against your line of operation, which must be through from Fort Scott to Fort Gibson. I fear that you being at Fort Smith will make us responsible for a post we have no troops to command, while things may go wrong at and above Fort Gibson, where we are responsible. I also hope that Captain Gerster will S00~ be able to come through. I want him to reconnoiter and make a brief sketch of points. I desire to fortify such as the salt-works, at the Illinois, and the crossing of streams on the route from Fort Gib- son to Fort Scott. For this purpose you will give him a safe escort. I intend to have a line of posts on our route similar to those I estab- lished through Missouri via Springfield. You gave General Thayer a terrible castigation, which I hope will do him some good, but I am sorry you ordered the Fourteenth Battalion if any question existed as to their being on your own side of the line when the order was issued, because I have stated that troops in my command when the department was organized, but not now within my command, could not and would not be ordered out of another department except by the commander of each department or by orders from Washington, which I demanded. Interfering with a single man or a section in the other department should therefore be strenuously avoided till the officers at Washing- ton have ample time to act or refuse to act in the premises. Things are generally quiet in my department, and General Rosecrans is co- operating cordially on his side of the Missouri hue. I understand, however, that rebels are thick about Fayetteville, and I apprehend more trouble in the rear as the season advances amid the main force goes farther away Page 200 200 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. General Sykes has reported to me for duty, and I hardly know what disposition to make of him. I am better provided with gen- erals than troops. Continue to report fully all your knowledge of the front, and I will do all I can to augment forces in that direction. I remain, general, very truly, yours, S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW. MEXICO, Santa F~, N. Mex., April 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Inclosed herewith please find First. A copy of a private letter from Governor Goodwin, of Arizona, to myself. This letter is dated at Tucson, Ariz., April 4, 1864. It shows that there is an immediate and pressing necessity for a military force to go to that country to punish the Indians, who are not only numerous but very hostile. In this letter Governor Good- win sustains the action of Colonel Davis, assistant inspector-general, U. S. Army, about which Colonel Poston, the superintendent of In- dian affairs, so bitterly complained in a letter already sent to you. Second. A copy of a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, assist- ant inspector-general, U. S. Army, dated at Fort Whipple, Ariz., March 20, 1864, in which, among other things, he treats at length of these Indian difficulties. Third. A copy of a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, assistant inspector-general, U. S. Army, dated at Tuscon, Ariz., April 4, 1864. In this will be seen what is said of Colonel Brown, of the First Cav- alry, California Volunteers, now en route to this department from that of the Pacific. Colonel Brown has been ordered to Fort Craig, N. Mex., there to await further orders. What with political schemes and mining interests in Arizona, both of officers of volunteers, of civil officers, and of citizens, which go to form not only springs of action, but which warp judgment and sometimes strive to deflect the rays which should come direct from truth, it is difficult for any commander who proposes to act with an eye to the interests of the Government, to act justly by all, and to act with anything like vigor, to escape the most unmeasured abuse. You can depend on this. I shall expect at least my share, for I find that my ideas of what should be done conflict very directly with those of many of these gentlemen who have gone in one capacity or another to that Territory. Fourth. Copies of extracts from private letters from Lieutenant- Colonel Davis, U. S. Army, on affairs in Arizona. The necessities which are shown by these letters to exist for imme- diate demonstrations against the Apaches of Arizona have induc~d me to commence organizing an expedition to proceed against them. It will consist of, say, about 500 men; will start from Las Cruces, N. Mex.; will have its depot of supplies on the Gila River north of Fort Bowie, whence small parties of twenties and forties and eighties will radiate in all directions and follow any trail that may be found. We must trust to the gallantry of small parties against any numbers. Large parties move snail-like, are seen at once, and are avoided; generally are laughed at by these Apaches. Small parties mov Page 201 Oa~p. XLVII O6fl~ESPOTh~NCE ETC.UNION. 20i secretly, cover more ground, move with celerity, emulate to do better than all others, and in the end either destroy or worry the Indians into submission. It is very fortunate that the Navajo war is at that point toward a final ending as to give but little further uneasiness. If, by the help of Providence, we can have the same fortune in our demonstrations against the Apaches of Arizona, the great drain upon the Treasury which has been kept up by these Indian wars will forever cease. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. CARLETON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] PERSONAL.] TUCSON, ARIz. TER., April 4, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: Instead of a lengthy official letter I have only time to write yon a brief note. I intended to give you a descrip- tion of our trip to the Verde and Salinas, but on my return found the people so much excited about the Indian difficulties that my time has been constantly occupied until I left with Colonel Davis to come here. I found a visit here very necessary at this time for many reasons. I shall remain here a short time and then return to Fort Whipple. We explored very fully the Verde River, passing through the upper and lower valley. Each valley contains considerable arable land, and the lower valley is the better of the two. There is no timber other than cottonwood very near to either of them. There are indications that a great flood of water has within a few years passed over the whole course of the river, washing sand upon the soil, breaking down the cotton trees, and changing the course of the river. Captain Walker said that he should not recognize it as the same river he passed up some years ago. I think this freshet occurred two or three years ago, when California suffered so much. There is one point in the lower valley that has not suffered so much from the overflow of the river that would make a good site for a post or town. The Verde is not a mineral country. A great wave of lava appears to have flowed down from the region of the San Francisco Mountain and covered and burnt up all the rock and mineral. Where the lava disappears the minerals are seen. We found indications of gold on the eastern and western tributaries of the Verde, but none very near the river. I think the waters of the river cannot be used for mining. We twice attempted to pass over to the waters of the Salinas, but could not follow the trail, even with pack animals. The farther east we went the better we found the country to be, but having rations for thirty days only, and our animals being very weak, we reluctantly abandoned the attempt. We first went to Woolseys ranch, which is on a tributary of the Aqua Fria, then crossing the divide to the upper valley of the San Francisco, reaching the river about 5 miles below the valley, passed up the valley on the west side of the river, crossed the river, passed down the valley on the east side to a broad trail, which the guides supposed would take us to the Salinas, and which we followed as long as it was practicable, then went back, took another trail, which they advised us to take, and which led us to the banks of an afflu- ent of the Verde, passing through a deep cafion; from this point we could extricate ourselves in two waysreturn by the way we came, o Page 202 202 lOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSJSSIPPI. [CHAP. XLvI. follow the stream to the river. We decided to follow the stream, and with great difficulty passed down the cailon to the river. We then followed the river, crossing it frequently, occasionally passing round a caflon to the lower valley. We went down the valley in sight of the point of the junction of the Verde and Salinas, and then following a northwesterly course, returned to Woolseys, where we fortunately had left some flour and bacon, having consumed our last ounce of provisions on the morning of the day we reached there. From what I saw I reached this conclusion: That the upper valley is too far from any known mines and from the center of population for a post or town at present. If mineral discoveries should be made to the east of it a good location could be made there. There are not many Indians in the northern valley, and a post at that point would be too far from the present mines to prevent the Indians from pass- ing over the trails below it, which they now do, and committing depredations. Most of the Indian trails pass into the caftons and mountains between the upper and lower valley and into the lower valley. I think that a post should be established near the junction of the Verde and Salinas, or farther east in the Apache country, if a more desirable location can be found there. This is a central point in the Territory. The road to Fort Whipple should pass near this point, and not by the Hasayampa as at present. It would enable miners to open up the country to the east, which is rich in minerals, and the troops could co-operate with the Maricopas and Pinias, who are useful in following Apaches. Woolsey and Walker and the best Indian fighters go to this point as a starting-point for a campaign. If the mines to the east are developed, it will be on the road from California to these mines, and what is of very great importance in this country, a post here could be easily reached by trains from Yuma or from Sonora. The location of Fort Whipple should be changed. It is too far from the mines to afford protection and for pursuit in case of an Indian raid. In the recent difficulties the officers at the post did all in their power, but were unable to recover the stolen stock or to punish the Indians. The Indian difficulties are becoming very serious, and unless vigorous measures are taken the new mining re- gion will be deserted. I am disposed to convene the Legislature at a point in the new mines if a post can be established sufficiently near to afford adequate protection. One year will, I think, settle the question for these mines; in that time either a sufficient population will come in to protect itself or the mines will be deserted for richer discoveries. At the point where I should locate there is abundant timber for quarters for the men and for store-houses, and, if the force is mainly infantry, sufficient grazing for the stock; indeed, I think, enough grass or water for all the stock at the post. Colonel Davis has read me his communication to you on the subject of the protection to be given the people of this Territory, and I heartily indorse all his views and suggestions. Before interchanging opin- ions on these questions we had arrived at substantially the same con- clusions. I think that this is a very critical period in the history of this Territory. If the people who have coiiie into Northern Ari- zona are driven out the settlement of the Territory will be retarded for many years; but if the Indian difficulties are speedily settled a large emigration will come in here during the next year. The people here will do all in their power. I think that three effect Page 203 CHAP. XLVI.] COESI~ONDENCf~, i~TC.TiNtOK 208 ive companies of rangers can be raised for service against the In- diaiis who will serve withont pay, reqniring food only, and, to some extent, ammnnition. Woolse y has one company now in the field, and the prompt action of Colonel Davis in fnrnishing rations for them, withont which the company conld not be raised, has given the greatest satisfaction and enconragement to onr people. In deed, men who were abont leaving the conntry, when they heard of it tnrned back and went ont on the Indian campaign. The Indians nndonbt- edly expect to drive ns from the conntry dnring the coming year, and I hope a blow will be strnck befom the troops retnrn to Cali- fornia which will settle the qnestion for this Territory as the snbjn- gation of the Yavajoes has for New Mexico. On my way here I met Col. C. D. Poston, snperintendent of In- dian affairs, accompanied by abont 70 Pimas and Maricopas, on their way to Fort Whipple. I have, since learned that a part of these Indians snbseqnently joined Woolseys expedition.C olonel Poston was intending to visit tbe Moquis, bnt has decided to give np the idea of doing so for the present. Colonel Poston sent me a copy of his letter to you, dated March 10, 1864, in which he speaks of varions matters in dispnte between himself and the military offi- cers in this Territory. I have no official connection with the super- intendency of Indian affairs, and have no wish to interfere in any of these matters; bnt I am very anxions that there shall be no col- lision between the civil and military officers in this Territory. In secnring the grain of the Indians Colonel Davis acted with great prudence and discretion, and has so far avoided all difficulty. Colonel Poston complains of the conduct of the inspector-general in taking some arms lelonging to the Territorial militia and dis- tributing them among the Indians. He is entirely mistaken in the facts. The arms belonging to the Territorial militia, together with the ammunition, are all at Fort Yuma in the original packages, sub- ject to my order. 1 read with snrprise and indignation the attack on yon in the New York paper. Upon reflection, I know that it cannot injure you, and I feel qnite snre that in the end it will aid you. McCormick read to me an article prepared for onr paper, which fully ~xpresses onr views. We should hold a meeting at Fort Whipple but for the small nnmber of civilians there. If any further or other expression of onr sentiments is required, you shall have it at any time. I think it must proceed from Mowry, and, if so, his impudence is sublime. Please excuse this hasty scrawl, and believe me, general, truly, your friend, JOHN N. GOODWIN. [Inclosure No. 2.] INSP. GEN.S OFFIcE, DEPT. OF NEW MExIco, Fort IYhipple, Northern Ariz., liifarch 20, 1884. General J. H. CARLETON, Comdg. Dept. of New Mexico, Santa F~, N. Mex.: GENERAL: I arrived here on the 15th instant, and shall leave for Tucson on the 22d instant. I delay one day to accompany Governor Goodwin to Tucson. I have inspected the post of Fort Whipple, which is at present located about 70 miles south 140 west from the San Francisco Mountain, about lj miles nearly west of an isolated peak in the valley, which I suppose is the Tonto Buttes, and some 20 mile Page 204 204 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [OHAP. XLVI. north 21~ east of the so-called Granite Mountain, by the compass (variation of the needle -at this point said to be about 140 east), and upon a branch of the San Francisco River, which heads in a series of springs 1 to 2 miles southeast of the post, thence coursing one-half mile below it in a northwesterly direction, when it turns in a north- easterly direction, and unites with Granite Creek. The troops were generally in good health and order, though many were absent on detached service, and the supplies well preserved and cared for, there being erected for each depot quartermaster and commissary a very good log building with canvas roof. A hospital of like description is about ready for occupation. There are no other buildings, save in a few cases stone and mud walls or tents for kitchens, and a log building, partially completed, for a blacksmiths shop. Timber for building is hauled about 24 miles, and lumber, cut with a whipsaw, costs $150 per 1,000 feet at the saw-pit. The animals of all descriptions are generally poor, except a por- tion of the commissary cattle, which are fair beef, poor cattle hay- ing been exchanged for good ones, pound for pound. There is no grain, and the grass, though fair in quantity and of the gramma species mostly, seems to afford little nutriment or strength to the animals. Many of the wagons are nearly or quite unserviceable without repairs, for which there is little or no timber or iron. There are a few horse but no mule shoes at this post, which are much wanted. I have authorized the use of some log chains for making muleshoes. The necessity for the shoes, the character of the chains and number on hand, and the interests of the public service fully justify this use of the chains. Inclosed is a memorandum report, marked A, showing the time for which this post with its present garrison is supplied in most articles, and those articles mostly needed, for a six-months sup- ply. The supply of subsistence stores on hand I am pleased to find greater than I anticipated. I have authorized Major Willis to issue on Hon. H. C. McCormicks requisition the flour, bacon, meat, and coffee which he asks for. Please see paper marked B, herewith in- closed. These articles could not be supplied in time from Tucson. I have also taken the responsibility of furnishing King Woolsey with thirty days rations for 60 men, of flour and coffee, and 500 pounds of bacon, making, say, 2,400 pounds flour, 180 pounds coffee, and 500 of bacon, to enable him and 60 men to make a campaign against the hostile Apache Indians. Inclosed please find a communication from Governor Goodwinand Mr. McCormick, marked C, representing the necessity of this aid to the settlers and miners of this Territory. I am satisfied, gen- eral, from reliable information gained from a variety of sources, that from the character amid (hisposition of the Indians in this Terri- tory, who are, with few exceptions, bitterly hostile to the whites and apparently disposed to combine for a general war against them, the interests as well as the duty of the General Government with respect to economy and humanity, and particularly of Arizona, to protect her settlers and miners and (levelop the apparently almost inexhaustible riches of her mines of gold, silver, copper, and lead, is to put forth every effort in a vigorous and decisive campaign against the barba- rous ti-ibes, employing the troops and those miners, settlers, and citi- zens generally who are ready and willing to give their services in this work. The latter only ask the main component parts of the ration, and in some cases, perhaps, the aid of ammunition and a fe Page 205 CEAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 205 arms. The condition of affairs here must be looked in the face and the Indians subdued and rendered harmless, or the country deserted by whites, its mines and agricultural resources undeveloped, and the Territory given up to the savage and coyote. The production of precious metals insured by the development of the Arizona mines will afford a metallic basis to our currency, and raise the credit of our country to such an extent as would seem to justify special protection and aid from the General Government to those here as a matter of national interest. The already numerous leads and mines of gold, silver, lead, and copper discovered, with the rich specimens of ore and pure metals taken therefrom, are conclusive evidence of Arizonas rich- ness in the precious metals. For the protection of the Government officials of Arizona, which I understand is one of the principal ob- jects of this post, its location is what will accomplish at present this mission. For protection to the miners and other settlers in Northern Arizona against hostile Indians, and for operating success- fully against the latter, it is not well located. In this view I am not alone. Governor Goodwin and others, a portion of the officers here, amid all of the miners and settlers north of the Gila in this direction with whom I have conversed, and from what I have heard, concur with me in this opinion. The question of supplying this post is a difficult one. I have made active and diligent iiiquiries with regard to this important matter. The routes to be considered are from the Rio Grande, via the one traveled by Major Willis, or if practicable the one Colonel Chaves is about to explore from Tucson via Pima villages, Antelope Creek, and Mountainalmost impracticable for loaded trains as now traveled; from San Pedro, Cal., via Fort Mo- have, or mouth of Williams Fork, 60 miles below, or La Paz, 60 miles still lower; from San Francisco, via the Colorado River and La Paz, mouth of Williams Fork, or Fort Mohave. By either one it will be expensive and liable to delay and uncertainty. The fear of Indians makes it extremely difficult to obtain citizemi transporta- tion to this section of the country. Hence to Fort Mohave, it is reported almost or quite impractica- ble for loaded wagons. To mouth of Williams Fork it is reported a practicable though heavy road a part of the distance, and thence west report makes a good practicable road, but I have nothing defi- nite on this point. A new route to La Paz is reported, but the road is reported heavy and water too scarce. Hope to find water by digging. You are better able than myself, perhaps, to judge of what dependence can be put upon the navigation of the Colorado River. It is reported a party is putting on the river light-draught boats, & c., doubtless to promote their interest in a river town. I ani inclined to the opinion that the best route via which to supply this point from California is by the mouth of Williams Fork, supplies coming to that point by the Colorado River, or by land from San Pedro, if the road to that place reported discovered is 80 miles shorter and a good one. If supplied from Tucson, pack-mules had better be used than wagons. The capital of Arizona will not probably be located here. The first session of the Legislature will probably be some 30 miles south of this, meeting the last of June or early in July, when the site for the capital will be deteTmined. Troops are required for the protection of the Legislature while in session, and perhaps for the Government officials at the same place until next spring. Timber is near this place, amid sufficient water and grass for a small Conimaild is reported Page 206 206 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. My views expressed to you some time since with respect to a road from near the Pima villages across the Salinas, and north between it and the Aqua Fria, & c., as the best and shortest route to this section from the Pima villages, are apparently verified by the report of Governor Goodwin, Major Willis, Captain Walker, Mr. Woolsey, and others. There are some 6 miles on this route yet to be made, or found, to be a good wagon road. Governor Goodwin will probably write you relative to his recent expedition. Also, the advantages of a large and permanent military post north of the Gila, east of the Rio Verde or San Francisco, and perhaps along the Salinas, are impressed upon my mind more strongly than ever by information and knowledge which I have gained of this country and the Apache Indians since I then wrote you, and from an honest conviction of the necessity of a military post in that vicinity if you would give the heaviest blow to the Apache Nation and the best pro- mote the interests of Arizona. I must again urgently but respect- fully recommend that a post be established permanently of at least four companies in that vicinity. I would suggest three companies of infantry and one of cavalry, selecting one of the infantry com- panies here, the one at Tucson and the Mimbres, and one company of cavalry, say Captain Gorham s. The true policy is, I think, to put every availabe soldier into the field, and invite the miners and settlers to join themthey are willing and anxious to do sogiving them rations, and, if necessary, some ammunition. Employ the Pimas, and particularly the Man- copas, and prosecute a vigorous, short, and decisive campaign against the Apaches before the volunteers are mnstered out of service, then this country will have quiet and prosperity, but not till then I fear. R. S. Woolsey and Mr. A. Lyon, now with me, I would recom- mend as persons well fitted to organize and lead companies of miners. They ask no pay, nor the miners. Papers marked D, E, and F, herewith inclosed, are copies of my instructions to Colonel Chaves and Captain Pishon, and a letter of Governor Goodwin and Secretary McCormick to myself. My views as above expressed are in general concurred in by Governor Goodwin, Mr. McCormick, and many others. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N.H. DAVIS, Assistant Inspector-General, U. S. Army. [Inclosure No. 3.] INsP. GEN.s OFFICE, DEPT. OF NEW MEXICO, General ~. H. CARLETON, Tucson, Ariz. Ter., April 4, 1864. Comdg. Department of New Mexico, Santa F~, N. Alex.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report my return to this place last night, accompanied by Governor Goodwin, from Fort Whipple, Ariz. Ter.; also to acknowledge the receipt of your official letters of the 11th and two of the 17th ultimo, one of the 4th ultimo (confidential), with the accompanying papers. The official papers herewith inclosed will explain my action so far as taken upon the matters yon referred to, and the discharge of what I considered my duty, and was for the interests of the public service. The case of Dr. Lieb was such an aggravated one, I had acted upon it before your instructions with regard to him were received. The subsistence stores you ordered t Page 207 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 207 Fort Whipple from the Rio Grande will, when received, I think, put that post independent of want for the present, and until supplies are received and its location definitely settled. The more I hear of the routes via points on the Colorado River by which to snpply Fort Whipple, the more I fear they will prove slow and uncertain and expensive. Reports, received since writing, from there are generally less favorable to these routes than my previous information thereof. Hence to Fort Whipple is about 300 miles, and the road so objectionable for the transportation of supplies that I do not at all contemplate using it. I shall, if required to supply it from here, establish a route hence nearly north between the Aqua Fria and the San Francisco or Rio Verde. This will save in distance nearly 100 miles, and afford a wagon road, except some 10 to 15 miles, not bad for packing. The teams of Fort Whipple can take the sup- plies whence they are packed, one company being encamped there for protection, & c. I intend this as the express route. ~The more I learn of this country, of its wants, and of the character and haunts of the Apache Indians, and reflect upon the present and prospective condition of our military affairs here, the more convinced I am in judgment that there should be one post in this Territory near the Gila and east of the San Fraiicisco River, and Fort Whipple and Tucson as military posts abandoned. The term of service of all the troops at ~AThiipple will soon expire, when others will be required to replace them, or the post abandoned. On the arrival of company L, First California Cavalry, dne here in some five days, I shall send it, except 25 or 30 detached for duty here, to Reventon. The captain of this company is, by report, the best one to go there. However, I propose giving Colonel Coult authority over this station, as being for the good of the service. Lieutenant- Colonel Bennett informs me that he has forwarded you papers rela- tive to the conduct of Colonel Brown and his fitness for the position he now holds. From his statements, and from others, and a letter of Lieutenant James shown me, I conclude he is unfitted for his place, and if the charges made against him are substantiated he should not remain in the service. He has sent orders ahead establishing his headquarters here, offers to escort the Governor about the Territory, and it is asserted for him that he will have command of this district. Strenuous efforts are being made in Califormia to attach Arizona to the Department of the Pacific, and I am told Colonel B. is promised the command of this district. There are most grave and discreditable accusations made of fraud- ulent and unauthorized transactions at Fort Yuma and elsewhere in California with regard to supplies, purchase of horses, & c., but I have not time to particularize now. The subsistence stores estimated for last winter for this post will be at Yuma, as reported, soon as we can get transportation for them. There are no quartermaster stores there except a small amount of wagon timber, & c. Eight wagons of Ochoas train have returned with grain, which the cavalry here and to leave will about exhaust; the balance of his train is soon ex- pected, when it Will be sent to Yuma for subsistence stores with all the Government teams that can be spared. My animals are jaded, thin, and need rest. Fresh beef is supplied on contract, indifferent - in quality at this season. Lieutenant Toole has purchased, by my direction this morning, to arrive in one to a few days, 30,000 pounds or more of flour, at 15 cents per pound. It is almost impossible to negotiate New York drafts here. We have sufficient of small ration Page 208 208 LOUISIANA AND TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. for the present, and will provide for all other wants soon. Rest assnred the best means in my judgment to secure the desired end and put our military status all right with respect to supplies will be adopted. You need have no uneasiness on this subject, although for a time our superabundant ration by law must be reduced. There is much want of provisions here, and Colonel Coult and Judge Howell report some of the people almost starving. If necessary I will direct Captain Pishon to send 50 head of cattle in here at once; the balance to be started when we know where they are wanted. The most em- barrassing obstacle to overcome at present is transportation and for- age. Sonora has a meager supply. General Wright has reduced the forage ration in California in consequence of the prospective failure of the barley crop. Lieutenant Toole informs me he has already made estimates for~ the last half of this year for subsistence stores and forwarded it for your action; therefore I will await your action on this ere taking any steps myself. Captain French returned last evening from Sofiora and his mission to Pesqueira. I inclose the original com- munications of the Governor. Colonel Coult desires that they may be returned for file at this post. Captain French reports the general sentiment in Sonora strong for the United States and our flag. No information of interference from the French in the Gulf of Cali- fornia as yet. A rumor says they are in Chihuahua. Guaymas or Libertad is the best route for our next supplies. Please express your action on this point. As soon as supplies are procured in suffi- cient quantity I will write for the three remaining companies of First California Cavalry. One of them is now at Yuma, I learn. I propose visiting Reventon, Tubac, & c., as soon as the Eastern ex- press arrives and its demands attended to, accompanied by Governor Goodwin. Afterward, had I the time and troops, would examine the Gila country referred to above, which vicinity the Governor wishes to visit if his duties and time will jj~ermit. The express from Las Cruces I ave requested delayed one day, 21st, to bring your Santa F6 mail. General, there are several mat- ters which I have not time now to report upon. I am delaying the express to the last moment, and from the many thiugs I have to attend to and the frequent interruptions upon all matters military and several civil, I shall no doubt omit, by mistake, some things that I intended to write you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. H. DAVIS, Assistant Inspector-General, U. S. Army. [Inclosure No. 4.] lisp. GEN.5 OFFICE, DEPT. OF NEW MEXICO, Northern Arizoma, March 21, 1864. [General JAMES H. CARLETON:] DEAR GENERAL: I give you a long official letter with other papers this mail. I am pressed with business, and ant anxious to get away on account of my animals and for fear the streams may rise. This is a good grazing country in the summer, but in the winter it will not do. The sheep that were fat are too poor to kill, the officers tell me. Animals look badly; water is good. But this is the hardest place to get supplies to that I have seen; the roads are heavy, rough, and some of them for miles along streams which, when high, will make them impracticable, and it will be death almost to animal Page 209 OnAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 and destruction to wagons if loaded to haul over them. I expected to break mine to pieces, but fortunately got along with a few break- ages by dint of much care and manual assistance at the wheels, and with guy ropes to keep from upsetting. I have freely talked with Governor Goodwin, Mr. McCormick, and with many others about this locality. The Governor does not think it the place for a military post, except temporarily, with regard to the point where the first Legislature will assemble. * * * * * * * My idea, general, is to move at the p roper time this post of one in- fantry company and portion of a cavalry company to the point where the Legislature will probably meet, and to which there is a good road; the balance move south, and with other companies, as I have recommended, establish the post along the Salinas or in that vicin- ity; that is the heart of the Apache Nation. Something must be done quickly or prospectively we shall have a big Indian war on our hands, and most of the white people now in this Territory will either be driven from it or killed by the Indians. Much of the stock in the mines has been killed or stolen, and farmers and miners are leaving, some for want of supplies and others from panic, but gen- erally there is a desire to turn out and put down the Indians. Governor Goodwin says something will have to be done or he fears we shall have to give up the country. The mines are so numerous and reported so rich, and the richest of specimens I have seen from them, that I begin to think there is gold, silver, and copper enough in Arizona for all who wish to dig it out. I expect the subsistence stores have been sent to Yuma, from information received from Col- onel Coult since here; have directed him to send Ochoas train for a load when it returns from Sonora. I hope to find instructions from you, on my return to Tucson, about supplies. There is a plenty of fresh meat here for the present. For this reason I thought it best to not hurry Captain Pishon back, and first hear from you. I may, on returning to Tucson, take a force and examine the country east of the San Francisco River, along the Salinas and Gila, toward the Prieto. * * * * * * * Colonel Poston is cross as a bear, and terribly down on me and others. The Governor said he thought I had taken a prudent course and that the agreement with Allen was valid. The Government was authorized to act as it had. P[oston] is sore because he could not have public transportation and escorts to promote his personal inter- ests and pepularity [as a] candidate for Congress, I am told; so is Dr. Leib strong. Ten p. m. and raining. I fear an unpleasant trip back. Please give my kind regards to my friends. Dr. McNulty left yes- terday. Colonel Chaves makes a short exploration, and then will start with his entire force. * * * * * * * With kind regards, I remain, general, very truly, yours, N. H. DAVIS. PRIvATE.] TUCSON, April 5, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I have so much I wish to say that I am at a loss what to say and where to begin. My official papers will generally post you with regard to my acts. * * * * * * 4c 14 R RYOL xxxiv, PT II Page 210 210 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Coult wants to get out of town. All come upon the military for every d d thing they want. He is a clever fellow, a man of ability, and a good officer. Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett appears to be a good officer, careful and attentive to his duties, and is well posted in the service. Colonel Brown I hope you will relieve from duty with his regiment until his case can be investigated. * * * * * * I heard by private letter from Washington that there was a move on foot to relieve you in command of the Department of New Mexico. This would be a bad move for the interests of New Mexico and Arizona at this time, and the country generally. How you are dis- posed with regard to remaining I know not. I have consulted with Governor Goodwin, and he has written strongly opposing it to the Vice-President and others, and to have Fessenden and others see the Secretary of War and President to prevent any such act. I do not wish to see you removed, nor Arizona attached to the Department of the Pacific at present. With regard to Poston and his letter to you, the last one, more anon. I am not done with it or him. Governor Goodwin showed me his copy; a copy has been sent to the Secretary of the ]~nterior. Poston has falsely represented me and others and he should answer for it. I look to you to sustain me when doing my best to carry out your instructions and promote the interests of the public service. The arms for the militia, Colonel Bennett says, are at Yuma, because the military service was not made to subserve in every way possible P [ostons] pecuniary interests and gratify political aspirations, hence the unjust and false accusations, & c. An escort of 1 officer and 30 men he took to the mines south for private inter- ests, and thence into Sonora, to San Ignacio, Madalena, & c. The detachment furnished him at San Xavier he wished to use as escort, & c., in connection with his mines, before they were taken away. They were not necessary for his j~rotection at San Xavier. He has made false representations to the~Pinia and Maricopa Indians, and they are displeased with him and want another superintendent or agent for them. He has not been treated discoum~teously by officers that I am aware of. The stores reported stolen from Government store-house I have not had time to investigate fully. He did not put them in charge of any one and take receipts for them, as advised by Colonel Coult. It is not proven what stores he put in, & c. Governor Goodwin is disgusted with him and others also. Judge Allyn is disgusting most every one. He is radical, bitter, and feels badly because not supported for Congress. He is a thorn to the Governor and McCormick. The Governor is a gentleman and a good man. McCormick is a gentleman. * * * * * * * Gage [attorney-general], Reed [chaplain and postmaster at Tuc- son], and L. Bashford [surveyor-general] sold whisky and subsist- ence stores, bought at military posts, to soldiers and others; the former at $3 per bottle. A poor specimen of Government officials. * * * * * * * Yours, truly, ~. H. DAVIS Page 211 OIAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 211 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 18, 18642.30 p. m. General BRAYMAN, Commanding at Cairo: What is the date of the latest news you have from General Banks expedition up the Red River, and what is its purport? Answer in cipher. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary qf War. CAIRO, ILL., April 18, 1864. (Received 10.40 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: General A. J. Smith, of the Sixteenth Army Corps, was within 30 miles of Shreveport at last accounts. General Banks expedition had not overtaken Smith. General Sherman has sent for Smith to return immediately and go up the Tennessee. I presume he is over- taken by the messenger. I will report as soon as I hear about Gen- eral Banks force. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. FIELD ORDERS,~~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 23. Grand Ecore, La., April 18, 1864. * * * * * * * 3. Brig. Gen. A. L. Lee, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from command of the Cavalry Division and will proceed forthwith to as- sume charge of the cavalry depot in New Orleans for the purpose of reorganizing the cavalry of the department. 4. Col. N. A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers, is hereby relieved from the command of the Fourth Brigade, Cavalry Division, and will report to Brig. Gen. A. L. Lee, U. S. Volunteers, for duty at the cavalry depot, New Orleans, in the reorganization of the cavalry of the department. ~i. Col. E. J. Davis, First Texas Cavalry, will at once assume com- mand of the Fourth Brigade, Cavalry Division, now commanded by Col. N. A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers. * * * * * * * 8. Brig. Gen. R. Arnold, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned temporarily to the command of all the cavalry with the army in the field. He will report to Major-General Franklin, commanding Nine- teenth and detachment of Thirteenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 212 212 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVL HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detachment Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that, in view of future operations, you will immediately send to Vicksburg for a sufficient number of wagons with teams for the movement of your command. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, W. DWIGHT, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detachment Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps: The major-general commanding thinks that nothing need be done toward having your transportation brought from Kentucky. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DETACH. 16TH AND 17TH A. C., No. 24. On Steamer Clara Bell, April 18, 1864. * * * * * * * III. The following-named transports will, as soon as notified by the respective commanding officers of troops they have carried that their e quipage, stores, & c., are in readiness to move, drop down below the pontoon bridge, landing on the right bank of the river, and re p ort to Colonel Chandler, chief quartermaster, Nineteenth Army Corps, for a guard to accompany them down the river: South- wester, Ad riatic, Emerald, Liberty,T homas E. Tutt, Sioux City, and Mars. The regiments heretofore on said boats will leave on the boats all surplus baggage, camp and garrison equipage, and stores not needed for an active field campaign, under a sufficient guard to prevent it from being stolen. By order of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith: J. HOUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass Cavallo, Tex., April 18, 1864. Brigadier-General WARREN, Commanding First Division: GENERAL: In view of the reduced force left on this island it may become necessary, in order to guard against untoward contingencies, to change the arrangement of camps and the disposition of forces on the same. Of course you will be at liberty to exercise your bes Page 213 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 213 udgment in this respect, subject to such limitations as are imposed department headquarters, re~uiring the force here to occupy a position commanding Pass lo, and to act on the defensive. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting As8iStaflt Adjutant-General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 18, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel WAUGH, Clarksville: Your dispatch is received. I congratulate you and thank you. You have done well. Please continue to the greatest extent of your power. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF THE FRONTIER, DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, Fort Smith, April 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL: GENERAL: Everything here is being centralized in Kansas De- partment influence, which is no more or less than giving this portion of Arkansas and the troops herein to the hands of McDowell & Co., and that is understood to include powerful war influences, and to extend and control all the Indian country as well as Western Arkan- sas. All they want now is the two tiers of counties adjoining the Kansas Department to complete their plans. I cannot understand why the interests of this department should be subject to the control of these swindlers. I have informed you that Quartermaster Durbin reported to Gen- eral Blunt, who is in the Kansas Department, and did nothing ex- cept by his order, not even to the issuing of a pair of pants. Captain Adams sent a train with his clerk to Dardanelle after commissary stores~ he found there a clerk of Captain Hamer, General Blunts commissary, and through some unexplained influence from Little Rock he was placed in possession of the train and stores invoiced to Captain Hamer as depot commissary. General, there is the decep- tion that simply means officers for the Kansas District. If the stores now on their way are allowed to fall into their hands, the troops here will .be compelled to report to General Blunt or starve. That is well understoodhere, and if they act understandingly at Little Rock, of course I have no right to complain, only that I consented to remain a short time with the expectation that I would be sustained by the authorities at headquarters. If they should succeed in getting the troops, or tier of counties which will include them, I must leave and go south, and most respectfully request your assistance. The following is an extract of hand-hill advertising to lease certain salt-works 40 miles off in the Indian country. You will see that the Kansas Department is provided, for some one of this combination, in my opinion, will get the benefit of the lease: Parties leasing said salt-works will be required to furnish salt for the use of the troops in the District of the Frontier, Department of Kansas. The amount required to be furnished will not exceed the capacity of said salt-works Page 214 214 LOUISIANA AND TIII3~ TRANS~MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. I have directed my own quartermaster to purchase some horses and mules. Have filled up four teams and furnished a few horses for cavalry and want many more. Shall he continue to purchase? All the animals purchased by Durbin go into the Kansas Depart- ment. I also send you a copy of an order sent me last night: SPECIAL ORDERS4 LITTLE ROCK, ARK No. 65. ~ April ,1864. * * * * * * VI. Capt. Greene Durbin, assistant quartermaster, is assigned to duty as depot quartermaster at Fort Smith, Ark., and will obey no orders except those of the chief quartermaster of the department and department commander. By order of Major-General Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. Quartermasters, somehow or other, make large sums of money. McDowell & Co. will not have any man about them that is not in their interest. Please have these questions decided at once. Line not being up I send by messenger to Clarksville. I sent dispatches by Major Mefford, which I hope have reached you. Colonel Lynde is on his way to Ozark or Little Rock. Bush- whackers plenty; otherwise quiet. Yours, respectfully, W. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Commanding. P. 8.Messenger will remain at Clarksville for your reply. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 18, 1864. Colonel JUDSON, Commanding, Fort Smith: COLONEL: I dont understand how the stores are allowed to go into General Blunts hands. I will direct that all stores be invoiced aIld sent to Captain Adams; none shall be shipped without being thus sent. You will take the transportation and hold it. The adjutant- general of the department, Major Green, will give all the necessary orders to prevent General Blunt from taking either troops, stores, or transportation from this department. You will seize and hold all the transportation that comes within your district that belongs to the Government, so far as may be necessary for your use. You will forward a copy of your dispatch sent to me to Major- General Halleck, stating that it is done by my directions, and that our communication is obstructed so that we cannot send from these headquarters, as a. reason for so doing. Whenever Colonel Lynde can be heard from or found, he will be ordered to Fort Smith or Clarksville. You may rest assured that I will stand by you and give you all the aid I can. The chief quartermaster and chief com- missary will give the proper orders to Durbin and Captain Adams and others in their department. General Blunt will not be permitted to destroy or interfere with the troops of this department. You are in command there, and you will not allow him to use any control over you, your troops, transportation, or anything else in this depart- ment. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- Genercd, Commanding. OPERATOR: Telegraph this to Clarksville and send by special messenger to Fort Smith Page 215 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. tJNION. 215 LITTLE ROCK, April 18, 1864. Col. W. R. JUDSON, Commanding, Fort Smith: You will take possession of and tnrn over to your commissary of subsistence all stores en route to Fort Smith from Little Rock for issue to the troops of your command. If General Blunt desires stores let him make application through you to the chief commissary of this department, and they will be furnished him. You will arrest any officer interfering with you in the execution of this order, report- ing the fact and circumstances to these headquarters. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. CULPEPER, April 18, 18647 p. m. (Received 19th.) Major-General ROSECRANS, Gommanding Department of the Missouri~: You can use dismounted cavalry for guards at depots. Retain the Ninth Iowa and send the two regiments of infantry arid any other troops you can to Cairo without delay. ~ ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. MELVILLE, Mo., April 18, 1864. Lient. P. 5. KENNEY, Quartermaster, First Missouri State Militia C~av.: LIEUTENANT: * * * There are 25 or 30 bushwhackers making their way into your district. I hope to God that you may catch them; if you do I am in hopes that your commander will be so kind as to let you kill the very last devil of them. our horses are so weak in this department that we can do but little at scouting. Yours, very respectfully, T. MIDDAUGH, First Lieut. Co. A, Sixth ~J1av., Missouri State Militia. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 18, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Commanding Department, Saint Louis, Mo.: Many loyal farmers in this section who have large fields to plant in corn cannot plant for want of corn for seed. I respectfully request that Capt. R. B. Owen, assistant quartermaster, be authorized to sell corn for this purpose in amounts not exceeding 5 bushels to any one man at current rates. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 18, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.: Sissell, with 200 rebels, attacked a forage train of the Second Arkansas, about 20 miles south of Berryville, yesterday, and i Page 216 216 t0tJ4SIAI~A ANP THE TUANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. reported to have captured 6 wagons and teams and 16 men. A good force is in pursuit of him and may recover the property and men. The Ninth Kansas Cavalry passed through here en route to Fort Smith on Saturday, 1,050 men. This force will be at Berry- ville to-night or to-morrow. JOHN B. ~ANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Captain FAHNSTOcK, Springfield, JIb., April 18, 1864. Cassvilie, Julio.: How many wagons were there in the train? Does the Berryville post need any assistance in teams, men, or forage? Render all the assistance you can. The Ninth Kansas Cavalry Regiment will be in Berryville to-night or to-morrow on its way to Fort Smith. Have this force captured if possible. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 18, 1864. Lient. Col. DANIEL M. DRAPER, Macon, Mo.: Try the bushwhacker by drumhead court-martial to-night, and let every soldier in Macon shoot him if guilty, as he doubtless is. Dont allow such prisoners to be brought in. CLINTON B. FISK, _____ Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 18, 1S64. Col. J. T. K. HAYWARD, Broolcfield, Mo.: Tell the party who have the bushwhacker at Hurinewell that I want no such prisoners. Your orders are correct. Let that be the rule henceforth. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI Saint Joseph, Mo., April 18, 1864. W. E. FOWKES, Deputy Provost-Marshal, Monroe County, Mo.: DEAR SIR: I am directed by the general commanding to acknowl- edge the receipt of your note of April 14, and to say in reply that the detachment of troops alluded to will retain their station for the present, but will probably have to join their company ere long. Some troops, however, will be stationed at Paris as long as th Page 217 CHAP. XLVI.) C0RRESP0NDENC1~, ~LVC~ UNION. 217 necessity for their preseuce continues to exist. General Schofields orders are yet in force, but rebels or loyal men cannot purchase arms or ammunition except in accordance with General Rosecrans Orders, Nos. 32 and 50, of the present year. The question of allow- ing rebels to bear arms is receiving due attention and consideration. You will hear from it in due time. One thing is certain, rebels and rebel sympathizers must be content to play second fiddle in the com- ing time, and Union men will as certainly be accorded all the priv- ileges that civil law and military order guarantee to them. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, W. T. CLARKE, First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, April 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. B. MITCHELL, Commanding District of Nebraska: Yours of 10th April is before me. I have referred the matter of discord and inadequacy of civil power in Southeast Nebraska. both to Maj. S. S. Curtis, judge-advocate, fcr a report, and will be gov- erned somewhat by reference to authorities. My judgment at pres- ent is that the matter does not come within the provisions of a mili- tary commission. Captain Pratt has also presented other matters concerning your district, especially the threatening aspect of In- dian tribes. Since he left you the fight at 13remonts Orchard in your district has to some extent justified your apprehensions. I hope, however, you will be able to keep the peace and properly chastise such offenses as occasioned the assault on the thieves at Fremonts Orchard. As to promising more troops, that ~eems quite out of the question at present. Everything has been drawn away to augment forces moving from Little Rock to Red River, and great demands are also made for troops on the Potomac and at Chattanooga. We must stand on the defehse, I suppose, although I have urged the movement of troops through the Indian country to strike the head- waters of the Trinity and other rivers leading into the heart of Texas. It is, however, unlikely that any new expedition will be favored till the left and center make great struggles against the rebels. You will have perceived some time since that I added con siderable to your territory and troops by attaching the overland route to your command. The movement of Colonel Chivington against the Cheyennes was directed by telegraph from here, knowing that he was nearer the outrages with competent force. I have just received intelligence of a change which attaches the Indian country to the Department of Arkansas, and ordering General Blunt to report here. The troops having been drawn away to Steeles command, it was right to make him take charge of the country. Keep me posted of matters, and try to prevent irritations of Indian difficulty. My brother, H. Cur- tis, expressed particular regard for you. He resides at my town, Keokuk. I am, general, very truly, yours, & c., S. R. CURTIS, Major- General Page 218 ~2t8 LOUISIANA A~D THE ThANS-MJSStSSIPPI, [dRAP. XLVI. CAMP SANBORN, April 18, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIVINGTON, Thrst Gavairy of Gtdorctdo, Gommanding District: COLONEL: I arrived here this afternoon. Have sent for Gerry. Told them to send you a report of matters. Am going to the Junction to-morrow morning. It is very difficult to get the truth of anything here without talking with the men, and I do not think there is any more danger of Indian depredations at present. As soon as I can satisfy myself to what band these Indians belong I will be after them as I talked. I think they are Cheyennes, from the Arkansas. Send by the bearer some of their implements. From Jim Beckwith or any Indian man in Denver you can satisfy yourself if this be the case. Shall I go into these Cheyennes on the Platte? I think Cap- tain Sanborn has done all that he could under the circumstances, and deserves credit for his prompt action in these difficulties. I will write you more at length to-morrow. I have not got things running yet. You will please have sent to me 400 pounds hard bread, 12 pack-saddles, L50 light lariats and picket-pins. Yours, most respectfully, J. DOWNING, Major First Cavalry of Colorado. P. S.Will send the implements to-morrow in a wagon going up, as I am afraid they will be broken. J. D. HEADQUARTERS, Col. J. M. CHIvINGToN, Camp Sanborn, April 18, 1864. C~omrrtanding District of Colorado: SIR: Inclosed I send you report of the expeditions sent out from this camp under Lieut. Clark Dunn. * Great credit is due him for his promptness and the great distance traveled, and yet the horses are looking well. Only 1 horse has been killed by hard riding. Major Downing arrived this afternoon, and will write by this ex- press. All is quiet at present. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, GEO. L. SANBORN, Capt., First Cavalry of Colorado, ~Jomdg. Camp Sanborn. CAMP ON BEAVER CREEK, April 18, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIvINGTON, Commanding District of Colorado: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 13th instant be- ing on the trail of the Indians who had stolen the cattle, and in the vicinity of the source of the Republican, I came upon one encamp- ment of Cheyennes, five lodges. I sent 3 men to demand the cattle, but before reaching the lodges the squaws mounted their ponies and left, humming. Upon this information I hastened with my command toward the village; met 3 Indians on the route but did not molest them; had proceeded about half a mile when one of my men was fired upon by an ambushed Indian, and I fear fatally wounded. * See Part I, pp. 884, 887 Page 219 CHAP. )~LVI.] CORR]~SPONDENCE, ETC .UNION~ 219 I followed the Indians as far as I could from the nature of the ground, and returned md burnt the village with everything belong- ing to it, with the exception of what could be used to advantage by the command. On the 16th I followed the trail, and on the 17th came to another village just deserted by the inhabitants, but vast amount of stores, to all of which I applied the torch. Here I also found 19 of the stolen cattle. The wounded man I start for Denver in the eveningon a horse litter improvised for the occasion. I will start down the bayou to-morrow evening to find and destroy another village; will be at the mouth of the bayou on 22d, if scouts bring no further information. With respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, GEO. S. EAYRE, Lieutenant, Commanding indian Expedition. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Lyon, Cob. Ter., April 18, 1864. Lieut. GEORGE H. STILWELL, First Car, of Colorado, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Dist. of Gob.: SIR: Your communication of the 13th instant reached here to-day per express. Capt. D. L Hardy, First Cavalry of Colorado, with 50 men, started from this post the 17th, in pursuit of the Cheyenne In- dians, we having positive information that they had the stock that strayed from this post3 Government mules and 6 horses. Upon the receipt of your communication I immediately dispatched a mes- senger informing Captain Hardy of what had transpired on the Smoky Hill, and also ordered Capt. James H. Dodge, with one sec- tion of the Ninth Wisconsin Battery, to re-enforce him, Captain Dodge being unable to move from this post, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 22, from headquarters Department of Colorado, until the train en route from Denver reaches here, we being short of transportation. We are short of ammunition at this post. Please forward revolver cartridges, if there are none already on the road. Respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL H. COOK, 6~aptain, First Garabry of Colorado, Commanding Post. FORT LARAMIE, April 18, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIvINGToN: Have parties out looking for Cheyennes that had fight at Fre- monts Orchard with Lieutenant Dunn, but can learn nothing of them. Any information you can give, as in what band, how many, who chief, where from, where seen last, and where going, will help. Please reply. WM. 0. COLLINS. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, ]Jfilwanlcee, Wis., April 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SULLY, Commanding District of Iowa: GENERAL: Late information from the upper Missouri River would seem to indicate that the Uncpapa and other Teton Sioux will cross to the iiorth side of the Missouri and endeavor to effect there Page 220 220 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. junction with the Yanktonais on or near the James River. In case you find this information true, you had probably better select your point of junction with the forces going to you from Minnesota, somewhere east of the Missouri River, perhaps on the James River. You will be able to decide in time, and as soon as you do, if any other point be selected than the mouth of Bordache Creek, notify General Sibley at once, as well as myself, by telegraph from Council Bluffs, as also by letter. General Davidson issued his order about the horses at Des Moines under a misapprehension, and has revoked it handsomely, and with an offer of any assistance in his power in fitting you out. Will you please return him my thanks. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE Major-General, Commanding. MILWAUKEE, WIs., April 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SULLY, Davenport, iowa: The three companies Thirtieth Wisconsin left this morning. Will be at Saint Louis to-morrow (Tuesday) morning. Telegraph at once to proper officer in Saint Louis to meet and make provision for them. JNO. POPE Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 19, 186410.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper: The following dispatches have just been received. They com- prise all the intelligence we have had [rain General Banks. You have probably maps that show the position of Mansfield, southwest of Shreveport and about half way between that place and Natchi- toches. Grand Ecore is a short distance north of Natchitoches: CAIRO, ILL., April 19, 1864. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Captain Pennock, of the navy, has unofficial accounts from his officers in Red River indicating a severe battle near Mansfield, below Shreveport, on the 10th [8th], in which General Banks has probably received a check. He has telegraphed the Sec- retary of the Navy. Please refer to him. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. UNOFFIcIAL.] CAIRO, ILL., April 19, 1864. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington, D. C.: I have received private letters from Red River, one dated Grand Ecore, La., April 10, and one dated Alexandria, April 12, stating that the army under General Banks met with reverses on the 8th near Mansfield. Our army fell back to Pleasant Hill, and the next day the rebels attacked them and were handsomely whipped. Loss heavy on both sides. The admiral, when last heard from, was about 40 miles above Grand Ecore. River low. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain. EDWIN M. STANTON Page 221 CHAP. XLVI.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 221 CAIRO, ILL., April 19, 1864. (Received 11.50 a. in., 20th.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The letters arrived this afternoon, both from naval officers; one from GrarA Ecore, half-way between Natchitoches and Shreveport, dated the 10th the other from Alexandria, dated the 12th. The battle was near place first named. Smith appears to have been worsted; also the Thirteenth Corps, which came to his aid. Frank.. lin took part, and the enemy were beaten. General Banks waiting for supplies, having suffered heavily. These are rumors, appearing well founded. Correct reports expected. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier-.General, Commanding. NEW ORLEANS, April 19, 1864. Capt. D. N. WELCH, Assistant Quartermaster: CAPTAIN: You will load the return boats with produce (cotton, sugar, & c.) and get it down as fast as possible, for only in this way can we recover any part of our great expense. Very respectfully, ~. B. HOLABIRD, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 51. Grand Ecore, La., April 19, 1864. The following order is published for the information and govern- ment of the troops therein designated All troops of African descent in the Department of the Gulf will hereafter be designated as regiments of U. S. ~avalry, heavy artillery, light artillery, or in- fantry (colored). Such regiments as may hereafter be put in process of organiza- tion will be reported to Brig. Gen. L. Thomas, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, at Vicksburg, Miss., in order that they may receive their proper number. CAVALRY. First Cavalry, Corps dAfrique, as the Fourth. HEAVY ARTILLERY. First Regiment Heavy Artillery, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventh. First and Second Battalions, Fourteenth Regiment Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighth. INFANTRY. First Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventy-third. Second Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventy-fourth. Third Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventy-fifth. Fourth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventh-sixth. Fifth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventy-seventh. Sixth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventy-eighth. Seventh Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Seventy-ninth. Eighth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eightieth Page 222 222 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Ninth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-first. Tenth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-second. Eleventh Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-third. Twelfth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-fourth. Thirteenth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-fifth. Fourteenth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-sixth. Sixteenth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-seventh. Seventeenth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighth-eighth. Eighteenth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Eighty-ninth. Nineteenth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninetieth. Twentieth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-first. Twenty-second Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-second. Twenty-fifth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-third. Twenty-sixth Regiment Infantry, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-fourth. First Regiment Engineers, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-fifth. Second Regiment Engineers, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-sixth. Third Regiment Engineers, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-seventh. Fourth Regiment Engineers, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-eighth. Fifth Regiment Engineers, Corps dAfrique, as the Ninety-ninth. By order of the Secretary of War: L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. By command of Major-General Banks: GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, La., April 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detachments of 16th and 17th Army Corps. The commanding general directs that your command be put in readiness to move against the enemy at an hours notice. Wagons will be packed with what they are to carry, except such articles as are absolutely required for immediate necessities, and which can be put on in the time specified above. Trains will carry five days ratioi~s and five days forage, this supply not to be used from until the move- inent commences. Men will at once be supplied with three days rations in haversacks, and this amount to be kept at that standard. Trains must not be overloaded. Surplus baggage must be sent to the rear upon transports, in accordance with orders already issued. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Same instructions have been sent to General Franklin. QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, ON BOARD U. S. CHARTERED STEAMER GURNIE HOPKINS, - In Red River, April 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to inclose to you a detailed statement of the loss in the late terrible battle at Mansfield; also a copy of the report of Colonel Landram, who commanded on that day the Third Division; also the report* of the valiant General *See Part I, pp. 272 and 290 Page 223 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 223 Cameron, who was in command of the detachment after the fall of the most gallant General Ransom, who fell at the head of his gallant command cheering them on. Your gallant little detachment of the Thirteenth Army Corps were placed in the advance and whipped in detail by an overwhelni- ing force. I hear an ardent and heartfelt wish from the highest officer to the lowest private in your command that you could have been there and in command of the whole expedition, of which I hope in person to have the pleasure of conversing with you very soon. Early in the day I volunteered to act as aide to General Ran- som, which offer he accepted, and was iiear him during the engage- ment and with him when he fell. I immediately procured an ambulance and conveyed him 8 miles in front of our retreating forces. Before the first charge was niade by the enemy upon our front General Ransom received three orders within one hour from General Banks to change the position of his forces. General Ransom said to me each time that to comply with such orders would ruin his army, but he must obey. Hoping that these reports may be of service to you (although per- haps not a part of my duty), I remain, as ever, your very humble servant, R. B. HATCH, Lieul. Cot. and Chief Quartermaster, 13th Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 19, 1864. Col. W. F. GEIGER, Gommanding, Devalis Bluff: COLONEL: Col. C. C. Andrews, Third Minnesota, goes in com- mand of the expedition up White River. You will please furnish him 100 mounted men, or stich number less as you and he may agree upon. You will confer with Colonel Andrews, as he is in- structed in every particular as to the plan of operations, and I do hope that you may be successful in breaking up McRaes entire band of robbers. I desire that your cavalry move by way of Clar- endon to Cotton Plant, and thence form a junction with Colonel Andrews. I leave the entire plan to Colonel Andrews and yourself. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General, Commanding. DEVALLS BLUFF, April 19, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: My scout is ready to cross the river at Clarendon. I had intended crossing them to-night. I can capture McRaes force and destroy their country so that they cannot remain in it. I have 400 cavalry, mounted, that I can use. I had intended to send some infantry also, by river, by a gun-boat, to engage the enemy and draw their attention while the cavalry would get in their rear. I will be obliged if you could send me 300 infantry, but I can do the marc Page 224 224 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MiSSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. with the force I have if it is not convenient to send me the infantry. I should have been moving had not Lieutenant Lane told me that the general commanding directs that I should not move without orders. I am awaiting orders. W. F. GEIGER, Colonel, Commanding Post, LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 19, 1864. Colonel GEIGER, Derails Bluff: The general directs me to say that you will be notified in due time. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. DEVAL LS BLUFF, April 19, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General: I can have a boat to cross the cavalry at Clarendon and one to send up the river at daylight to-morrow morning. I want to cross the cavalry at night. Would it not be better to wait until to-morrow night? W. F. GEIGER, Colonel, Commanding Post. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 19, 1864. Colonel GEIGER, Commanding, Derails Bluff: COLONEL: You will have your cavalry in readiness to move at a moments notice, with five days light rations, bread, sugar, coffee, and salt, and 100 rounds ammunition. You will receive further orders by the officer in command of the forces I send from here. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 19, 1864. Colonel GEIGER, Commanding, Derails Bluff, Ark.: The infantry force will be over to-night; they leave within one hour, under Colonel Andrews, 900 strong. Be ready. Colonel Andrews will give you all the information required. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General,. Commanding. DEvALLS BLUFF, April 19, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General: One boat, with the gun-boat, can carry all the infantry. The Ray- mond cannot carry my cavalry in a day. They will be obliged to n~ak~ 10-mile trips every time they cross a cargo. W. F. GEIGER, QoloNel, ~Jommandin~ Page 225 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UN~N. 225 DARDANELLE, April 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. N. KIMBALL: The detail sent to Clarksville to repair telegraph lines has just arrived there. I will leave for Lewisburg this evening. A. H. RYAN, Colonel, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, H DQRS. THIRD Div., 7TH ARMY CORPS, No. 15. Camden, Ark., April 19, 1864. * * * * * * III. The Twenty-ninth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Fif- tieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and Forty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, one section of artillery, and the pioneer corps, all under command of Col. Thomas H. Benton, jr., Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, are hereby designated for an expedition to meet our supply train, and will march immediately on the Mount Etba road. Some cavalry will be attached to the command. Col. Thomas H. Benton, jr., will report to Maj. Gen. F. Steele for instruc- tions immediately. By order of Brig. Gen. F. Salomon: A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER, DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, No. 5. ) Fort Smith, April 19, 1864. I. Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt, in obedience to instructions from the War Department, April 17, 1864, having relinquished command of the Indian Territory and the military post of Fort Smith, they having been transferred to the Department of Arkansas, the under- signed hereby assumes command of the same. * * * * * * * W. R. JUDSON. Colonel Sixth Kansas Cavalry, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 19, 1864. Hon. S. P. CHASE, Washington, D. C.: The exigencies of the~ provost-marshal service demand that I should have some contingent fund at my disposal. One of your de- tectives needs $3,500 to-day, which I must try and borrow. Please order remittance of $10,000. The last I had was turned over to General Thomas, except a small sum. Accounts go to-day. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. 15 R RVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 226 226 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 19, 1864. Governor WILLIAM DENNISON, Columbus, Ohio: Please come and sce mc on matters of high public intQrest as soon as possible. W, S. IROSECRANS, Major- General. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 19, 1864. Lient. Col. C. B. COMSTOCK, A. A. A. G., Ixldqrs. Army in the Field, Virginia: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have visited and in- spected the posts between Rolla and this place, viz, Little Piney, Big Piney, Waynesville, Lebanon, Gasconade Crossing; found them gar- risoned as mentioned in the tn-monthly report of the department, March 31, already forwarded. The troops at Waynesville were in particularly good order and discipline; those at Lebanon quite the contrary. The animals were owned by the men; were small and ap- parently unsuited for hard service, but I am assured that for the kind of duty which they do, and in a country so bare of forage as this, they answer the purpose better than a larger and stronger class of horses furnished by Government, and exposed to the neglect and brutality of men who have no personal interest in taking care of them, and who are so little controlled by their officers. There are some draw- backs connected with this method of mounting the men, but upon the whole I think it the preferable plan. The troops at these posts are almost wholly employed in escorting trains and the daily mail to Springfield. A bi-weekly mail under the circumstances would answer and would enable the troops at these posts to be greatly diminished. If it shall be decided to supply Fort Smith, Fort Gibson, & c., by way of the Arkansas River, taking advantage of its rise to forward large supplies, and of the dry weather to wagon, then a large amount of transportation could be at once withdrawn from this line and from the KansasFort Scott route and applied elsewhere. Whether the navigation of the Arkansas would be practicable on account of guer- rilla attacks must be considered. I have reviewed and inspected the troops at this post, garrisoned by thirteen companies of cavalry, rough, but no doubt serviceable for the kind of work they have to do. General Sanborn, command- ing the district, whose report, marked A, is herewith inclosed, seems to be an active, intelligent, and judicious officer. He considers it very desirable to hold the country, thinly populated and poor as it is, and I am inclined to give great weight to his opinion. Like all the officers and citizens nearly whom I have consulted he considers the department to be overstocked with troops and that the Missouri organizations alone are amply sufficient. The great excess lies in the city and District of Saint Louis, and in the District of Central Mis- souri. I also inclose the report, marked B, of Captain Owen, quar- termaster. He does not think himself able to part with any of his transportation under present arrangements, but thinks he will be able to purchase some artillery horses, and is about to begin doing so Page 227 CH~. XLVII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 o and D show the transportation on hand at Lebanon, and the necessity for it. At the other posts the same reasons were assigned for retaining all their transportation. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, L. C. HUNT, Brigadier-General and In8pector. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, In the Field, Culpeper Cottrt-Nouse, Va., lIfay 2, 1864. Respectfully referred to Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, Chief of Staff, and commended to his attention. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Inclosure A.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, ]Iilo., April 19, 1864. Brigadier-General HUNT, U. S. Volunteers: I have the honor to snbmit the following general statement of the military operations and results in this district since I assnined com- inand, and my personal views of the present situation and military necessities. On the 24th of October, 1863, the date I assumed com- mand, the forces of the rebel General Shelby were just leaving the State, and the whole country was overcome with marauding bands, attacking small squads of soldiers and killing some, as well as peace- ful citizens. All these bands and marauders were driven south by the 1st day of January, 1864, and have appeared in the Missouri portion of the district in but three or four instances since. Immediately upon those bands returning south I sent forward 1,000 men into the two northern tiers of counties in Arkansas, and attacked and drove them below Buffalo Fork of White River. These troops have had fights and skirmishes with these rebels almost daily, and the number of them killed, according to the official information that has come to headquarters, has been about 200 per month, while my losses have not averaged over 5 per month, and the whole number of citizens killed by the guerrillas has not exceeded 6 during the whole time. The effect of these bands infesting the country upon the loyal, productive, agricultural population is to induce them all to retire to the rear of the military posts, and this population can be induced to remain upon their farms only by an advance of these posts. The line of loyal population had receded to within about 16 miles of Springfield and the mail-line road to Rolla, when I took command, and was still fast receding. To check this evil, I advanced the military posts south from Leb- anon to Huntsville, 35 miles; from Ozark to Forsyth, 35 miles, and from Cassville to Berryville, 35 miles, and have kept a force of 1,000 men in active service from 50 to 75 miles in front of these posts, attacking and breaking the large bodies of rebels and guerril- las, which, at times, reach 700 or 800 men. There has been a great scarcity of forage in the Missouri portion of the district, owing to two causes, viz, the small amount of land put in crop last year and the light crop raised when the land was cultivated by reason of ex- treme wet. The quartermaster neglected to secure any hay, whic Page 228 228 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP XLVI. could easily have been done at little expense during the hay season, and the Government has been entirely dependent upon the forage secured by citizens. From reports secured, 150 per cent. more land will be put in crop this year than last in this district. In all counties and places in this district north of Springfield where the loyal portion of the population have not been driven away the people should, in my opinion, be thrown upon their own resources for defense and protection, having due notice that the troops are to be withdrawn and they first organized as home guards. In counties where the loyal population have been driven away and are now returning a small force should be kept for one year, to enable the people to return and raise one crop and organize for de- fense. Every effort should be made and a good force used to drive all guerrillas and rebels in Northern Arkansas across the river, and then hold the line of the river strong enough to make it difficult for any considerable force to pass, and when this is done most of the force north of the Boston Mountains should be withdrawn, and if the guerrillas still continue to infest it so that it cannot be inhabited by loyal men, it would be proper and expedient to burn all the build- ings in it; burnt so that no man could live in it. There is a sensitiveness on the part of the people, and a disposition to meddle each with the affairs and bnsiness of the other. That has aiid will lead to many difficulties and some loss of life. Time alone will correct this evil. There is also a weakness and timidity on the part of the civil and judicial officers that renders it impossible to punish great crimes except through military commissions. This time also alone will end. The counties along the Kansas and Ar- kansas border I think should be occupied by small bodies of our troops during the present year. I have reduced the force of the district about 3,000 since I took command, and have reduced it to the lowest number that can perform the service and protect the district. For the next ninety days, while forage has to be drawn from Rolla, something could be saved in transportation by making that place the headquarters of all cavalry used as escorts for the trains running from Rolla. At the expiration of that time forage will be obtained with much less expense here than at Rolla, as has been the case dur- ing the past year until this time, having commenced to draw forage from iRolla this week. Four companies of infantry in the district could be used to as much advantage as cavalry, doing post and guard duty. Not being able to obtain any infantry, I have allowed a portion of the cavalry to remain dismounted and used them for post duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. SANBOIRN, Brigadier- General, Cioinrnanding. [Inclosure B.] QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, Springfield, Mo., April 19, 1864. General HUNT, Inspector: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following in reply to your verbal request of yesterday. I have now under my charge one hundred and eighty-one 6-mule teams, twenty 4-mule teams, twenty Page 229 CHAP. XLVIj CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 229 one 4-horse teams. Lieutenant Baubie has under his charge and in service for Sixth Regiment Missouri State Militia fifteen 6-mule teams; Lieutenant Dexter, acting assistant quartermaster, post Springfield, sixteen horse teams, some 2 and some 4; Lieutenant Gibbs has in service of the Eighth Regiment Missouri State Militia ten 6-mule teams, one 4-mule team; Lieutenant Tracy has in use at the post of Lebanon, Mo., thirty-nine 6-mule teams; Lieutenant Morley, Second Arkansas, thirty-two 6-mule teams. The inclosed paper* will show the present distribution and employment of stock in in y charge. That portion of it marked corn-sheller means simply that the train is north of Osage River procuring forage at the corn-sheller. Lieutenant Baubies portion left yesterday, under my direction, for Rolla, Mo., to procure forage. The teams of Lieutenant Dexter are made up principally of recuperated horses, and mostly engaged at post duty procuring wood, water, & c. The transportation of Lieutenant Gibbs is dispersed at Ozark and For- syth; the major portion of it at this place, occasionally to deliver forage picked up in Saint Clair and Henry Counties. The transpor- tation of Second Arkansas Cavalry is scattered from Cassville, Mo., to Yellville, Ark., detachments being stationed at various point s. It is principally engaged collecting forage. To meet daily wants at this place for cavalry horses, post teams, & c., requires a daily de- livery of at least 13,000 pounds of grain at this post, exclusive of any hay. meet like dailX demands at the posts of Hartsville, Cassville, Forsyth, Marshfiel , Gadfly, points that must draw forage from this place, and at Which there is no transportation, will require the constant use of one train of twenty wagons. The supply of rations for Fayetteville, 1,200 men, estimating the ration at 2 pounds per ration, will require the constant use of forty teams, or a daily deliv- ery of 2,400 pounds at that point. The same anmount of transporta- tion will be required for the supply of Second Arkansas, now near Yellville. To get rations of grain to this place from Rolla, distant 118 miles, will require the constant use of 120 wagons. For trans- portation of subsistence stores to Fayetteville, with ordnance, hos- pital, and quartermaster supplies, 110 miles, forty wagons. For supplies to Yellville, Rolliiig Prairie, and encampments iii that vicinity, forty wagons. Berryville, Cassville, Hartsville, Forsyth, Mellville, Greenfield, Carthage, Ozark Mountain Store, all require supplies, but the de- mand cannot be accurately estimated from the shifting, changing nature of duty. There is a constant call for more transportation than I can supply, and should I undertake to herd the work mules daily, which ought to be done, it will correspondingly curtail ex- tent of travel, and thus reduce the transportation. A very large portion of the transportation now being used here will be mieedless so soon as Arkansas and White Rivers shall become sufficiently high to insure safe and successful navigation of these streams. This may occur soon, but of this there is mio certainty. Twenty years acquaint- ance with those strean~s satisfy me that, at best, they will furnish a doubtful source of supply, and cannot be calculated upon as means of transportation for any considerable period of time in the year. Respectfully, R. B. OWEN, Captain and Assistant Quarternwster. * Omitted Page 230 230 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. [Inclosure C.] LEBANON, Mo., April 18, 1864. General HUNT: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose report of means of trans- portation,~~* and respectfully submit the following as reasons why they are necessarily employed a~t this post: First. This post, Gasconade Station, and Woodens Station are supplied with forage; the first two named also with quartermas- ters property, clothing, camp and garrison equipage. Second. The number of public animals furnished forage from this post will average about 820 per month, requiring 280,000 pounds of grain. Third. About 400 men receive all supplies of clothing, camp and garrison equipage from this post. Fourth. As this post is near midway between Rolla and Spring- field, a large amount of repairing is done here on passing transpor- tation, requiring a considerable amount of stores of expenditure per month. I have the honor, general, to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. TRACY, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 19, 1864. Colonel BONNEVILLE, Benton Barracks: If the Twelfth Missouri has left the barracks, send the following dispatch to Colonel Wells to-night if you can; if not, early in the morning: COMMANDING OFFICER TWELFTH MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS: Send to-morrow four companies of your regiment to guard bridges on Iron Mountain Railroad, where troops are now stationed. The officer in command of the four companies xviii distribute them. By order, & c.: H. HANNAHS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. H. HANNAHS, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, No. 21. Warrensburg, Mo., April 19, 1864. Capt. Levi Pritchard, Fourth Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, and Capt. Joseph A. Green, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, are hereby relieved from duty, respectively, as district inspector and chief quartermaster of this district. The following-named officers, having reported at these headquarters in accordance with orders from headquarters Department of the Missouri, are hereby an- nounced as members of the district staff, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly Capt. D. W. Wellman, Ninth Infantry, Minnesota Volunteers, topographical engineer. * Marked as inclosure D, but omitted as unimportant Page 231 CHAP. XLVI.] 231 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Capt. T. S. Case, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, chief quartermaster. Capt. Joseph H. Little, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, dis- trict inspector. First Lient. A. W. Christian, Seventh Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, assistant inspector. By order of a ier-General Brown: J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 19, 1864. General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: Captain Owen is authorized to sell seed corn to loyal farmers in such quantities as you may approve. ~. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 19, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: Troops are already on the march for Howard County from Macon, under a capital officer. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 19, 1864. General FISK, Saint Joseph, Mo.: Order Lieutenant-Colonel Jennison to report for duty with his regiment with least possible delay, to command it on special serv- ice. Major Dwight is ordered to you, to take Colonel Jennisons duties until he can return to you. Colonel Jennison should come by first train. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., April 19, 1864. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General: Colonel Jennison will report with his regiment to-morrow night. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General Page 232 232 LOUISIANA AND TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 19, 1864. Brigadier-General FISK: See Colonel Williams, who is ~ll Command of the Seventh Military District, Enrolled Missouri Militia, at Saint Joseph. It is proposed to reorganize the militia; that is just what we wish to do. New companies and regiments can be formed; it would be impracticable, as well as almost impossible, to resuscitate the old organizations. Commissaries of exemption are authorized to muster in new com- panies and will see General Rosecraus about it. JOHN B. GRAY, A~jutant- General of Missouri. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI Saint Joseph, Mo., April 19, 1864. JOHN B. GRAY, Adjutant-General of Missouri: It is the intention to have all the militia organized. You will re- member that the old Twenty-fifth and Forty-first Enrolled Missouri Militia were disbanded. The men of those regiments will very re- luctantly enroll to be assigned to the Paw Paw companies. I be- lieve it would be promotive of peace and good order in this section to reorganize this disbanded militia at once. I will superintend the reorganization myself. The enrollment is progressing very slowly. Put the whole thing in my hands to manage, nuder your orders, and I will push it through with speed and safety. Please reply at once, as my headquarters are besieged by committees from all the counties in the northwest. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 19, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel DRAPER, Macon City, Mo.: I have just received the following telegram from Major-General Rosecrans: Jackrnan, the bushwhacker, is at the house of the ex-sheriff of Howard County, 20 miles northwest of Glasgow, with 15 or 20 desperado companions. You must with all dispatch and secrecy and with ample force fall upon them; let none es- cape. Sharp and secret must he your motto. W. S. ROSECRANS, Jliajor-General. Major Leonard must move sharply and secretly on Jackman and party. I hope for the greatest success. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 19, 1864. Captain WEST, Enrolling Officer, Corn. of Exemptions. Andrew C~o., Mo~: CAPTAIN: I desire that you promptly and cheerfully, as I know you will, assist the unorganized militia at Savannah amid in Andre Page 233 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 233 County generally to organize themselves into companies. Instruct them how to proceed in the election of officers, and when they have a company organized and the officers elected, require from them the prescribed oath and report the organization and the officers names for commission at once. Hasten the enrollment of the militia as rapidly as possible. I recommend that you appoint Dr. R. A. Cas- tle as one of your examining surgeons, and do that at once. It will do you good and all good. I hope to hear by return mail that you have made the appointment. You will have no difficulty in enroll- ing the county if yon promptly take my advice. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, April 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. BENJAMIN ALVORD, Commanding District of Oregon: GENERAL: Yours of March 3 is just received. I have studied the current of travel and development of country in the region of Idaho, and your letter has given me some very valuable information and suggestions. I shall heartily co-operate with you in trying to protect the country and encourage settlements. In conversation and correspondence with Colonel Collins, who commands in the re- gion of Fort Laramie and Sweetwater, I have a pretty good idea of the proper overland route which ought to be opened to the mines in Idaho, and I expect an escort will be sent with the vast army of im- migrants that are now passing the Mississippi and converging toward the Platte Valley. In that way we may hope to obtain very accurate knowledge of the dangers and necessities devolving on us in that region. Your idea of a water communication, via the Yellowstone, is a new one, but it strikes me very favorably. Of course it will give facilities for moving supplies, which must have great consideration in the establishment of posts. Bnt I fear navigation will not be of much account up that river, for the Missouri itself is not worth much above the Running Waters (Niobrara). However this may be, I suppose these routes west of Minnesota will be fully explored, not only by the steam-boats of Mr. Choutean, but by a movement sent out by General Pope, under General Sully, which moves across from Saint Paul toward the headwaters of the Yellowstone. I shall be glad to be in communication with you in relation to matters ap- pertaining to the development of the country to which your letter refers, as it is not only a matter of great military importance, but also of interest to the whole nation in view of its onward progress. I may refer your letter for information to Washington, but I sup- pose your intercourse with the head of our branch of the service through your delegate is more useful, as it is more (lirect and cer- tain. I cannot give any determined answer as to what I will do, for it is not yet certain that Idaho will be a permanent part of my command, as it has never been so designated, but reports and acts with these headquarters as a convenience and sort of courtesy. It is immediately west of General Popes department, and may, afte Page 234 234 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MIS8ISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. this summers campaign, be attached to that department. I am obliged to you for your information, and assure you again I will co-operate with you to the best of my abilities. I have the honor to be, general, your very obedient servant, S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. FORT LYON, April 19, 1864. JOHN EVANS, Governor of Colorado Territory: DEAR GOVERNOR: I arrived home from Point of Rocks last even- ing. Captain Hardy has gone out with 50 men after horses that have strayed from the post, and found by the Cheyennes. If they do not give them up he will fight them, and if so there is great danger of an Indian war with all the tribes. I sent out John Powers, a trusty young man who lives with a Cheyenne squaw, to learn what he could. He came back a few days since and reports, in substance, that the Sioux have been to the Cheyennes with the war pipe, urging them to join against the whites, but they all dis- claim all intention to do so. Two Cheyennes have just come in. They have heard of the trouble on the Platte and are very much frightened. I shall try and keep all that come in here. Please keep me advised. In haste, yours, S. G. COLLEY, U. S. Indian Agent. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Gob. Ter., April 19, 1864. First Lient. GEORGE S. EAYRE, Independent Battery, Colorado Volunteer Artillery, Comdg. Detachment on Smoky Hill Route, Gob. Ter.: LIEUTENANT: The colonel commanding directs that you make prompt report to these headquarters of all matters connected with your command. Full information of the movements of the different commands is necessary, that they may be so directed as to co-operate. You will lose no opportunity of communicating such reliable infor- mation as you may acquire. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. STILWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, April 19, 18643. p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT: The Iowa delegation in House of Representatives and Senators Wilkinson and Washburne urge strenuously the withdrawal of all infantry force from the Northwestern Department as needless and expensive there, while the troops would be useful in active service Page 235 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 235 which they are anxious to be engaged in. As you have the subject under consideration it is proper to apprise you of these opinions. They affirm that 1,500 or 2,000 is the whole force needed in that department. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. CULPEPER, VA., April 19, 1~8648.3O p. m. (Received 9 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Before ordering General Pope to send any troops from his depart- ment I was waiting to see his reasons for retaining the nnmber he has. My own opinion has been that a small force of cavalry, with but very little infantry, was all that he required. I would advise that he be ordered to send all the infantry he can possibly spare to Washington at once. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, April 20, 186410.35 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper: Detailed telegraphic reports from Chicago, which you will see in this mornings Chronicle, represent General Stone to have been in command as chief of Banks staff at the time of Banks disaster, and that the operations were against the remonstrance of General Ransom, who is badly wounded. EDWIN M. STANTON. FIELD ORDERS4 HDQR5. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 25. Grand Ecore, La., April 20 1864 1. The troops of this command, on receiving final orders to march, which will be issued hereafter, will move under the control and di- rection of Maj. Gen. W. B. Franklin, commanding Nineteenth Army Corps, & c. The rear will be brought np by troops of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith. The requirements of circular letters of yesterdays date as to rations and forage, the readiness of the troops, trains, & c., to march at an hours notice, will be strictly enforced. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, As8istant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 20, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Corn dg. Detachment Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps: The commanding general directs that you move at 12 oclock to- day, with your entire force of infantry and artillery to Natchitoches Page 236 236 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. You are directed to take position to repel any attack of the enemy. The force here will be ready to snpport yon in case you meet any con- siderable force of the enemy. Yonr pickets should connect with those already established. I am, general, yonr obedient servant, WILLIAM DWIGHT Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. P. S.Yon will please keep these headquarters fully informed of the condition, force, and movements of the enemy in your front on your march and after you assume position. Respectfully, W. DWIGHT Brigadier-General and Chief of Stuff. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DETACH. 16TH AND 17TH A. C., No. 26. On S/earner Clara Bell~ April 20, 1864. * * * * * * * The troops of this command will march at 12 m. to-day on the road to Natchitoches, La., in the following order: First. Brig. Gen. T. K. Smiths division, Seventeenth Army Corps. Second. Brig. Gen. J. A. Mowers First and Third Divisions, Six- teenth Army Corps. The wagons will move in the rear of their respective divisions. By order of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith: J. HOUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, & C., No. 80. Little Rock, Ark., April 20, 1864. * * * * * * * VIII. Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West, U. S. Vohzinteers, will report to Brig. Gen. N. Kimball, commanding troops, & c., for assignment to the command of the forces * to be sent from Little Rock to Cam- den, Ark., with train and supplies. * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. LITTLE ROCK, April 20, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON, Gommauding, Pine Bluff: Dispatches from General Steele, dated Camden, 18th, state he had a severe skirmish on last Thursday and Friday at Prairie DAne, in whiTh he drove the rebels. Price commanded in person. They * The Sixty-second aiA On~ hundred and sixth Illinois and Twelfth Michigan Regiments and the Fifth and Eleventh Ohio Batteries Page 237 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 237 retreated toward Washington. Fin ding General Steele was on the Camden road they harassed his advance and rear with a view to holdiug him until their infantry and artillery conid get inside the fortifications, but after fighting all day he reached Camden, having marched 23 miles. Price ordered the evacnation of Camden, sup- posing our army was marching on Washington and Shreveport. Some troops and a train will start from Little Rock for the front in a day or two, and General Steele desires that you send 200 cavalry at least (and as many more as you can spare) to Little Rock to ac- company them. They should start froni Pine Bluff to-morrow morning. I will send some further news by the escort which leaves for Pine Bluff in the morning. A large steam-boat, the Homer, was captured below Camden. Our loss has been slight. Please answer when the cavalry leaves for this place. Respectfully, ~. D. GREEN, Assi8tant Ac~Jatant- General. CAMDEN, ARK., April 20, 1864. I certify that on the evening of the 16th April, 1864, General Thayer came to headquarters Second Brigade, Thayers division, Seventh Army Corps, and inquired for Colonel Adams. Colonel Adams being absent, he told or ordered me to notify Colonel Will- iams, of the First Colored Regiment, that his regiment (First Kan- sas Colored) would be ordered to march at 5 a. m. on the followiiig morning, together with four squadrons of cavalry and 1 section of Rabbs battery, all in command of J. M. Williams, to escort a forage train 15 miles west, and near the localities of the camp of Thayers division, the night of the 15th instant. General Thayer states that he was cautioned by General Steele to send a good officer in charge, and hence his reason for indicating Colonel Williams instead of call- ing on brigade commander for an officer of his (conunanders) selec- tion. General Thayer asked me to go with him to Colonel Williams, which I did. When we arrived at Colonel Williams quarters we found him in his bunk. General then stated to him (Colonel Will- iams) in substance what he had stated to me, as above narrated, and repeated what he had said in regard to a good officer, adding that in selecting Colonel Willianis he meant no disparagement to other officers of the brigade. Colonel Williams inquired as to when the expedition should go. General repeated to him that there was plenty of forage in the vicinity of the camp of the Frontier Division, Seventh Army Corps, during the night of April 15, 1864, and that a forage-master would direct to it. He further stated that he would send out an additional force on the evening or afternoon of the 17th, to be in supporting distance of the force sent out in the morning. General Thayer remarked that it would be well to place cavalry pickets on the various roads to give notice of the approach of the enemy. General and myself then returned to brigade headquarters, where Coloiiel Adams had arrived, when he (general) explained to him (Colonel Adams) what orders he had given and the reason why he had made the order on Colonel Williams direct. L. A. THRASHER, Capt., 1st Gel. Peg. Kans. Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., Thayers Div Page 238 238 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. WARRENSBURG, April 20, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis: MAJOR: For the information of the commanding general I have the honor to state that the following items of intelligence are fur- nished me by parties whose statements are worthy of credence: Dr. Bledsoe, of Boone County, formerly a surgeon in the rebel Army, now living at home, sends word to me by Major Suess, chief of cav- alry, that he has seen letters from (Arkansas) Prices army, which say that Price has two brigades of mounted troops and is mounting two brigades of infantry, the whole to make a raid into Missouri. Bledsoe states that the writer is near Prices headquarters, and he thinks that the information is worthy of consideration. Another, a returned captain, under the amnesty, now in La Fayette Couiity, advises me, through a Cumberland preacher by the name of Rea, who vouches for the truthfulness of the returned rebel, that the officers and soldiers in Prices army are fully determined to return to Missouri this summer, in small bands, for the purpose of carry- ing on a guerrilla warfare if they are not led here by their officers in a body. These rumors are a repetition of many other similar ones from other sources, but these parties evidently believe what they say. I forward it for what it is worth. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DISTRICT OF MISSOURI, Warrensburg, April 20, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis: MAJOR: I have time honor to state, for the information of the major-general commanding, that, in consequence of time delay in laying the track of the Pacific Railroad from Dresden arising from the want of labor, I have moved one company and part of another of the Ninth Minnesota east of Knobnoster and camped them on the line of construction, and have authorized the officer in command to allow all but the necessary camp guard to work for the contractors. The soldiers are receiving $2 per diem extra for their work. About a company of them are employed and are laying one-half mile of track per day. There are but 3 citizen track-layers at work. The road will be completed to time Knobs this month. In order that the military organization may be preserved, the men are canmped on the work and move timeir tents as the road progresses; march to their work under arms, stack tlmemn, and work by them as far as practica- ble. If there are no interruptions, the company will now be able to complete the road to this place next month. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Gommanding Page 239 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 239 HDQRS. Co. M, FIRST CAy., Mo. STATE MIL., Halls Mill, JIb., April 20, 1864. Col. JAMES MCFERRAN, Comdg. Third Sub-District, Warrensburg, Mo.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that this part of the Country iS Comparatively quiet, and the Citizens are all at work with what force in labor and teams they have at their Command, but the want of labor and teams will leave many broad acres uncultivated. There appears to be a good feeling growing among the citizens generally, and disposition to stand by the Constitution and laws of our country, and to sustain the Federal Government in putting down this rebel- lion. The bushwhackers, thieves, and marauders have disappeared, and at this time I do not think there is one in this part of the coun- try. About ten days ago 2 men, known to be bushwhackers, passed through the northwest corner of the county, making their way toward the Sni Hills. One of them was a Gann, a brother to the one who was killed at Germantown. I have had plenty of forage for my command up to this date, but it is getting somewhat scarce. We have to haul our corn from 10 to 18 miles. Hay and sheaf oats are getting very scarce. The men under my command have been ont on six scouts since my last tn-monthly supplementary report, and have traveled 1,343 niiles in the aggre- oate; 1,343 -~ 77 l6~ miles travel to each man in the whole coni- mand. The men are generally in good health and the horses belonging to the men are doing well at this time. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES D. lEADS, Captain Company ilL First Cay., Missouri State Militia. FAYETTEVILLE, April 20, 1864. Brigadier-General SANBORN, Commanding: Four hundred rebels, under Jackrnan, are on Kings River east of Huntsville. They are threatening that place. A few home guards, under Captain Bivins, hold it, and will have to fall back, when the - town will undoubtedly be burnt. It is impossible for me to help them now. I have not seen or heard of your troops that were to be here last week. Where are they? Can they help Huntsville at once? Please answer immediately. M. LA RUE HARRISON, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 20, 1864. Colonel HARRISON, Fayetteville, Ark.: The Ninth Kansas Cavalry, Colonel Lynde commanding, 1,050 men, should be at Kings River to-night; certainly by to-morrow. This regiment is en route to Fort Smith. They left here to go via Berryville, Kings River, Huntsville, and Mulberry to Fort Smith on last Friday. I cannot tell where Phelps troops are. I have rcc~iv~d no Communication from him. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 240 240 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. rcHAP, XLVI SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., April 20, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: I will delay my departure for Michigan until I learn more from Howard County. When will you visit the northwest? CLINTON B. FISK. Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 20, 1864. Lieut. Col. D. M. DRAPER, Macon, Mo.: Can you tell me who are the Enrolled Missouri Militia brigadiers of this district, and where I can reach them? Did Leonard get away promptly on his mission to Howard County? What of Hunnewell bushwhackers? CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 20, 1864. Capt. JESSE M. GENTRY, Commissioner of Exemptions, Louisiana, Mo.: CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your note of April 17, 1864, and to reply as follows: Retain the militia in service for the present, and send up your pro- vision returns, duly signed, to these headquarters for approval. The general will he down to Macon City and Hannibal in the course of a few days, and will make such definite arrangements for the organization of the loyal militia as may be necessary to secure peace and quiet to the country. I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. CLARKE, First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, No.. 17. Fort Leavenworth, Kans., April 20, 1864. I. By General Orders, No. 164, War Department, current series, the Indian Territory and the military post of Fort Smith, included in the Department of Kansas, have been transferred to the Depart- ment of Arkansas. Officers serving within the limits so transferred will report accordingly. II. Maj. Gen. George Sykes, U. S. Volunteers, having reported in accordance with orders from the War Department, is hereby assigned to duty at these headquarters. III. In order to render more efficient the regulations necessary to the care and protection of public property, the post of Fort Leaven- worth is declared to be co-extensive with the military reservation, and all orders or parts of orders inconsistent herewith are hereby re- voked. The erection of temporary buildings of any kind within th Page 241 241 CHAP XLVII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. limits of any post or military reservation within this department is strictly prohibited except on an order from the chief qnar{ermaster, approved by the commanding general. By command of Major-General Cnrtis: C. S. CHARLOT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Lamed, Kans., April 20, 1864. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, District of South Kansas, Paola, Kans.: SIR: I have the honor to report that the Kiowa Indians in the vicinity of this post are manifesting a disposition to be troublesome. Depredations upon trains, such as killing and stealing of cattle by them, are becoming of frequent occurrence, and to-day some men came to these headquarters and reported that the Kiowas had robbed them of 5 oxen. This is the third instance of the kind that has come to my knowledge within the last twenty days. In view of these facts I feel it my duty to report that with the garrison that I have it is impossi- ble for me to do more than to perform the necessary post duty, and that in order to stop these depredations, which are daily growing more alarming to travelers, it is necessary to have a cavalry force here large enough to intimidate the Indians. I have been at this post nearly two years and during that time I have never known the Indians to be so insolent as they are at present, and I believe that unless this post is re-enforced with cavalry soon there will be serious difficulty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. CROCKER, First Lient. Ninth Wisconsin Battery, Comdg. Post. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS, Poola, April 26, 1864. Respectfully forwarded,with the recommendation that Fort Lamed be taken under the particular supervision of department headquarters (communication being so much easier with Fort Leavenworth than with this place), and that a company of cavalry and a good field officer be sent to take command of that post. THOS. J. MCKEAN, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA, Omaha, Nebr. Ter., April 20, 1864. Capt. JOHN WILLANS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Kansas: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inform you that General Mitchell, commanding this district, was attacked on the evening of the 15th i~nstant with erysipelas, and has been quite indisposed ever since, so 16 R RVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 242 242 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP XLVI. much so as to render it improper for him to attend to business. He is, however, slowly improving, but it will be several days before he will be in a fit condition to resume the duties of his command. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN K. RANKIN, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. INDIAN RANCH, April 20, 1864. Col. J. M. CIIIVINGTON, Commanding District of Colorado: DEAR COLONEL: Last night about 1 a. m. a messenger arrived at Camp Sanborn stating that the ranches on the Platte had been attacked, and at this ranch every person had been driven away and their lives threatened, which I have found to be true the Indians having taken, in addition, all they wanted. I started for this place with 60 men about an hour after I received the news and arrived here at 1 p. in., the horses of my command almost jaded out. Saw one Indian on the opposite bluffs, about 4 miles off, upon my arrival, but he immediately disappeared. Intend to take the trail to-night, as they oul started from here this morning, and hope to catch some of them. will follow the trail as long as my horses will stand it. Every person with whom I have talked concurs in the opinion that they are Cheyennes, which I now firmly believe. More troops will be needed to wipe them out, as the marches are necessarily so long that the horses will iiot endure it. More horses are also required. There was a man who lived at this ranch murdered about 10 miles from here last Wednesday. The Indians are evidently so alarmed by the soldiers that they go night and day to escape us. The only way will be to arrange troops with good guides along the road, so that their marches will be short, that when they meet the Indians their horses will be fresh and vigorous. If anything occurs will write you. Yours, J. DOWNING, Ailiajor First Gavalry, Golorado. P. 5. Everything indicates the commencement of an Indian war. Active measures should at once be adopted to meet them on all sides, or the emigration will be interrupted. The people along the Platte are generally very much terrified. Have the quartermaster send a train of corn to Camp Sanborn immediately, as it will be needed. Another camp should be estab- lished lower down the Platte, and commanded by some active mai~. Yours, J.D. There is no pen or ink here, consequently I have to use a pencil. HEADQUARTERS Col. J. M. CHIVINGToN, Camp Sanborn, April 20, 1864. ~ommanding District of Colorado: SIR: This afternoon I forwarded to you, per Messrs. Kinney and Smith, a spear, some arrows, and a pistol taken from the battle Page 243 CHAP XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 243 ground, as Major Downing informed me you wished them. The pistol was taken by Brandly, since dead, and was given by him to Acting Hospital Steward Mead, who wishes to keep it, by your per- mission. Information reached camp on the evening of the 18th that a party of Cheyennes had taken possession of a ranch this side of Moore and Kelleys, and were despoiling property, getting drunk, and rais- ing the mischief generally. Major Downing called for 60 men and Lieutenant Dunn, and they were soon in the saddle and off, major accompanying them. I heard from them to-day. Kinney and Smith met them yesterday, 8 miles this side of Beaver Creek and about 12 miles from where the In- diai~s had left the river, going north toward the North Platte. I send this by express, and with it consolidated provision returns for the next month. We are unable to send teams for our rations. Those here were sent after corn left on the road and, with following the command, have become nearly worked down, so we shall have to have trans- portation for rations furnished in Denver. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, GEO. L. SANBORN, Captain, First Cavalry of Colorado. HEADQUARTERS, Camp Sanborn, April 20, 18645 p. m. Col. J. M. CHIvINGToN, Commanding District of Colorado: SIR: Major Downing has returned, having traveled about 140 miles. The command did not come up with the Indians, but learned that they were Cheyennes, and from information of Sioux Indians thi~hks there are some Kiowas among them, and also thinks the party that Lieutenant Dunn had the fight with were with them. Major D. will write more fully to-morrow and send by coach. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, GLO. L. SANBORN, Captain, First Cavalry C~olorado, Comdg. Camp Sanborn. WASHINGTON, April 20, 186410.40 a. m. Major-General POPE, Milwaukee, Wis.: Lieutenant-General Grant directs that you send all the infantry you can possibly spare to Washington at once. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. [APRIL 21, 1864For Sherman to Grant, transmitting dispatch from Corse relative to operations on the Red River, see Vol. XXXII, Part III, p. 437. Page 244 244 LOU ISIA NA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Ciui. XLVI CAIRO, ILL., April 21, 18647 p. m. Hon. E. M. STANTON, (Received 11 p. in.) Secretary of War: General Corse, who was sent by General Sherman to recall Gem- oral A. J. Smiths command from Red River, has returned. Our loss is 4,000 men, 16 guns, and over 200 wagons. Banks returned to Grand Ecore, badly injured. He refused to returu Smiths com- mand. The naval force is caught in low water, with shoals above and below. M. BRAYMAN, (Copy to General Grant.) Brigadier- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 19TH ~RMY CORPS AND u. S. FORCES IN WESTERN LOUISIANA, No. 39. ) Grand Ecore, La., April 21, 1864. This command will march this evening at 5 oclock upon the road to Natchitoches, in the following order: First, Brigadier-General Birges command, with one brigade, First Division, to be (letailed by Brigadier-General Emory; second, the pontoon train and company; third, the ammunition train; fourth, cavalry train; fifth, the en- gineer regiment (colored) and trains; sixth, Colonel Dickeys train and escort; seventh, General Birges train; eighth, General Emorys train; ninth, General Camerons train; tenth, General Smiths train; eleventh, General Emorys troops, with the Reserve Artillery, which will report to him; twelfth, General Camerons troops; thir- teenth, General Smiths troops. One brigade of cavalry wilip roceed in advance of the column. One brigade of cavalry will report to Brigadier-General Birge. One brigade of cavalry will act as flank- ers to the column nuder the direction of Brigadier-General Arnold. Co7onel Lucas brigade will march in rear of the column, reporting to Brigadier-General Smith. All officers of the quartermasters department in charge of trains will march with their trains. They will report to Lieutenant-Col- onel Chandler, chief quartermaster, at these headquarters this after- noon at 5 p. m. for instructions. The trains will be straightened out upon the road early this afternoon. General Emory will with- draw his regiment upon the Pleasant Hill road in season to fall in with his command. General Cameron will withdraw his regiment upon the Natchitoches road upon the march. By order of Major-General Franklin: WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Quarantine, Mississippi River, April 21, 1864. Major-General BANKS: I will arrive at New Orleans to-day, with troops on three boats, and desire transports to be in readiness at New Orleans. JNO. A. MeCLERNAND, ]lfajor- General, Commanding Page 245 245 C~p. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, New Orleans, La., April 21, 1864. [General WARREN :J GENERAL: I arrived here late this evening. A member of my staff has just learned from a member of General Banks staff that the steamer Clinton is about leaving here, bearing a colored regiment to Pass Cavallo and an order to you. The colored regiment, as I un- derstand, is designed to form part of the garrison at Pass Cavallo, and the order, as I understand, directs you to bring to the army in the field with General Banks all of the white troops (infantry, I sn p pose) that in your judgment cai\ be spared from Matagorda and. If what I have stated should turn out to be true, I would add that it is important you should hasten forward with the re-enforcements contemplated. Landrams division of this corps fought desperately, losing near 1,200 men, killed, wounded, and missing, in the late battle near Mansfield, but the adverse tide was irresistible. Our forces are now reported to be occupying a defensive position on the Red River. Bring for your men shelter-tents, if you can procure them; also entrenching implements, if they can be spared, and drop all excess of baggage. I trust it will be your good fortune to assist conspicnously in retrieving our fortunes. Your obedient servant, .JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major-General, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps. P. S.Tf the remainder of General Lawlers brigade has not left Pass Cavallo, or if you should overtake it, hurry it forward. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Gommanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., No. 11. Camden, April 21, 1864. I. Until further orders the transportation allowed to the command now in the field will be as follows To each infantry regiment, two wagons; to each battery, one wagon; to each brigade headquarters, one wagon. Division commanders will regulate the transportation of their respective headquarters, using as little as absolute necessity may require. All surplus transportation will be immediately turned over to Capt. C. A. Ileury, chief quartermaster. II. All horses and mules captured or seized since the Commence- ment of the present expedition, now in possession of any officer or soldier of the army, will be at once turned over to the quartermaster - of the brigade to which such officer or soldier belongs; such as are necessary and suitable for the transportation train permitted, and for the cavalry service, will be tak~n up by the respective brigade quartermasters and issued .for such purpose. The residue will be immediately turned over to Capt. C. A. Henry, chief quartermaster. Any infraction or evasion of this order will be promptly and severely punished. By order of Maj. Gen. P Steele: GEO. 0. SOKALSKI, First Lieutenant, Second (Jaraley, and A. A. A. G Page 246 246 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Camden, ArAx Your orders of the 17th and 18th instant received the morning of the 20th. I sent messengers to you on the 12th and 14th, with dis- patches in relation to the supplies ordered by you on the 7th. Staff officers have been and are still hard at work arranging for trains, & c. I issued an order to Captain Carr to seize all horses and mules re- quired to mount cavalry and fill up transportation, to pay loyal peo- ple, and exempt planters putting in crops as much as possible. Qnite a large number of horses and mules will be brought in. The scarcity 2of animals caused by taking them for the train of 133 wagons sent from Pine Bluff required this order. Captain Carr thinks he will only be able to send between fifty and sixty wagons. The Twelfth Michigan, Sixty-second and One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry, and Fifth and Eleventh Ohio Batteries are desig- nated by General Kimball as the troops to accompany the train, and will be commanded by General West, unless I get orders from you to the contrary before they start. Two hundred cavalry from Pine Bluff will be here to-morrow noon to accompany General West to Camden. This will make about 2,200 in allinfantry, artillery, and cavalry. I ordered them to start from here with five days cooked rations in haversacks, and ammunition and subsistence stores will be sent in proportion to the amount of transportation furnished by the quartermaster. Cannot send all carbines in arsenal. All the transportation you can spare should be sent to Little Rock at once. Captain Cantine thinks, owing to uncertainty of naviga- tion in the Arkansas, supplies should be sent from here. General West shows mnch zeal and energy, and I think he will take the troops and train through in good shape. They will get away Sun- day morning. General Kimball wrote me a note this morning which I sent by Captaiu Dunham without comments. Dunham was asleep or resting all the time he was here, and had not time to see General Kimball, of which he spoke himself. I am hard at work all the time, but when anything conies from you I give my whole attention to it, ~n which I am ably and cheerfully seconded by all the staff officers. The following explains itself: Major-General STEELE: Things are not going on here, I know, according to your liking. Send Manter here if you cant come with him yourself. C. P. BERTRAND. The telegraph line has beeft down for some ten or twelve days. Your telegram to General Halleck was sent by express from Clarks- ville to Van Buren, and copies by mail to General Halleck and Geit- eral Sherman. Veterans are impatient to go home ; a few are going on individual furloughs. The Third Wisconsin Cavalry will start in a day or two, and will guard the Confederate prisoners now here, nearly 400, to some depot in the North. Very respectfully, & c., W. D. GREJ3~N, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DETACH. 7TH ARMY CORPS, No. 19. Little Rock, Ark., April 21, 1864. I. The Sixty-second Illinois, Twelfth Michigan, and One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry Regiments and the Fifth and Elevent Page 247 CHAP. XLVII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 247 Ohio Batteries will prepare to march at once, with five days rations and 160 ronnds of ammunition for the infantry and 400 i~ounds for the artillery to each piece. Each regiment will be allowed two wagons for transportation, and each battery one wagon. One hun- dred and twenty rounds of the ammunition for infantry and 200 rounds for artillery will be hauled in the train. II. The Sixty-second Illinois, Twelfth Michigan, and One hundred and sixth Illinois Volunteer ftfantry and the Fifth and Eleventh Ohio Independent Batteries will be designated a detachment of the Second Division, Seventh Army Corps. Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West is assigned to the command of the detachment. Commanding offi- cers of the regiments and batteries above named will report to Gen- eral West for orders without unnecessary delay By order Brig. Gen. N. Kimball: E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant-General. LITTLE ROCK, April 21, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON, Commanding, Pine Bluff: My dispatch of last night should have re~zl, 200 cavalry and as many more as you can send. If you can still spare more after the 200 that are coIning to Little Rock, it might be well for them to go with Captain Dunham, bearer of dispatches to General Steele. General Banks had a severe fight at Pleasant Hill on the 8th and 9th; enemys loss, 5,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners. Respectfully, ~ D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. LITTLE ROCK, April 21, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON, Commanding, Pine Bluff: If General Kimball has ordered the Eighteenth Illinois to Little Rock it would be well to send it by boat. Send the cavalry up as soon as possible. An officer of General Banks staff leaves here in half an hour with dispatches for General Steele at Camden. He goes via Pine Bluff, and you will please furnish him with fresh horses for himself and orderly and a good cavalry escort from your command. Give them all good horses, as it is very important that he should reach Camden as soon as possible. You will be governed by your own judgment as to the number of men you furnish. Send a good officer in command, one who knows some crossing on the Saline River above or below where the train crossed if the enemy hold that place. Captain Bunner thinks 12 to 20 men a sufficient escort. Respectfully, W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 248 248 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSWpI. fOIIAP. XLVI. HE ADQUARTERS EXPEDITION UP WHITE RIVER, Augusta, Ark., Thursday Noun, April 21, 1864. ~ at Jaclcsonport: COLONEL: I am here with two Veteran infantry regiments, Third Minnesota and Sixty-first Illinois, and a part of Eighth Missouri Cavalry. About 300 of Eighth Missouri Cavalry were to be at Cot- ton Plant this morning. I have sent a part of my force to form a junction with them, and hope for its return here at about 4 this p.m. Learning of your presence at Jacksonport and of the enemy being near von, I propose very early in the morning to move toward Jack- sonport with my available force. I wish your co-operation, and trust we may be eminently successful. I have learned that there is no bridge over Village Creek. I wish you would move down as soon as you can. Cannot we meet to-morrow noon about half way? Very truly, yours, C. C. ANDREWS, Golonel Third Minnesota, Oommanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 21, 1864. Lient. Col. C. W. MARSH, Assistant Provost-Marshal: The general commanding directs that, in addition to the duties assigned you of establishing a provost-marshals office in South- western Missouri, in accordance with general instructions from the provost-marshal-general of this department, you examine carefully into the alleged unlaWful trade into Arkansas; also that you in- vestigate carefully the character of all persons claiming privileges under the amnesty proclamation of the President, to the end that spies and enemies of the country may be prevented from availing themselves of its benefits. You will also confer with General San- born for the purpose of bringing to a prompt and speedy trial all persons that may be arrested. The general commanding also desires from you as early ~s possible a full report as to the condition of the district, and also to the trade in the Southwesiern Missouri region of the country. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK S. BOND, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 21, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pilot Knob: I wish you to report to me, uniformly, the result of all scouts sent out from Patterson or other outposts. I have heard nothing for a week. Has any scouting party from Patterson returned from the neighborhood of Poplar Bluff or Doniphan within that time? THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier-General Page 249 QIIAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 249 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warrensburg, Mo., April 21, 1864. Col. J. P. SANDERSON, Provost-Marshal- General, Saint Louis, Mo.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose General Orders, No. 2,* dividing this district into sub-districts, and as the headquarters of the commanders of them are at Kansas City, Warrensburg, Sedalia, and Jefferson City, which are natural geographical centers on the lines of railroad, telegraph, and water communication, they form the best locations for the purpose. I respectfully suggest that General Orders, No. 9, department headquarters, office of provost-marshal-general, be modified so as to reduce the number of sub-districts to four, so that they will conform to the present military subdivisions, and that the sub-district pro- vost-marshals be stationed at military sub-district headquarters. The military sub-districts have in each a regiment of troops and the colonels are in command of both. Assistant provost-marshals will be necessary in some cases. The change of provost-marshal from Lexington, La Fayette County, to Clinton, Henry County, will not work satisfactorily to you. La Fayette County is thickly settled and is intensely rebellious, while the counties of Ray and Carroll are in a similar situation. Lexington is a natural center for the rascality of these three, though the two last are in the northern district. Henry County is sparsely populated and loyal. Bates is depopulated, and Saint Clair not much better; the inhabitants that remain in them are generally loyal. The civil courts are regularly held in Henry County, and I have not found it necessary to have an assistant provost-marshal at Clinton. If this change should meet your approbation I will recom- mend a change in sub-district provost-marsha in wo cases and the appointment of two assistants. This arrangement would prove effective, and I think satisfactory to you, and would reduce the labor of your department at your headquarters. The order inclosed and the notations on it will more clearly indicate the recommenda- tions to which I respectfully ask the general commandings favora- ble consideration. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS, Warrensburg, Mo., April 21, 1864. Commanding Second Sub-District: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you will order the section of Battery L, Second Artillery, Missouri Volunteers, now at Sedalia, to move without unnecessary delay to this post and report to Capt. C. H. Thurber, commanding battery. The detachment that left here on the 19th instant in charge of prisoners to Saint Louis will, on their return, act ~as escort. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. * See Part II, p. 79 Page 250 250 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. MACON CITY, Mo., April 21, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Afo.: Report as to Jackmans whereabouts turns out to be unreliable. We are thoroughly scouring that section and hope yet to capture and kill him. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. CLINTON B. FISK, Hannibal, Mo.: I know positively Jackinan is in the bush with 15 desperadoes ; comes in at night to the house of an ex-sheriff of Howard County, about 20 miles northwest of Glasgow. J. P. SANDERSON, Provost-Marshal-General. HEADQUARTERS, Camp Weld, April 21, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIVINGTON, ~Jornmanding District of Colorado: SIR: I have the honor to report to you that a messenger has just arrived from Lieutenant Eayre with a verbal message to the effect that he will arrive in Denver to-morrow afternoon. He is returning for lighter transportation. The teams he has with him have given out. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant. W. D. MeLAIN, Captain, Commanding Camp. CAMP SANBORN, April 21, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIvINGTON, First c~olorado Cavalry, Commanding District: COLONEL: Arrived here Monday and immediately commenced work. Monday night a messenger arrived here stating that the Indians were committing depredations at Morrisons ranch, having driven out the occupants by threats of violence, & c., and were tak- ing all they could find on the premises; that they were Cheyennes, and that there were ten lodges near by. One hour after the messen- ger s arrival I had 60 men in the saddle and on the march. Found the inhabitants on our route along the Platte very much frightened, many of them stating that they had seen ten Cheyenne lodges. At about 1 oclock the next day we reached the ranch, having marched about 55 miles, where I could not find any person who had seen any Cheyenne lodges or any other lodges near this ranch, but that 7 miles below there were several Sioux lodges, which I did not wish to disturb, as I was informed they did not countenance the depreda- tions of the Cheyennes Page 251 CHAP. XLVI.] 251 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. On the arrival of my guide and our soldiers, who preceded the command a short distance, I learned that an Indian had been seen on the hills on the north side about 7 miles distant, evidently watching the approach of the command. I immediately sent the guide with our soldiers to examine the hills, and upon their return learned that they had found a fresh trail, evidently made by about 3 or 4 Indians, and after following it several miles the guide returned and informed me that he believed they were going to the Indian camp about 30 miles distant on Dry Creek, as the trail led in that direction; that there was only one place on the creek where they could camp, and thought we could reach them by daylight the next morning; that the Indians would not expect us, knowing that we had traveled all day. Therefore, a little after 8 oclock that night, I started for Dry creek, and reached there about daylight. Found an old trail, but nothing fresh. Marched then toward Poll Creek and Cedar Bluffs. Found no Indian signs. Then marched in a southwesterly direction till we reached a point almost north of Camp Sanborn, and about 20 miles from it, when, finding no trail and having no lariats, without which I could not safely let our stock graze, I took a circuitous route and reached Camp Sanborn yesterday afternoon, having marched about 140 miles, but caught no Indians. Whose fault it is that this command is without lariats is for you to determine. Everything goes to corroborate the fact that the depredators are Cheyennes. Believing now from what I have learned that these depredations have been perpetrated by the Cheyennes, and possibly a few Kio was, as they are together in almost everything, and that the other tribes are peaceably disposed, and that this party cannot consist of more than 40 or 50 men, I have determined to divide my command and increase the chances of meeting them. I have sent Lieutenant Chase with 25 men to Murrays ranch, 7 miles below the Junction, where he can procure forage, & c., and stabling, with orders to keep his command concealed, he making the march by night, and ascertain by scouts, or otherwise, if the Indians are in that vicinity; if so, to go after them, reporting all that he does to me. Intend sending to-morrow Lieutenant Dunn with 30 men to Kelleys ranch, 27 miles below, with the same orders, and then take a detach- ment and go into the bluffs after them myself, leaving Captain San- born in command of the camp. This is the only way by which I can do anything with them, or have a single chance to meet theni, though with more men larger detachments could be left at the differ- ent points while I thus could pursue them in the sand hills. About 100 men more, I think, would make it certain with pack animals, as the other Indians already think the chase is assuming rather a serious aspect and that we are in earnest. Most of our marches have been made at night, and when it is possible I intend they all shall be, as I think by that means we will be more likely to find them. I have inclosed with this a list of articles actually needed to ren- der this command efficient, which, if they are on hand, you will order the proper officers to forward immediately and oblige me. It has been stated that the Cheyennes as a tribe discountenanced the depredations of these men. However that may be, I have as yet been unable to find any of them, and if I find any will punish them for the depredations already committed by members of their tribe, until further orders from you. I will station a messenger at th Page 252 252 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Junction, from which you can telegraph me whenever you wish. Dividing my command in this manner it is actually necessary that we have another officer, as Lieutenant Dunn will not be able to make his reports, & c., and be on a scout all the time, he being the only officer in Company C. I have just learned that there are a few lodges of Cheyennes at Gerrys. Though he says they discountenance these transactions, I have, through Captain Sanborn, sent him word to notify these Cheyennes to leave immediately, as well as all others who may be on the river, as I intend punishing them for depredations committed by members of this tribe if found on the river. My object is to protect the immigratioii and get as many together as possible, when, if you think proper, a command can go to their village and compel them to surrender the depredators, or clean them out. Horses are greatly needed. Would you allow me to suggest the propriety of immedi- ately obtaining a sufficient number to be prepared for all emergencies, as you will see by accompanying report that this command is not all mounted, though all the men are needed and horses are constantly becoming unserviceable? Captain Sanborn informs me that yester- day he sent by Messrs. Smith and Kinney a lance, arrows, pistol, & c., and that they would inform you of the origin of this trouble and corroborate the statement made by Mr. Ripley, which I uiiderstand has been contradicted. Hoping that this will prove satisfactory, I remain, your obedient servant, J. DOWNING Major First Cavalry of Colorado. P. 8.The pack-saddles Captain Mullin let me have had no pack- ing ropes upon them. The ropes he supposed were packing ropes were lariats attached to the neck halters. Please inform him, that others may be sent to me. There are a number of men here acting as teamsters, as all onr men are needed. Will you request Captain Mullin to send down about 8 citizen teamsters; if he cannot get any- thing else, send negroes. We can then use them for expressmen, & c. J. DOWNING. DENvER, CoLo. TER., April 21, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel COLLINS, Fort Laramie: I think Cheyennes. About 60 turned up Beaver Creek. Gone to Republican. We are after them. J. M. CHIVINGTON, c~oionel, Commanding District of Colorado. CULPEPER, VA., April 22, 186412 m. (Received 2.45 p: in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: You can see from General Braymans dispatch* to me something of General Banks disaster. I have been satisfied for the last nine months that to keep General Banks in command was to neutralize a *See Brayman to Stanton, repeated to Grant, April 21, p. 244 Page 253 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 253 large force and to support it most expensively. Although I do not insist upon it, I think the best interests of service demand that Gen- eral Reynolds should be placed in command at once and that he name his own successor to the command of New Orleans. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. [Indorsement.] APRIL 23, 1864. This telegram shown to the President, by order of the Secretary of War. The President replied that he must delay acting on it for the present. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 22, 1864. Col. S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster, New Orleans, La.: COLONEL: I forward herewith a statement* of the cotton shipped by me yesterday on the steamer Duke of Argyle. There is trouble of some kind at the front. A steamer returned yesterday, but with- out any instructions except to report to me. Her cargo was on just as I sent her up. The captain reports that Chandler was throwing all the forage into the river when he left. Under the orders I received several days ago from headquarters I am not discharging any more boats, but am keeping the stores afloat. From the many orders I have received I have come to the decided opinion that the officers above do not know what they are about. I am trying to get A. J. Smiths fleet down over the rapids. I have one boat on the falls now and am afraid I shall lose her. In haste, D. N. WELCH, Assistant Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS, New Orleans, La., April 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM DWIGHT, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The four regiments of infantry constituting the Second Brigade, First Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, now at Baton Rouge, will go to the front so soon as transportation can be fur- nished. These regiments have been replaced by the Second Illinois Cavalry, dismounted, Second Louisiana Cavalry, dismounted, and Eighteenth Indiana Volunteers (the latter under orders for furlough, which has long been delayed). Will detain them at Baton Rouge. The Forty-seventh Indiana and Fourteenth Maine returned veterans are here and will go forward as fast as they can be transported. Detachments of non-re-enlisting men that were detained here are returned to their regiments where it is possible to spare them. We *Not found Page 254 254 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [C:IAP. XLVI. are now guarding the lake and the parishes above and below the city with such detachments. Yarners battalion is also composed of similar detachments, which are returned as regiments arrive. This battalion has been very useful in furnishing guards for steam- boats, & c. Two companies of the Veteran Reserve Corps are now on duty in the city, giving us the First U. S. Infantry in hand for any emer- gency. General McClernand is here with the advance of his troops (in all about 1,500 bayonets). Not an hour will be lost in getting to the front all avai a le force. I think now the Twenty-fourth Indiana, returned veterans, present at Baton Rouge, had better go forward, and the companies of the First Indiana Heavy Artillery just arriving at Baton Rouge remain there. Will see further on this point to-day. The arming of the artillery as infantry would cause delay. Guerrilla parties have made some demonstrations in La Fourche District, but nothing serious has occurred. Colonel Day is in immediate command of the district, and reports from him re- ceived this morning a~e satisfactory. The One hundred and thirty- third New York, Colonel Currie, were expected to sail yesterday for the front. The colored regiment for Pensacola passed down day before yesterday. We are repairing the parapet at Carrollton. The wishes of the general commanding department with regard to quar- antine and sanitary measures generally will be rigidly carried out. The One hundred and thirty-third New York could not leave until the colored regiment from Port Hudson had arrived. I am, very respectfully, & c., J. J. REYNOLDS, ljlajor-General, Commanding Defenses of New Orleans. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Port Hudson, La., April 22, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of Field Orders, No. 22, paragraph 20, dated headquarters Department of the Gulf, April 17, 1864, the Twentieth Regiment U. S. Infantry (colored) embarked yesterday for Pass Cavallo, Tex. I desire to call the attention of the comumanding general to the recent large reduction of this garrison. The accompanying schedule* shows the present effective force of the infantry. The Seventy-eighth and Eighty- first are all that can be relied upon. The Sixty-fifth and Sixth- seventh, from Missouri, are raw recruits; and the Seventy-nint Eighty-third, Eighty-eighth, and Eighty-ninth have been depleted to fill up other regiments. The cavalry, you will observe, have a number not armed or mounted. In the opinion of General Andrews, who left this morning for the North, the outer lines of works cannot be held with the present force. I am therefore withdrawing from the exterior line, remov- imig artillery, & c., and making arrangements to hold only the in- terior work. Two of the three batteries can easily be spared. I should prefer the Twelfth Massachusetts to remain. In pursuance to an order dated headquarters Department of the Gulf, in the *Not found Page 255 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 2~5 field, March 23, 1864, the Sixty-second Regiment U. S. Infantry (colored) was sent March 25, 1864, to report to Brig. Gen. P. St. George Cooke, at Baton Rouge, to demolish certain portions of the works there, and then to be ordered back to Port Hudson. I re- spectNlly request that they be so ordered. General Andrews informs me that he has recently written several communications respecting the telegraph line. I shall be glad to receive instructions on the subject. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, DANIEL ULLMANN% Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Gommanding Department, in the Field: It is very disagreeable for me to appear to be a grumbler; it is not my nature to complain without a cause. I am inclined, too much so, probably, to submit to personal indignities, and especially so in military matters, rather than cause difficulties, but I hope, general, you will see the reasonableness of my protestation in matters already referred to you, and that you will bear with me in what I am now to say. By your General Orders, No. 14, I was placed in command of all the troops along and north of the line of the Arkansas River. I deemed this [sufficient] to carry with [it] the customary authority vested in military commanders, but, general, I find that, in fact, I am without authority except to order details when requested by your assistant adjutant-general, and to send out scouting parties. I have no control over the police of the country within the limits of my command. I am informed that, by instructions given to the assistant a(ljutant-general, he is empowered to countermand my orders, and this he does. The provost-marshal-general, by the same authority, assumes to have complete control over the local police and the prisons, and in some cases even the instructing of my guards, without permitting me to know wbat those instructions were. I am completely ignored. I have deemed it necessary for the good of the service to issue orders in certain cases, and am ordered to revoke them, amid, being ignorant of the instructions claimed by the assistant adjutant-gen- eral and the provost-marshal-general to have been given them, I am made to appear in conflict with your wishes. When I ask for in- formation, that I mnay not act contrary to your orders, I get none, but am informed that the instructions are entirely confidential. Now, general, my personal feelings are as nothing compared with the interests of the Government, but this is humiliating. It implies a want of confidence in my patriotism, honesty, and ability. Your provost-marshal-general has said to a field officer in this command that could you have had three houi~s more in Little Rock you would have sent me out of [the] department. I entered the service to be of use, and have served three years, and believe I can show as clean a record as any officer in the service. I all this time have not received a word of censure from my supe- riors, nor Complaint of my conduct, nor direct or implied doubt o Page 256 256 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSiPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. my patriotism, ability, honesty, or charity for suffering people in the rebellious districts. I have had no difficnlties with my superior or associate officers. I have ever hated rebels, iiever affiliated with those who sympathized with them, have always despised those who, in or out of office, make it their business to coin money by swin- dling the Government and the soldier. I have not until now been placed in a command where a subordinate officer had confidential instructions by which to govern me. I had a command that suited memy division. A large part of it has been taken from me by regiments and given to a junior officer without myself being relieved from the command of the division. The command left me is in detachments, scattered over half the State, and almost l)owerless to do any good except to protect the particular posts at which they are quartered. The country is devastated by bands of guerrillas, and there is no power to prevent it. Staff officers of the major-general commanding make it their business to thwart my efforts to preserve the peace of the community, and bring my orders into contempt. I am made responsible for all misfortunes that may occur in your rear, yet am powerless to prevent them. I am in command, yet cannot com- mand. I am by your order placed over the several officers com- manding districts, but these officers are ordered to report to your assistant adjutant-general. I am useless; and as your assistant ad- jutant-general is empowered to issue orders by virtue of confidential instructions, I ask to be relieved and ordered to duty where I can be of service. I desire not to conflict with your orders. I wish te assist in accomplishing the great object for which we are contend- ing. If you have not confidence in me you should order me to report elsewhere. If you think I would endeavor to prevent the carrying out of your policy or injure those whom you desire to favor and protect, you should send me away. Since I have been under your command I have endeavored to sus- tain you in your efforts to restore the State to its proper relations with the General Government. I have done nothing to retard you in this work. I have, and I shall, watch, and by all proper means prevent those whom I know to be enemies of my Government from accomplishing their object. I will condemn and expose those in our midst who are robbing the Government and demoralizing the army. One important matter to which I respectfully ask your especial at- tention is, that all expeditions which have been ordered for the for- warding of supplies and re-enforcements are, by some instrumental- ity, made too public. This endangers all. I cannot tell how it is done, nor by whom. I do know, however, that these things are known to citizens and persons who should not know of them, even before I have the information. I feel, general, that as matters are now there is a want of confi- dence, and that I am an object of distrust, and in order to relieve you and to sustain myself and the character of the general officer in the service of the United States, I respectfully ask to be relieved from duty in your department. General West can give you infor- mation that will enlighten you as to the facts I have stated, and I am sure that his knowledge of them and his statements will sustain me in what I have said of them. I repeat that the interests of the Government and of the public service are endangered by the present arrangement. I am willing to make any personal sacrifice for the good of the service and to promote the interests of my Government Page 257 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 257 while, as a general officer, I protest against the arrangement which places me in a position of so much responsibility and renders me powerless by confidential instructions to a subordinate officer. I am willing and anxious, in any position, to do my whole duty to my conntry, but am unwilling to be controlled by officers of inferior rank. This is virtually the case, [as] I am at present situated, for the major-general commanding is so far away as not to know sufficiently of the circumstances requiring [of] me immediate action to warrant the giving of confidential instructions to a staff officer, empowering humn to issue orders controlling me as a general officer, in command by the published order of the major-general commanding. General, I have written plainly and freely to you, having the highest respect for you, and hoping and believing that you will do me justice. I am, general, very respectfully your obedient servant, NATHAN KiMBAL L, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers. DEvALLS BLUFF, April 22, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have just received the following dispatch from Colonel Andrews: I do not insist on being re-enforced, but to clear out the enemy effectually I would like if you would send me 200 infantry. I want a gun-boat sent to me immediately, without fail, to protect my transports, as my cavalry are all out and I cannot well spare any infantry from this post. Thinking from the number furnished Colonel Andrews to go up the river you had plenty of men at Little Rock, perhaps you could conveniently furnish 200 more. The colonel has met no enemy yet. The gun-boat that is here is out of repair and cannot run up the river. The steamers Q. Lloyd and Celeste leave here in the morn- ing for Jacksonport. If you (lesire to send re-enforcements to Col- onel Andrews, if you will notify me, I will (letain the boats until they reach this post. W. F. GEIGER, Golonel, Commanding Post. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 22, 1864. Col. W. F. GEIGER, Devalls Bluff, Ark.: It is impossible to send re-enforcements from here to Colonel An- drews. You will send 100 men from Devalls Bluff to protect his transports. It is the order of the general that Colonel Andrews re- turn to this place by Sunday night if possible, by Monday night at the farthest. If there is a gun-boat at Devalls Bluff it must go to him. Should you be menaced by the enemy, let me know and I will support you from here. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- Genera~, Gommanding. 17 H RVOL XXXIV, PT Il Page 258 258 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. AUGUSTA, ARK-, April 22, 1864. Capt. E. D. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General: We captured some prisoners yesterday, including one colonel. Shall move out upon McRaes forces this morning. Expect the co- operation of Colonel Livingston, and have not met with the slightest accident yet. Respectfully, C. C. ANDREWS, Colonel. LEWISBUEG, ARK., April 22, 1864, Brig. Gen. N. KIMBALL: I have just returned from Prairie County, and have succeeded in organizing a company in the Upson Spring Flat and Black Cypress settlement, of 60 citizens, enrolled their names, and elected a captain. I have a scouting party in that county, who will remain there three days. They will notify the principal citizens that they and their property will be held responsible for the lives and property of Union men. There are other companies organizing, and I think we can soon get the citizens to protect themselves from bushwhackers. We will need guns and ammunition very much to arm them. Can you send me some in addition to what I have? A. H. RYAN, Colonel, Commanding Post. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF THE FRONTIER, DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, No. 24. ) Fort Smith, Ark., April 22, 1864. I. All U. S. troops, independent rangers, home guards, or com- panies of any description, organized for home defense and operating in this district, are strictly forbidden to destroy, take away, injure, cr in any manner interfere with the private property of citizens, loyal or disloyal, except in cases of extreme necessity, of which command- ing officers will judge, and who will be held strictly responsible. II. The suspicion of disloyalty does not authorize a resort to retal- iation upon persons not in arms against the Government or other- wise aiding and abetting its enemies. Individuals will not, as such, be permitted to attempt the administering of justice, and unauthor- med notices to citizens to leave their homes within a time specified, or suffer the consequences of their omission to do so, are especially discountenanced and will be punished. III. The commanding officer takes this occasion to testify his ap- preciation of the alacrity shown by citizens in organizing for the defense of their homes, and determination on their part to aid in obliterating the last vestige of rebellion in Western Arkansas. Not until this is done will law and order supersede the confusion and distress for which rebel rule is responsible. By order of Col. W. R. Judson: T. J. ANDERSON, As~i~tant Adjutant- General Page 259 CHAP. XLVI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 259 WASHINGTON, D. C., Friday, April 2~, 1864noon. Maj. Gen. W, S. ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: Have just heard of your dispatch. Am compelled to go to New York, where I will be detained three or four days, au(l may return here. Will my coming to Saint Louis some days hence be of any service? Answer hereWillards. W. DENNISON. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Lonis, Mo., April 22, 1864. Governor W. DENNISON, Washington, D. C.: The matter is one of national importance and must be confiden- tial. Some days hence will probably do, but time is important. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. PILOT KNOB, April 22, 1864. Lient. H. HANNARS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Scouts returne(l from Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, and below, on the 15th instant; from direction of Bloomfield the 20th instant; scout also returned yesterday from Reeves Station and below. Scout west from Patterson returned to day. All report that g~ierril1a bands have gone below to join Kitchen and Reves. J. F. TYLER, Colonel, Commanding Post. WARRENSBURG, Mo., April 22, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS: Missouri Republican, April 19, first page, fourth column, has an account of Paddy Mullins which is clearly proved by evidence for- warded to the headquarters. He belongs to Browulows band of 6 who infested Cooper County last summer, ~nd on their return from the south a few weeks since robbed a store 2 miles north of Tipton. Two of the baud, Browulow and Cowall, were caught last year, tried by military commission, and sentenced to be shot, which was confirmed, but made their escape from the jail at Boonville. I have ordered Mullins to be shot on Saturday, the 23d, at 4 p. m. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Lexington, Mo., April 22, 1864. Col. JAMES MCFERRAN: COLONEL: I arrived here last night. Found all quiet with the exception of the citizen guards. They seem to be greatly excited over the shooting of Ewing. Some of them have gone out to guard him. He was not dead yet this morning. I have just heard tha Page 260 260 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. (CHAP. XLVI. Lieutenant Atkinson, of the same company, was killed the same night. The bushwhackers, 4 in nnmber, did some robbing between here and Greenton last night. Amongst other things, they took between 100 and 200 ponnds of flour and went in the direction of the Sni Hills. I have written to Captain Burns, informing him of their probable whereabouts or the direction they went. The rob- bing was done last night and not reported until this afternoon. I have ordered detachments of G and H in for inspection, after which I will send them out again, both detachments together, as I think they will be more available. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM MEREDITH, Captain, Commanding. SPRINGFIELD, April 22, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS; I have received the following communication from the district quartermaster, viz: SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN, Gommanding District of Southwest Missouri: An impression has been created that all Federal troops will be surely withdrawn from Southwest Missouri, and the citizens, farmers, & c., left to their own resources for protection. The belief in such rumors at this (planting) time may work incal- culable injury. Will you authorize me to contradict the statement? P. B. OWEN, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. I am informed that this impression was created by Brigadier-Gen- eral Hunt, while here, by conversation with citizens and remarks made in their presence. Unless removed it will work great injury to the interests of the Government and service. Shall this impres- sion be corrected by positive statements that the Government con- templates no such policy? JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. FORT SMITH, April 22, 1864. Brigadier-General SANB~RN: GENERAL: The last I heard of General Steele was at Camden. A Texan just in says that General Price has crossed Red River and gone in the direction of the Gnlf. He may have gone to meet Banks. Hope your information is not correct. W. R. JUDSON, C~olonel, cYommanding District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo, April 22, 1864. Lient. Col. J. D. BRUTSCHE, Commanding Post, Springfield, Mo.: The general conimanding directs that you detail 1 lieutenant and 25 men, with six days rations, as many rounds of ammunition as they can carry, and best mounted mcii you have, and direct them to proceed immediately to Greenfleld, Mo., and re-enforce Lieutenan Page 261 ChAP. XLVII CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC. fINION. ~6l Moore, commanding at that place, to move against a band of guer- rillas reported to be on Horse Creek. The dispatch herewith sent will be forwarded to Lieutenant Moore with the detachment, which should move before noon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. HUBBARD, Lie atertant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.1 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSouRI, Springfield, iIIo., April 22, 1864. Lieut. C. S. MOORE, Commanding, Greenfield, iWo.: Quite a large number of bushwhackers are reported by Lieutenant Murphy, at Melville, to be camped on Horse Creek. The general commanding the district orders that you will take all your available force at Greenfield. Order Lieutenant Murphy to join you with all the available force he has at Melville. Get all the citizens you can to ~c~in you, an(l proceed immediately to attack and destroy, or drive out this band. The camp and garrison equipage at Greenfield and Melville will be left in charge of the citizens of the town and others who will come in, who (10 not wish to go on the expedition with you. The commanding officer of the post of Springfield has been ordered to send 1 lieutenant and 25 men to re-enforce you in the field as early as possible. W. D. HUBBARD, First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS, Paola, Kans., April 22, 1864. Lient. JOHN FRANCIS, Actg. Asst. Q. ilL, Dist. of South Kansas, Paola, Kans.: LIEUTENANT: The general commanding the district directs me to call your attention to the following indorsement of Major-General Curtis upon a communication from these headquarters, asking to be informed in reference to the instructions of the major-general com- manding the department to commanding officers south of this dis- trict, authorizing them to give permits to persons to drive cattle out of the Indian country: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANsAs, Fort Leavenworth, Kans., April 19, 1864. Respectfully returned. The general commanding has given no such authority. He has directed the quartermaster to take charge of cattle and scrutinize so as to determine what is contraband and what is not. Contraband stock should be used by Government, and what belongs to loyal Indians should be paid for. But after cattle have come through on permits of commanding officers, it would be taken for granted they are properly bought of loyal persons. By order of Major-General Curtis: JOHN WILLANS, Assistant Adjutant-General. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 262 262 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [ChAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA, Omaha, Nebr. 17cr.. April 22, 18(34. Capt. JOHN WILCOX, Seventh iowa Car., Comdg. Post, Dakota Gity, Nebr. Ter.. Your communication of the 21st instant, concerning the murder of Doctor Bentz and apprehended Indian difficulties, has been laid before the general commanding. He does not consider that the cir- cumstances attending the murder of Doctor iBentz, as stated by you, are indicative of any intention of the Indians to commence depreda- tions and outrages; in fact, there seems to be nothing that would indicate that the Indians had anything to do with the murder. You will, of course, investigate the matter so far as may be in your power, and if it is ascertaine(l that the deed was perpetrated by Indians, measures must be taken for their punishment and for the prevention of further outrages by them. Keel) the general com- manding fully-and promptly advised of any movements or language of the Indians that may indicate hostile intentions on their part. The general commanding directs that in sending detachments to various points care must be taken that the several detachments be sufficiently strong and be in proper communication with each othei- to prevent any of them from being overpowered in any probable emergency. Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, has been ordered to-day to proceed to your post. The company is now at Browns- ville. I am, captain, your very obedient servant, JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. DENvER, CoLo. TER., April 22, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIVINGTON, Commanding District, ~Jentral City, ~Jolo. Ter.: Eayre returne(l after light transportation. That sent with him was worn out before leaving Denver. States he needs no more men. Knows where Indians are. Can reach them if supplied with requisite transportation. GEO. H. STILWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Lyon, (Job. Ter., April 22, 1864. Lient. GEORGE H. STILWELL, A. A. A. G., District of .C~olorado, Denver, C~olo. 17cr.: SIR: I have this day received news from Capt. D. L. Hardy, com- manding scouting party in pursuit of the Cheyenne Indians. He was successful in obtaining the stock from the Indians, with the exception of 3 mules, which are with a band now on the Smoky Hill. The Indians were very much alarmed and appeared to be very anx- ious to keep on good terms with the whites. I apprehend no trouble with them in this vicinity. Respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL H. COOK, Captain, First ~avalry of Colorado, (Jomdg. Post Page 263 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 268 WASHINGTON, April 22, 18642.50 p. m. Major-General POPE: General Sibleys letter of April 6, with your indorsement of the 11th, is received. The Secretary of War authorizes you to make such disposition as you may deem best for guarding and supporting those Indian women and all other Indian captives which may come within your military possession during the war. II. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Milwaukee, Wis., April 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. H. SIBLEY, Corndg. District of Minnesota: GENERAL: Your letter of the 19th is received. Of course if the supplies fail to arrive in time, Bracketts battalion will not be able to reach Sioux City by the 5th of May. I dont think it of con- sequence that it should. But the condition of the Minnesota River need not and must not delay the march of the column which is to join General Sully. This force only needs to carry provisions enough for the march to the Missouri River, say fifteen days (a large allowance) from Mankato. No depot of supplies need to be estab- lished for this colunmn, as it could march with the proper supplies to last to the Missouri quite easily, even from Saint Paul. If you will calculate you will find that 1,500 men will consume about 2,800 pounds of commissary stores per day (beef being driven on the hoof); therefore twenty wagons will carry twenty days supply of rations for this force. I mention this to you because it is essential that the troops for General Sully be not delayed on any account whatever. Their move- ment is not in any way dependent upon the condition of the Minne- sota River, and ought not to be upon anything else. Very little else than supplies sufficient to carry them to the Missouri is necessary, as all their ammunition, & c., has been sent up the Missouri by General Sully. Your letter makes me uneasy, and I cannot understand what occasion there is for depots for a light column of troops, which has not certainly over twenty days march to make to reach abundant supplies. I shall trust to you, general, that no such (lelay as you hint at be permitted to be made. The horses I send you are Cana- diami ponies, small, but strong an hardy, and much better able to endure the hardship of a campaign on the plains than American horses. I inclose copy of a letter to General Sully for your informa- tion. Dont rely upon any uncertainty of river navigation, but when the time comes be ready to move everything whether the river is high or low. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN POPE, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Mirtn., April 22, 1864. Lient. Col. WILLIAM PFAENDER, Commanding Second Sub-District, Saint Peter: COLONEL: Your dispatch of 18th instant has been received at these headquarters. Although the order to the Sixth Regimen Page 264 264 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPJ, [CHAP. XLVI. Minnesota Volunteers has been for the present suspended, it is not the intention of the brigadier-general commanding to retain detach- ments at all the posts along the line during the entire season. If raids are attempted by the hostile Indians they will occur probably early in the season, and as the operations marked out will require the greater part of the force now in the district to be employed either in the field or in the establishment of new posts, you will please bear in mind that the arrangements made for the outposts are but temporary in their character. You will please instruct the officer in command at Fort Ridgely and Mankato to make frequent reports of the stage of the water in the Minnesota River, at the respective points, to these headquarters. Such information is very important in determining the time for sending up supplies for the expedition, & c. You are authorized to make such changes in the position of detachments as you suggest, that do not involve any additional ex- pense to the Government. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. OLIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. TIDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF TH~ NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, 31mm., April 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SUlLY, Saint Louis: GENERAL: I have received your dispatch of 10th instant. I sup- posed it was understood between us that you were to furnish pack- saddles for all the mules that might be required, consequently I have made no requisitions for that article, and you will have to fur- nish them. I telegraphed you I would send 400 mules and perhaps more. I have to-day received enough hQrses to mount Bracketts battalion, but some time will be required to shoe them, an(I the arms and equipments have not as yet arrived, but are en route. I have accordingly this day issued the order for the march of the bat- talion from Fort Snellimig on May 2 for Sioux City. If not de- tained by unforeseen obstacles, the command should reach the latter point on 15th or 16th of that mouth. The Minnesota River is low and falling, and I fear embarrassment and delay in getting niy sup- plies to the point of departure, but I shall strain every nerve to have the main column off by the 1st June, or as soon thereafter as possi- ble. The spring has been backward here, the ice having gone out of Lake Pepin much later than usual. The information I gave you iii my letter of the 3d instant was based entirely upon the reports of Indians who had come from the Missouri Cotean. I have scouts out on the upper James River, from whom I expect a report very soon which can be relied on, and which, whemi received, I will communicate to you. I have tele- graphed you to-day to know whether or not Bordache Creek is the same as laid dowmi in Warrens map as Bourbeuse River, near Little Soldiers Village. I cannot find a map which has the former marked upon it, and it is of course highly necessary to be as precise as possi- ble as to the poimit of junction of our respective forces. It is understood, I believe, between ns that all of the force that will be dispatched from this district to join you is to be returned a Page 265 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 265 the conclusion of the joint operations of the campaign, and I am making my dispositions accordingly. I am very much exercised with regard to the post at Devils Lake, which I fear will be re- tarded until too late properly to hut and protect the men and supply it with indispensable articles. Scnrvy is much to be dreaded at these distant st~tions where vegetable diet is impracticable, and where the command must necessarily be confined to animal food. Several cases have already occurred at Fort Abercrombie and posts on this side during the present season. Please write me fully upon any points which I should be informed of. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 23, 186412 midnight. (Received 2.45 a. in., 24th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Corse says that General Banks and the fleet would again start for Shreveport to cover Steeles advance. I will send a message round by Fort Smith, but have no doubt ere this lie knows every- thing. By the 14th instant he must have been near Red River. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MTssISsIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., April 23, 1864. Major-General HALLECK: Washington, D. (3.: GENERAL: I send you herewith official copies of letters this moment received from General Banks and Admiral Porter. * General Corse is here, having just come from Grand Ecore. He describes the battle more satisfactorily than I had it before. I will not express an opinion, but Banks had 17,000 men and A. J. Smith 10,000, and I do think that force well handled should have whipped Kirby Smith. General Corse says that General Banks ordered a retreat from the battle-field, which was near Mansfield, back to Grand Ecore, near 35 miles, that, too, when the enemy was also retreating. Our wounded, dead, and trains were left on the field. Of course that is defeat. I would not ask General Banks to send away Smiths coin- mand under these circumstances, but I would ask him to renew his attack, which might have been made a success. I dont hear of Steele since he was at Camden. The whole move has been too slow for complete success. General Corse speaks of all the troops being demoralized except those of A. J. Smith. I send these papers for the information of the War Department and of General Grant. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. * For Porter~s letter, see p. 153 Page 266 266 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. [Indorsement.] APRIL 28, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant. By order of Major-General Halleck J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Grand Ecore, April 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Mu. Div. of the ilIiss., Nashville, Tenn.: GENERAL: Your dispatch of the 3d of April was delivered to me by General Corse. My command reached Alexandria a few days after its occupation by Admiral Porter and General Smith. We were at Grand Ecore at the same time. The troops moving up the river had the advantage of those moving by land. The unparal- leled low stage of water in the river has retarded very greatly our operations, and the thirty days that I specified as the time in which I hoped to reach Shreveport will not be sufficient for that purpose. The enemy is very strong, his army being not less than 25,000 men, many of them the best troops in the rebel service. His purpose ms to resist our progress from this point on, but this will not (lefeat the object in view, but makes more time necessary. The withdrawal of General Smiths force at this tune will place the army at the mercy of the enemy if it is not immediately withdrawn. The fleet of gun- boats and transports cannot by any possibility leave the upper river, as they cannot pass the bar at Alexandria. The division of our forces at this time thus sacrifices not only the objects of the expe- dition, but the army and the navy. I cannot conceive that your order would have been given had you known the circumstances, and therefore I have been com- l)elled to say to General Smith that I could not approve it at this moment. All the officers of the army agree with me in this con- clusion, and the admiral having in charge the fleet of gun-boats and transports says that it is impossible that he should be withdrawn. I think that both General Smith ard General Corse will agree as to the consequences of a division of the army at this time. As soon as it is in our power your wishes shall be complied with. We have had two pitched battles with the enemy. In the first lie was finally worsted, although, by the crimimvml carelessness of the advance guard in moving up all its trains and surplus artillery to the very line of the enemy, the commencement of the first day was against us. The second day we had a terrific fight with the full strength of the forces and beat the enemy thoroughly, driving him back with very great loss. General Mouton was killed, and 2 other officers commanding bri- gades. We think the losses of the enemy, including dead, wounded, and prisoners, not less than 5,000. General Green was killed by the fire of the gun-boats on the 12th ; he was the ablest officer in their service. Our affairs are in an entirely satisfactory condition, except that, from the low stage of the water and the unexpected strength of the enemy, we required more time than we had anticipated. Believing you will consider favorably this representation of facts, I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- Gene rat, (7ornrn ahding Page 267 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 267 NASHVILLE, TENN., April 23, 1864. General KIMBALL, Little Rock: Get a message through to General Steele that Banks met a repulse above Natchitoches, and that on the 14th instant he, with Admiral Porter, was at Grand Ecore, and that General A. J. Smith will remain until a better result is had in that quarter. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., Camden, Ark., April 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: Yours by Captain Dunham was received this morning. We have been receiving yesterday and to-day rumors of re-enforce- ments sent by Kirby Smith to Price at this point, and of a contemn- plated attack. It is said that 8,000 infantry have arrived at Prices camp, about 16 miles from here. They have received re-enforce- ments, undoubtedlywhat number I cannot judge from my infor- mation. Price had from 10,000 to 12,000 before, a large portion of it cavalry, or mounted infantry and cavalry. They have just opened upon my outposts with artillery. This may be to get as near our line as possible to-night preparatory to a general attack to-morrow morn- ing. The rebels are said to be very munch encouraged by an order of General E. K. Smith, detailing his successes against your com- mand. They also captured a large forage train sent out from here, with two 6-pounders and two mountain howitzers, spiked. The es- cort was about 1,300, the majority negroes. I desire to co-operate with you in the best manner possible, at the same time covering Arkansas until Shreveport shall be ours. The present prospect is that I shall have my hands full to manage Price. We have a strong position here. The rebels have fortified it for us. I have sent to Little Rock for all the troops that can be spared, and as soon as I can (levelop their strength I shall test their mettle if they do not withdraw from their present position. It is my opiuion that the line of the Washita should be secured, and that if there are any gnu-boats unemployed on Red River they should be sent up this river. The river is now navigable to this place for large-class boats, and if we could get supplies to within 30 miles of here, with the Washita to protect our flank while there is not water enough for the gun-boats, it would be of great assistance to us. To enable us to move from here we must have supplies; those of the country are nearly exhausted. But supplies or rio supplies I will not let Price get out of his present position for the purpose of going to Shreveport. Owing to contingencies, which Captain Dunham will explain to you, it is impossible for me to say definitely that I will join you at any point on Red River within a givemi time. If you had moved up the Washita you would have left Louisiana uncovered. If I should move down the Washita, and then across to Red, I should leave Arkamisas amid Missouri in the same situation. I Page 268 268 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. our respective forces were strong enough for us both to move direct on Shreveport this would to a considerable extent be avoided. But, as I have already intimated, there may now be a superior force in front of me. At all events re-enforcements might be added which would overwhelm my command, without any possibility of assistance from you while we are moving on hues so wide apart. I have said nothing about the question of forage. During our march between here and Arkadelphia we have been obliged to send from S to 15 miles off the road to procure a scant supply, and it is doubtful whether our stock will hold out much longer. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. STEELE, ikIajor-General. (Received April 29, at 12 in., at Alexandria, by Captain D.) ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 23, 1864. Col. S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Q. ill., Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.: COLONEL: The steamer Superior arrived yesterday, having been fired into 25 miles below here, killing 2 and wounding 11 soldiers on board. The Belle Creole, which arrived soon after, was also fired into, but received no damage. The army left Grand Ecore night before last after destroying the surplus property, and I expect the advance will be in here by to-morrow night. All of the up-river boats arrived above the rapids last night, and I am now at work get- ting them over the falls as fast as possible. I succeeded in getting eleven over to-day after taking off their stores. I had accumulated quite an amount of stores above the rapids, which I am hauling back and warehousing. I have in port to-day twenty-six boats below the rapids and thirteen above. I am in hopes that I shall be able to save all the boats above, but may possibly lose the John Warner and Meteor, as they are very long. The only boat lost yet is the Hastings, she having struck a snag and tore out her bottom. My orders are now to keep the stores afloat, which will account for not discharging and returning the boats to you. The commissary must have now 400,000 rations afloat and in warehouses. I have hired a falls pilot, who has not as yet failed once in bringing over a boat, and I would like authority to pay him more than the customary price, as he has rendered very valuable services. The navy have turned over to me a barge of coal, which leaves me (with the amount sent up on the Kate Dale) with about 12,000 bushels. If the army remains here more will be required soon. I would advise that the Kate Dale be not sent up again, as she draws too much water. I have about 300 cords of wood on hand. Affairs do not look promising at all, and every- thing has the appearance of a failure in the object of the expedition, provided it had one. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. WELCH, Assistant Quartermaster Page 269 CHAP. XLVI.] 269 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Alexandria, La., April 23, 1864. Captain WELCH, Depot Quartermaster: Mr. Butler is going to ship the most of Governor Wells cotton on his boats under permission from General Banks. I wish you would give Governor Wells the first opportunity for shipping what Mr. Butler cannot take. C. GROVER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.Mr. Butler has also permission to ship on his boats his cot- ton which is now in town, or what may come in for him C. GROVER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 88. ~ Str. Emma, New Orleans, La., April 23, 1864. * * * * * * * II. For the purpose of avoiding accidents and insuring certainty, regularity, and dispatch in the movements of the transports bearing the detachment of the Thirteenth Army Corps en route to their destination on Red River, the following instructions will be strictly observed: 1. The steamer Emma, bearing the major-general commanding the Thirteenth Army Corps, is designated as the flag vessel and will lead the advance. The steamers Starlight, Polar Star, John H. Groesbeck, and Universe will follow in the order named, at intervals of 100 yards. 2. The fleet will start from New Orleans and other landings, fall- ing into line as above prescribed, upon the signal of three guns from the flag vessel while standing out in the river, and will come to a landing as near the flag vessel as possible on a signal of one gun from that vessel. 3. The troops on each transport will be held in constant readiness to repel any attack that may be made. 4. The ranking officer on each transport will assume command of it, and will be held strictly responsible for any violation or neglect of this order. 5. The entire transportation will be nuder the general direction of Lieut. Col. R. B. Hatch, chief quartermaster Thirteenth Army Corps. * * * * * * By command of Major-General McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, New Orleans, La., April 23, 1864. Colonel SLACK Commanding Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry: It is desirable that so much of your command as can be embarked on the Starlight should take their place on that boat in the fleet upon the appointed signal, which is the firing of three guns from the flag- boat Emma. The remainder of your command and of the Thirty Page 270 2~O LOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. fourth Iowa will embark on the Universe as soon as practicable and follow the fleet up the Mississippi and Red Rivers until they overtake it. An active aiid efficient officer should be left to hasten the em- barkation of the remaining troops and voyage of the Universe. Yours, respectfully, J. A. McCLERNAND, Major-General, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. MOUND CITY, ILL., April 23, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: Your telegram is received. I am not aware of the instructions Devoe has received from the admiral, but I know that the admiral would not allow anything to interfere with the high public interest. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain, & c. OFFICE CHIEF Q. M., DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, April 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, ~Jommanding Department of the Missouri: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that 1,520 mules can be spared for Nashville from the means of transportation in use in this department. A larger number cannot be spared at present, unless the small posts remote from the principal depots in the department be broken up. Of the above number it will be necessary to replace at least 1,000 mules as speedily as possible, after the demand for Nashville is supplied. Inclosed please find statement of the stations from which the mules have beell drawn. I am, very respectfully, your obedient ~servant, W. MYERS, Colonel and Chief Quartermaster. [Inclosure.] Statement of mules for Nashville to be shipped prior to May 1,1864, from Saint Louis depot. Mules. Captain Grimes, assistant quartermaster, will furnish 1,000 Captain Hipple, assistant quartermaster, Cape Girardeau .,....~ 90 Captain Case, Kansas City 100 Captain Flanigan, Sedalia 18 Captain Chapman ~ 18 Twelfth Missouri and Thirteenth Illinois (Saint Louis) 126 Major Wilmot, Macon City 68 Capt. George R. Dyer, Pilot Knob too Total 1,520 Number already shipped 1,428 Artillery horses shipped to Nashville and Cairo from February 1, 1864 1,460 W. MYERS, Colonel and Chief Quarterma~~ter Page 271 CHAP. XLVI.] COIUIESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 271 IIEADQU.ARTERS SAINT Louis DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 23, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pilot Knob: I understood from Colonel Myers that there was no urgent need of the horses now. If transportation is insufficient, after sending the mules up, you may put a company of infantry at Fredericktown and withdraw the company of cavalry now there, and one or two compa- nies of infantry at Patterson in place of as many cavalry withdrawn. The outposts can thus be more easily supplied, until the mules with- drawn are replaced. If you have been supplying the company at Saint Genevieve with forage or rations hauled from Pilot Knob, here for notify the commanding officer there to require his supplies which can be shipped by steam-boat. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT Louis DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 23, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Cape Girardeau: Colonel Myers informs me that there is urgent need for all the mules under Captain Hipples control which can possibly be spared for a few weeks. He will then replace them. You will do all in your power to meet his order by reducing the number required to the lowest possible figure. To accomplish this, cannot the corn- mands at Charleston and Dallas buy forage in the adjacent country? If so, let it be done. Answer. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 23, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Cape Girardeau: Send Company A, Second Missouri Artillery, to New Madrid. By order of Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing: H. HANNAHS. Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 23, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, New Madrid: Send Company H, Second Missouri Artillery, to Cape Girardean. By order of Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing: H. HANNAIIS, Jiicutenamt ai~d Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 272 272 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. PILOT KNOB, April 23, 1864. Lieut. H. HANNAHS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Think it would be a good idea to put one or two companies of infantry at Patterson, but I have not got them to spare. if I had the two companies of my regiment now at Benton Barracks, I would p lace two companies down there and withdraw some cavalry. Have just gotten news from Centreville that Reves has ordered all his force to concentrate on Buffalo Creek, 2ti miles south of Horse Fork of Currant River. Have instructed Major Wilson to be on the lookout for him. J. F. TYLER, Colonel, Commanding Post. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Jib., April 23, 1864. Capt. R. B. OWEN, Assistant Quartermaster: The inclosed dispatch * has just been received from General Ro~e- crans. You are authorized to contradict the report circulated upon the streets yesterday evening in regard to the withdrawal of troops from this district. You can inform all Federal officers that they are authorized to contradict the report. By direction of the general commanding: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. HUBBARD, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, C. N., April 23, 1864. Captain KAUFMAN, Commanding Detachni cuts: SIR: I have already sent two dispatches to you; one of them has been brought back from Shields, the other may have reached you. I ordered you then, as I do now, to come in as rapid as possible. Q nantrill has been driven back across the Arkansas River. He has from 60 to 80 men. Colonel Adair, who came with him, has been driven across the Illinois River above Tahlequah, and will, I hope, be taken. The Illinois, Grand River, and all the creeks are rising. Colonel Adair had 325 men. Watie with 300 is 10 miles from Boggy Depot on the Fort Smith road. Some Texans at Boggy. No large force there. As th~ rivers are rising you will see the propriety of returning speedily. If necessary, make raft. Let none of your command straggle, as Quantrill is around. Send a dispatch. By order of Col. William A. Phillips, commanding: WM. GALLAHER, First Lieutenant and Acfg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. * Not found Page 273 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 273 HEADQUARTERS INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, C. N., April 23, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Train from Fort Smith: SIR: I desire to notify you that the column on my east flank has fled precipitately across Illinois River, which was almost past fording and which now bars pursuit. But he cannot trouble you. Quan- trill, afraid of the forces I was concentrating on him and that were in his rear, fled south last night and crossed Arkansas in the night. My scout was on his trail at daylight, 6 miles west of Creek Agency. Captain Kaufman may still get him. The river is past fording below the mouth of Grand River, and is rapidly rising above, as is the Verdigris. Grand River is past fording. You had better push on rapidly. By order of Col. William A. Phillips, commanding: WM. GALLAHER, First Lieutenant and AcIg. AssI. AdjI. Gem HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSoURI, Colonel J~UDSON, Springfield, Mo., April 23, 1864. Commanding, Fort Smith: Colonel Lynde has been on the road to Fort Smith a week to-day. He was to go via Berryville, Kings River, Huntsville, Mulberry Creek, and Van Buren. He should arrive at Fort [Smith] to-mor- row or next day. The news this morning is that General Smith has whipped the rebels near Ecore, on Red River, on the 9th. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, Denver, (Job. Ter., April 23, [864. Col. J. M. CLIIVINGTON, Comdg. District of Colorado, Denver, Cob. Ter.: SIR: I have the honor to state that I have not the transportation required by Lieutenant Eayre for the expedition now fitting out by him. From the nature of the service and the deficiency of forage, I find it impossible to hire at any price in reason, or even at all. What shall I do in this emergency? Very respectfully, your obedient servant LOUDON MULLIN, Gaptain and Assistant Quartermaster. WAR DEPARTMENT Brigadier-General BRAYMAN, Washington, April 24, 1864. Cairo: A newspaper dispatch from New Orleans ~iving some account of the casualties in the first days battle on Red River, says, The Thirtieth Maine suffered severely, and then mentions that Colonel 18 H HVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 274 274 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Emerson was wounded and fell into the hands of the enemy. Cob onel Fessenden, son of Senator Fessenden, commanded the Thirtieth Maine Regiment, and apprehension is felt here that he is the person alluded to as Colonel Emerson. You will please make diligent inqniry, and report immediately whether Colonel Fessenden, of the Thirtieth Maine, is the person alluded to or not, and also all that can be ascertained respecting him. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Send same message to Hon. B. F. Wade and D. S. Gooch, Cairo. CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. MIL. DIv. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., April 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Comdg. Department of the Gulf, Red River: GENERAL: I had the honor to receive yesterday at the hands of General Corse your letter of April 14th, from Grand Ecore, and was glad to hear the specific account of your affairs np Red River. We had become quite anxious, from confused and conflicting accounts sent by the busy correspondents who always exaggerate accounts, good or bad. I was and am disappointed, as I do sadly need that command of General A. J. Smith, but I see that you could not spare them at that moment. I hope you pushed on at once, as otherwise the enemy must surely have availed themselves of the tempting opportunity to fall on Steele. We have no later dates of any of our Red River forces than those brought by General Corse. I had a message from General Grant last night, and we must all soon pitch in, and for weal or woe battles must ensue more bloody than any which have characterized this war. I hope you will soon finish up that job and turn your attention to another more important work, but you are so far away that I can make no calculation upon your forces. I am, with respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN ilfajor- General, Commanding. CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Teun., April 24, 1864. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Gommanding Mississippi Squadron, Red River: DEAR ADMIRAL: I received your valuable letter by General Corse, and felt sadly disappointed at the result. All things moved so well on time as far as Alexandria that I was in hopes the sequel would be of the same kind. General Corse describes that after the enemy was checked and then worsted night set in and both armies withdrew, but ours came back 40 miles. We cannot claim that as victory. I hope, however, that you all pushed on, for otherwise the enemy must have turned on Steele. I feel very uneasy and await accounts with painful solicitude. We are too far off and too intent on our own game to send forces to Red River. Indeed, I do think all our calculations were well made and the combined forces were ample to walk over all opposition Page 275 Cii~~. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 I have not heard of Steele since he went to Camden, and I fear he directed his conrse straight on Shreveport, though prndence would have dictated his feeling toward Alexandria or Natchitoches. It does appear that the movement was too slow. The 17th was the day appointed to meet at Alexandria, and the 14th of April found the main army at Grand Ecore. I thijik I could have made better time, but that is none of niy business, although I do lose the services of 10,000 of my best men in the campaign over here. I am glad you are pleased with Generals Smith and Mower. Though I want both, I cannot call for them as long as their associates are in danger. It cannot now be long before both Grants army in Virginia and mine ~t Chattanooga move forward. We are already iii contact; our pickets are in sight of each other, so that battle will not long be delayed. I have my old opponent, and only ask him to stand and not draw me too far away from my supplies. A small army can feed on the country by scattering, but a large one cannot. But there is iio use in delaying, and the issue is made. I shall go down to Chat- tanooga by May 1. I will write to Captain Shirk to keep a bright lookout up the Tennessee that Forrest dont cross and cut my roads when I am iii Georgia. Present my compliments to all. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, iiIajor- General. CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. MIL. Div. OF THE Mississi~~i, Nashville, Tenn., April 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Commanding Detachment on Red River: DEAR GENERAL: General Corse has retilirned. He brought no letter from you, but gave good accounts of you and your troops. I had hoped from the rapid work you did up to Alexandria that the whole expedition would go on in like manner. I want your com- mand, but, of course, you could not leave under the circumstances by which you were surrounded on the 14th of April. General Corse says that in the second d~.y~s fight at Pleasant Hill the enemy were beaten and were retreating. I cannot understand why our army retraced its steps to Grand Ecore when it was so important in time, in distance, more especially as Steele was known to be approaching from the north. But all will be explained in time. I have simply ordered that when you do come Out of Red River that Mowers divis- ion remain at Memphis, and yours come round by Cairo and up the Tennessee to Clifton, and thence across to Decatur. But as time and circunistances may change I will have orders meet you at Mem- phis. General McPherson now commands the department, and all our attention is engaged in the awful responsibilities that rest on us here. General Grant has ordered that Steele command on Red River, and he must order things according to the result of your ex- pedition. I was in hopes it would have been made more rapidly, so that those troops could have taken part with us in the events soon to transpire. You will as soon as you can possibly be spared come to Memphis, where orders will meet you. 1 am, with respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, commanding Page 276 276 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, April 24, 18642.30 p. m. M~j. Gen. J. J. REYNOLDS, Commanding Defenses of New Orleans: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward for your information copies of two telegrams just received, as follows: BATON RoUGE, April 24, 18642 p. m. The rebels are crossing westward; a captain and 13 men last night, some night before, and report of much larger force going in a few days. I suppose the gun- boats keep everything very safe down toward New Orleans. P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier-General, Gommanding. BATON ROUGE, April 24, 18642.05 p. m. Some rebel troops have crossed the river westward, close above. More are re- ported to intend to do it in a few days. One gun-boat between Donaldsonville and Red River. P. ST. GEG. COOKE, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army. I am, very respectfully, general, your most obedient servant, J. SCHUYLER CROSBY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, U. S. Transport Emma, April 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: I would respectfully call your attention to the condi- tion of the command at Pass Cavallo, Tex. If attacked by the enemy in force, they would be compelled, owing to their diminished num- bers, to abandon the outer line of defenses and fall back 3 miles into the inner line of defenses. Within this line there is only salt water. Their fuel is gathered from the beach 25 or 30 miles dowi~ the island, and even this poor supply is rapidly failing and would be cut off by an approach of the enemy. Fifty feet of bridging at the lower end of the island would connect it with the mainland, affording easy passage for any amount of artillery and land trans- portation. The capability of the garrison enduring a siege would be determined simply by the length of time they could exist without water and fuel. If it is intended to hold this position, they should be supplied with condensers, and fuel both for condensers and the necessary camp use. Hoping that this will meet with immediate attention, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND illajor- General, Commanding. CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Teun., April 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Commanding, Red River: GENERAL: My latest dates from your quarter are to April 14, when General Banks army had fallen back to Grand Ecore, where a part Qf Admiral Porters ~eet w~s threatened by low water, It is utterl Page 277 CIIAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 277 impossible for me to give you any instructioiis from here, without the knowledge of events since April 14. All 1 can now say is that if Shreveport has been taken and destroyed, all you should attempt is to garrison Alexandria, in connection with the gun-boats, and strengthen your line on the Arkansas. Smiths command is nee(led at Memphis and here as soon as it can possibly be spared. Your command has been extended over the Indian Territory and General Blunt is sent back to Kansas. I have repeatedly urged that all the territory west of the Mississippi be united in one command, embrac- ing, of course, Kansas and Missouri, so that the officer may control all the resources of that region. I have no means of knowing what troops are in Missouri, Kansas, the Indian Territory, or even Arkan- sas, my returns are so incomplete. All these should be under one commander, but as it is you must do the best you can with the re- sources at your command. All our armies are much weaker thaii the public suppose, and the veterans return slowly, protracting their leaves too long. Write me more fully and frequently. I am, with respect, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 24, 1864. Maj. W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of Arkansas: MAJOR: Col. C. C. Andrews is at Devalls Bluff with 800 men awaiting transportation. I respectfully ask that the chief quarter- master furnish the transportation, that the force under Colonel Andrews may be brought to this place at once. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 24, 1864. Colonel GEIGER, Commanding, Devalls Bluff: COLONEL: Have you forwarded the message to Colonel Andrews to return to this place without delay? If not, you will do so at once. Troops here are ordered to Camden, and it is necessary for Colonel Andrews force to return without delay NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 24, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General, & c.: SIR : I respectfully recommend that the military telegraph line be extended to New Madrid, either from Cape Girardeau or Bloom- field, as shall be found best. I understand the poles are standin Page 278 LOUISIANA KND TIIi~ ThAN~-MI8SISSIPPI. LdHAP. XLVI. on the old line from Bloomfield, and that part of the insulators and wire remain. Captain Smith, superintendent of construction, informs me that he has a working party which he can put on the line at once. I am, very respectfully, yours, THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier-General. OFFICE OF ASSISTANT PROVOST-MARSHAL, Louisiana, Mo., April 24, 1864. Brigadier-General FISK: IDEAR SIR: There are now 3 horse4hieves confined in the Bowling Green jail in this county, 2 of whom are the worst bush whackers and thieves that Missouri has ever produced, and of course they have their friends, who will use every exertion in their power to release them. They have already made an attempt to let the scoun- drels out, but the citizens were on the lookout and made them ske- daddle; but the citizens are not prepared to keep any force from coming in, and the occurrence at Hunnewell the other day has rather scared them up, and Mr. Steel, the sheriff of Pike County, has just suggested the propriety of having at least a part of a company of soldiers stationed there, if not a whole one. If you could send a lieutenant and 23 men there I am confident it would be of great benefit. I hope you will devise some means of assist- ance for the people of Bowling Green. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JEFF. A. MAYHALL, Lieutenant and Assistant Provost-Marshal. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 25, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper :* * * * * * * * I have just seen Admiral Porters dispatch, dated Grand Ecore, April 14, to the Navy Department. He says, whatever may be said, the army there has met with a great defeat and is much demoralized. He speaks in strong terms of Banks mismanagement and of the good conduct of A. J. Smith and his corps. He fears that if Smith is withdrawn Banks will retreat still farther, and Steeles command and the gun-boats above the rapids (which from fall of water cannot be withdrawn) will be greatly periled if not lost. He says Banks army was ten days behind the appointed time. He protests against the withdrawal of Smith at this time, as it would be fatal to us. The Navy Department asks to know this in order to telegraph in- structions to Cairo for Admiral Porter. What shall I reply? H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. *For portion of this dispatch (here omitted) see Vol. XXXII, Part III, p. 489 Page 279 CHAP. XLVII C01~RESPQNDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 279 CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 25, 18648 p. m. (Received 8.52 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: A. J. Smith will have to stay with General Banks until the gun- boats are out of their difficulty. General Banks ought to be ordered to New Orleans and have all further execution on Red River in other hands. I have just received two private letters, one from New Orleans, and one (ai~onymous) from the Thirteenth Corps, giving deplorable accounts of General Banks mismanagement. His own report and these letters clearly show all his disasters to be attribu- table to his incompetency. Send troops for General Sherman where he wants them. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Culpeper, Va., April 25, 18648.30 p. m. (Received 9.45 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff: I would send orders to General Steele to return to Little Rock; to General Banks to return himself immediately to New Orleans and make 1)reparations to carry out his previous instructions the moment his troops returned; to place the senior officer under himself in com- mand of the troops in the field, with instructions to see the gun- boats safely out of Red River as soon as possible, and then return all the troops rapi(lly to where they belong. If before receiving these instructions he has taken Shreveport, then to leave General Steele and the navy in charge of the river, giving General Steele, if necessary, all of Smiths troops. ~ S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cotile, April 25, 1864. Rear-Admiral PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron: ADMIRAL: Arrived at this point last night. General Banks and army are on the march to Alexandria; we brought up the rear and skirmished all the way. General Banks fought at the crossing of Cane River; not much loss on either side; our fight in tIme rear was sharp. General A. J. Smiths command is ordered peremptorily to Alexandria. Troops are now on the march. You will find the en- emy some 2,000 strong on the opposite side; their artillery does not amount to much; what they have we have crippled badly. Will communicate more fully from Alexandria by the gun-boats Osage and Pittsburg, unless they get off before we arrive. General Smith and II both protest at being hurried away. I feel as if we were sbarnefully deserting you. lf I had the power I would march my troops back to Calhoun, or wherever you might need us, if at all. I will try and get a communication to you from General A. J. Smith. Most respectfully, truly, yours, ~ THOMAS KILBY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Gommanding Page 280 280 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. ECHAP. XLVI. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., No. 85. * Little Rock, Ark., April 25, 1864. * * * * * * IX. Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West, U. S. Volunteers, will relieve Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball in the command of the troops along and north of the line of the Arkansas River. X. Brig. Geii. Nathan Kimball, U. S. Volnnteers, is hereby re- lie~ed from duty in the Department of Arka4~sas, and will report without (lelay to Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Commanding Deportment of Arkansas: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, Major-General Blunt continuing to interfere with affairs in this department, and so much so as to endanger the safety of the troops in the District of the Frontier, I forwarded a dispatch to Major-General Halleck, com- plaining of Blunts conduct, & c., and have received an answer from Col. E. D. Townsend, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. * You will see by it that all of the Fort Smith command is attached to your department, and Major-General Blunt ordered away. The Ninth Kansas has not as yet reported. I dont know where they are; when last heard from they were at Fort Scott, Kans. As soon as it can be ascertained where they are, they will be or- dered here in compliance with your instructions. The Third Wisconsin are here, and are rernustered as veterans. They will go home in a day or so. I wish to send the prisoners of war now confined here to the North. There are over 500 now on hand. We have had much trouble in getting horses and mules to move trains and batteries; all has been done that could be to get the trains organized. Colonel Andrews returned with his command last night; he had no battle. The rebels fled aci~oss Cache River, and into swamps. Andrews brought in several prison- ers, one colonel, and several other officers, among them a bearer of dispatches from General Price. I send you the dispatches. Cap- tain Hand, of Fourth Arkansas, to-day arrested, as he says, a spy, and had him shot. The shooting was done inside the lines, and in sight of camp, and being a very great outrage, I have the captain and men arrested and placed in confinement. Colonel Livingston, commanding District of Northeastern Arkan- sas, has been compelled to move his command to Jacksonport, that lie may be the better enabled to subsist men and horses, as it is impos- sible to get forage at Batesville, amid very uncertain as to subsistence. I approve the move. He was attacked at Jacksonport by McRaes force on the 22d, but repulsed him, killing several, among whom was Colonel Love, of Freemans command. Our loss was 2 wounded. The forces at posts above maintain their position; but guerrillas *Inclosure was copy of General Orders, No. 1~1, War Department, Adjutant-Gen- erals Office, April 17, 1864, p. 196 Page 281 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 281 are numerous and give them a great deal of trouble. It is almost impossible to keep the telegraph communication up between Clarks~ ville and Fort Smith. It has been down for some time, though I now have a force at work, and hope to soon have the communication perfect. Major-General Hurlbut has been relieved of the command of the Sixteenth Army Corps. General Washburn is assigned to the com- mand. The massacre of our troops at Fort Pillow is one of the most damnable outrages on record. Officers and men murdered after sur- render; negroes buried alive, arid officers burned. The Tenth Illi- nois arrived last night, without arms and without horses. I have deemed it improper to send them forward on this account. We have now exhausted every team and wagon to supply you; you will either have to send them back, or we must get a new supply fromhe North, or we cannot send you another train. The dispatches I send you from General Price will give you com- fort. Pap thinks you will be used up. I fear General Bafiks has gained but a barren victory. I hope, general, that success may continue to attend you; that you may be completely victorious over the enemy in every engagement, and that your life and health may be spared. Compliments to Generals Thayer and Rice. God bless you all. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier-General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 25, 1864. Colonel FULLER, Commanding, Dardanelle, Ark.: COLONEL: I desire that you again send assistance to Clarksville, and that a force sufficient be kept on the line between Clarksville and Van Buren to keep the telegraph line in repair. This is of the utmost importance. NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF N. E. ARK. AND POST JACKSONPORT, April 25, 1864. Capt. H. C. FILLEBROWN, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I have the honor to transmit the following report: On the departure of Col. R. R. Livingston, commanding district, with a portion of his command, on the morning of the 22d instant, in pur- suit of the enemy, being myself the ranking officer reulaining at these headquarters and in command of the Eleventh Missouri Vol- unteer Cavalry, per order Col. William D. Wood, I assumed com- mand of the post and immediately ascertained the number of effect- ive officers and men under my command, which was as follows: Of the First Nebraska Cavalry, 42 privates for (luty, 4 non-commissioned officers (dismounted), 79 guard on duty and sick roll, in emergency Page 282 282 LOUISIANA AND TIlE ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. effective; 2 commissioned officers; 127 total. Of the Eleventh Cav- alry, Missouri Volunteers, 125 non-commissioned officers and pri- vates, 24 picket guard, non-commissioned officers and privates; 5 commissioned officers on duty (dismounted), except 12 men; 154 total. The center section, Company D, Second Missouri Artillery, 28 men, 1 commissioned officer; 29 total, with two pieces of ordnance, making an aggregate of 310 officers and meii, a force which we con- sidered sufficient to guard and protect the post. Under the circumstances I immediately ordered my entire com- mand to be in constant readiness, armed and equipped with sufficient ammunition, which order was promptly obeyed. I also caused the most valuable property of the Eleventh Cavalry, Missouri Vol- unteers, to be moved into a warehouse in town and placed a guard over it. I also caused the usual guard at the post quartermasters, commissary stores, and headquarters to guard well their respective posts. We remained quiet and undisturbed until the afternoon of the 24th instant, when I received information which caused me to sound to arms, and hold all my command under arms during the most of the afternoon; at the same time directed the teams to be in read- iness at the sound of alarm to move int~o town, where we expected the attack, if any, to be located. On the evening of the 23d instant, Capt. L. B. Brown returned from near Batesville with his command and fifteen loaded teams, which numbered, officers and men, mounted, about 70. I ordered him, with his command, to report as soon as practicable to Col. William D. Wood, in the field. Captaiii Brown, with a lieutenant and 60 men, left camp early on the morning of the 24th instant, in obedience to orders for that purpose. The balance of his command were reserved for other duty. Captain Brown brought me the intel- ligence that he had not sufficient transportation with him to bring all the goods left on the banks of White River, near Batesville, by the steamer on her downward trip, and had requested Lieutenant- Colonel Stephens, Eleventh Cavalry, Missouri Volunteers, in com- mand of the post at Batesville, to send a sufficient guard to protect the goods until teams could be sent from this post for them. I, as soon as practicable, on the 24th instant ordered 20 dismounted men of the First Nebraska Cavalry, and 20 mounted men of the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, with ten teams, to go after the goods. They started, and were partly across the Black Riyer at the time of the aforesaid alarm, when I considered it unsafe to continue the journey, and ordered their return, which was promptly obeyed. All the officers and men of the command promptly obeyed all orders, and in fact were all anxious to show what the comman(i were able to do should the post be attacked. All the sick and lame came halt- ing and limping into the ranks, eager for a fight. I have further to report, for the information of the colonel commanding, that on the 22d and 23d instant I did not allow any person whatever to pass out of town. On the 24th instant a few loyal persons were allowed to pass the pickets. On same date arrested and confined one man who caine into camp under suspicious circumstances. He has since been discharged from arrest. All of which is respectfully submitted. L. W. BROWN, Major Eleventh Gavairy, Missouri Volunteers Page 283 LIHAP. XLVI.] com~tsPoNDENCE, 1~TC.1YNIO~. 28~ SAINT Louis, April 25, l8645.~0 p. m. (Received 9 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: I have rebel information that their plan is to seud two brigades of cavalry and two of mounted infantry to North Missouri, a column of guerrillas and Seventh Rebel Missouri on Rolla, to operate with the conspirators organization here. Our troops are scattered over the State. Please let me have the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. SAINT Louis, April 25, 1864. (Received 5.20 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: Colonel Myers reports that 1,520 mules can be spared from the department transportation. Many of them must be replaced as soon as the wants at Nashville are supplied. In ten days from April 21 Colonel M. will have shipped to Nashville 4,000 mules and 600 artil lery horses. ~. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. CAIRO, ILL., April 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. S. RosEcRANs, Saint Louis, Mo.: If your wishes have been disregarded in any case it has been through mistake. I will make inquiries. I regard your permit, or re- quest, the same as orders, and have no right or wish to disturb them. I do not recollect the names mentioned having conic to my notice. M. BRAYMAN, Brigadier- General. APRIL 25, 1864. General CuRTIs, Fort Leavenworth, General BROWN, Warrensburg, Mo.: Following dispatch received from Clarksville: Colonels Jackman, Dorsey, and Parker passed this post this morning, going north to Missouri, with 112 men, mostly recruiting officers for rebel army. They intend passing all points quietly. G. M. WAUGH, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Post. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 25, 1864. Major-General RosECRANs: Dispatch received speaks of rebels passing Clarksville iiorth to Mis- souri. Clarksville being in Missouri, the direction seems uncertain. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General Page 284 284 LOUI~IAXA AND THE TRANS-MISSISsIPpI. (CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 25, 1864. J. M. HIATT, Keokuk, Iowa: You will proceed immediately to Clark County, Mo., and exert yourself to prevent a threatened collision between the Seventh Mis- souri, or any other troops, and the citizens of that county. J. P. SANDERSON, Provost-Marshal- General. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 25, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HERDER, Cape Girardeam: I telegraphed Colonel Rogers on the 23d that the order had been revoked, and asked him to inform you that you would remain at Cape Girardeau until further orders. By order of Brigadier-General Ewing: H. HANNAHS, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DISTRICT OF MISSOURI, TVarrensburg, April 25, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General.. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 20th instant 2 notorious bushwhackers, by the names of Wilhite and Wil- son, broke into the house of Charles Ewing, who resided 8 miles southwest of Lexington, and, when ascending the stairs, was met by Ewing with a double-barreled shotgun, who fired upon them, but his wife, in her great anxiety to prevent the shooting of her husband, sprang in front of him, having an infant child in her arms. This deranged Ewings aim, who missed the villains and shot off the foot of the child, the charge passing through his wifes dress, he receiv- ing at the same instant a wound through the body that will proba- bly be fatal. Ewing was at one time in the rebel army, became satisfied of his errors, and has been since universally respected by the loyal citizens for the conscientious, earnest manner that he has kept his oath of allegiance to the Government. He is a man of tried courage and integrity. It is supposed that the special reason of this attack was that Ewing had been very active in organizing a company of citizen guards, to which he had been elected captain. This, with his cliarac- ter and the unfortunate maiming (if not killing) his own child, has caused an intensity of feeling much greater than is usual with the citizens when a murder is committed by these villains. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Page 285 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 285 HICKMAN MILLS, Mo., April 25, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. B. BROWN: SIR: By order of Col. James H. Ford, pursuant to your instruc- tions, the company of Enrolled Missouri Militia at this place has been disbanded and a new company organization made; the result is that we are deprived of the assistance and abilities of the only man that has the ability and influence necessary to our protection here. To illustrate, on the 12th of March last some $500 worth of mules and cattle were stolen from the neighborhood of Little Santa P6, partly from members of our company. Captain Axline was absent at the time, but returned on the night of the 15th. Early next morn- ing, on learning of the loss, he requested me to go with him to see Captain Hall. Getting an escort from him we proceeded to Little Santa P6, there dismissing the escort obtained at this place; the cap- tain procured another from Captain Allen, of the Eleventh Kansas, followed in pursuit, and at the end of three days returned with the stock and thieves, having overtaken the stock and arrested the thieves at the distance of 65 miles from the line in the State of Kansas. They were turned over to Captain Allen and the stock delivered to the proper owners. It is admitted here by all the citizens that we have no man that we can put in his place that has the confidence and respect of the Kan- sas troops in such a degree as will insure their assistance and co-op- eration in affairs of this kind; he has manifested a disposition in many other instances to protect our property while in command of the company which I have not space to mention, and further, his influence with the soldiers stationed here was such that while on duty private property was respected and no petty thefts were com- mitted, which I am sorry to say has not been the case since. Our organization as it now stands is composed of men, rank and file, who have been living here during the war without taking up arms in favor of the Government, though a few of them have been in arms against it; and now turning out of the company the only radically loyal man we had in it, a man, too, who has had experience in com- mand, well tried in battle, one who has never shrank from respon- sibility, and place in his stead men without either military experi- ence, ability, or inclination to oppose the enemy by force of arms, appears to have destroyed our respect at home and abroad. In addition to the above, the muster-in rolls of Lieutenant Axlines company have been returned executed by order of Major-General Schofield, and the organization placed upon a basis that appears to give satisfaction to the companyat least the truly loyal portion of it. I there Core very respectfully ask you to rescind the instructions given to Colonel Ford to disband the company organized by Major- General Schofield at this station, and petition you to retain Lieuten- ant Axline in command of the same. I was orderly sergeant in the old organization, and hold the same position in the new one. I do not, therefore, make this request through any selfish motive of my own, but for the general good and safety of all. In regard to Lieu- tenant Axlines ability, integrity, and loyalty, Capt. T. S. Case, of your staff, can give you all the information you desire. By com- plying with the above request you will confer a lasting favor (as I fully believe) on the company. Very respectfully, your obedient and humble servant, JAME8 H. J. HARRIS Page 286 286 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND DISTRICT OF MISSOURI, Warrensburg, April 28, 1864. Respectfully referred to Col. James H. Ford, Commanding Fourth Sub-District, for his information and for report. By order of Brigadier-General Brown: J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS, WARRENSBURG, April 25, 1864. Commanding Second Sub-District, Sedalia: COLONEL: Major-General Rosecrans Communicates the following from Clarksville, Ark., by telegraph: Colonels Jackman, Dorsey, and Parker passed here (Clarksville) with 112 men, mostly recruiting officers, going north into Missouri. They intend to pass all posts quietly. You will immediately relieve your command of all unnt~cessary baggage, all camp and garrison equipage. except one tent for the officers of each company, and make requisitions for shelter-tents for the troops. Advise the commanding officers of citizen guards of this movement, and secure their co-operation. If possible, we must crush this movement before it gains a head. Colonels Hall and McFerran have received similar instructions, and are directed to co-operate with you. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS, BROWNSVILLE, Mo., April 25, 1864. Comdg. Second Sub-Dist. of Central Mo., Sedalia, Mo.: SIR: I have the honor to report to you the capture and execution of a bushwhacker at this place on the 24th instant. The particulars as follows: On the morning of the 23d instant, being informed that a bushwhacker was in the neighborhood, I immediately sent out my men in every direction, and, with the aid of the citizen guards, suc- ceeded in capturing him late in the evening, and, at 9 oclock on the morning of the 24th instant, I had him shot and decently buried. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. M. BOX, C~apt. Company H, Seventh Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. SECOND SUB-DIST., DIST. OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Sedalia, April 2~, 1864. Respectfully referred to Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, commanding District of Central Missouri, for his information. This man Johnson stole a horse and hat from a Mr. Higgins on Flat Creek, 6 miles south of this place, and was pursued by citizens and soldiers sent out from here, and was captured by Captain Box. JNO. F. PHILIPS, Colonel, Commanding Sub-District Page 287 Ciw. XLVI] 287 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. BROWNSVILLE, Mo., April 25, 1864. [Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS:] COLONEL: I herewith send you the statement of the bushwhacker that I had shot on the morning of the 24th instant, in his own words, as follows: I spent the summer and fall of 1863, from June 1 to December 7, 1863, in Platte, Clay. and Buchanan Counties. I was with the rebel Cols. John Calhoun Thorn- ton and Joha H. Winston (both of Platte County). At some times there were only two or three of us together, at other times there was a considerable company of us together. On the 7th of December, I, in company with 6 other men, started south, went to Arkansas (not thinking it safe for us to remain in Missouri through the win- ter). In the latter part of March I started back to Missouri in company with 4 other men, 2 of whom stopped in Texas County, Mo.; tbe others came with me to this side of Osage River and crossed the Osage River, above the mouth of Linn Creek, on the 19th instant. On the 20th we came in contact with some Federal soldiers, and I think the 2 men that were with me were killed or captured. I was making my way back to Platte County, expecting to rejoin Colonels Thornton and Winston, if there, and spend the coming summer as I did the last. I dont belong to the Confederate Army, nor have not since August 1, 1862. I have never taken the oath, nor ever in- tended to submit to the Federal authorities if I could help it. My name is James A. Johnson. The above are the important points of his statement. Your obedient servant, R. M. BOX, Gaptain Company II, Ssventh Cavalry, M~. S. 31. WARRENSBURG, April 25, 1864. Col. GEORGE H. HALL, Jefferson City: COLONEL: The commanding general has received a dispatch from Major-General Rosecrans that Colonels Jackman, Dorsey, and Parker passed Clarksville, going north, with 112 men, mostly recruiting offi- cers, who are coining into Missouri to recrnit. He directs that your command be distributed and the line of the Osage occupied. Except one tent for the officers of each company, and necessary cooking utensils, axes, & c., all tents and camp and garrison equipage will be sent to Jefferson City. You will immediately draw shelter-tents for your regiment. He also directs me to say that you will please encourage the organization of citizen guards. You can rely on the co-operation of Colonel Philips, who receives similar instructions, and is directed to act with you in making the country warni for this emeute. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, J. H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 25, 1864. General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.: To what rumors from Red River do you allude? Banks defeat is acknowledged, fully confirmed, but no very serious disaster. Have you heard anything with regard to Steele? 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 288 288 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSLPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 25, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, A. A. G., Dept. of the Missouri: I referred to the rumors of Banks defeat in the papers of the 20th instant. I have got nothing definite from General Steele since the 9th. On that day he had quite a battle on the Little Missouri with General Fagans division, and the rebels were badly whipped, and General Fagan killed. * General Steele occupied Camden on the 9th, and advanced from there on the 11th. A Texan that came into Fort Smith from the south last Saturday says that General Price has crossed Red River with his army. The above is from Fort Smith, and all that I have heard from that direction JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 25, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-General: I received the following dispatch yesterday from Clarksville, viz :1 * * * * * * These men were on Kings River the last that I heard of them, and may have been driven back by Major Meltons command. About 100 guerrillas are on Cowskin, in McDonald County, and 40 have been as far north as Horse Creek, between Lamar and Stockton. Our forces are attacking and driving them daily, and thus far all have gone south, instead of north, that have been driven out. Indi- cations point to a great effort on the part of the rebels to overrun this section with bands of guerrillas; as great an effort will be made to destroy them as fast as they come in. Are the reported reverses on Red River credited at headquarters? JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 25, 1864. (Received 5 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK: Colonel Phillips telegraphs from Fort Gibson that a force of about 200, supposed to be guerrillas, crossed Arkansas River and killed 5 persons. Colonel Phillips has no cavalry to pursue, but started a company after them. He thinks they may intend a raid on South- em Kansas. S. R. CURTIS, ]iiajor- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, April 25, 1864. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General: I telegraphed you on the 16th instant, calling your attention to erroneous impressions created by a report from your office as pub- lished in Senate J3~x. Doe. 32, which stated my force at about 16,000. ~ Y~our dispatch of the 17th, turning over the Indian Territory to the * A mistake. See Rosecrans to Curtis and Brown, April 25, p. 283. ~ Reference is to a report of March 31, 1864, from 8ecretary of War, to be printed in 8eries 1121 Page 289 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 289 Department of Arkansas, was duly received and my officers and troops are duly informed. I now call your attention to my tri- monthly report of the 20th, which was forwarded on the 22d instant, which shows all my forces present for duty only 4,350. The order of the 17th only deprived me of home-guard militia Indians at Fort Gibson, who are neither mounted or properly armed, and this report of the 20th is therefore a pretty fair presentation not only of what I now have, but what real soldiers I had last month, for those Indians did not amount to much, and the Fort Smith troops did not report to me. The movements on Shreveport do not cover my department, and Southern Kansas is liable to raids from Central Texas, such as Quan- trill made last year, and which disgraced humanity. To-day Col- onel Phillips telegraphed that Quantrill is on the Arkansas, near him. I ought to have at least two more regiments merely for a proper defense of Southern Kansas, and it seems to me I should also have power to call out and arm the militia of this State, as they have been in Missouri, to resist or deter such invasions. The removal of the Indian Territory from my command relieves me from much trouble and anxiety concerning my duties connected with the protection and defense of the Indians, but rather increases my anxiety as to Southern Kansas, which I wished to defend by es- tablishing proper defenses on the upper Arkansas River. This I hope will now be consummated by a commander in Arkansas, but until the Arkansas River is so guarded I feel the necessity of guard- ing my new southern department line as securely as possible. Knowing the desire to mass forces on special and desirable move- ments, I fear this department will be again subject to devastation such as transpired at Shawnee, Olathe, Humboldt, Baxter Springs, and Lawrence, because of the absence of the people of Kansas who have joined our remote and more advanced columns of volunteer forces. In consequence of past disasters I am obliged to place guards at many important towns to prevent a general departure of terrified inhabitants; and the little force I have is therefore all employed guarding the overland mail route, the Santa F6 route, and the posts and stores of my command. The posts are so widely separated, and some of them so remote, extending to Idaho and nearly to Salt Lake, I cannot concentrate, as you will perceive, any considerable number to resist a raid if one be made into Southern Kansas. I hope, therefore, you will present to the honorable the Secretary of War the necessity of immediately strengthening in some way my available force to resist assaults from rebels approaching through the Indian Territory on the line of Quantrills last movement, which was about the meridian of 96 or 97 degrees. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, S. R. CURTIS, ______ Major- General. FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 25, 1864. General T. J. McKEAN: Dispatch from Colonel Phillips of 21st speaks of rebels, about 200 strong, crossing the Arkansas northward. It is supposed to be Quantrills forces. Give immediate notice to your outposts, and be ready to repel if assailed. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. 19 R RVOL xxxiv, PT II Page 290 290 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CIIAP. XLVI. PAOLA, KANS., April 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. IR. CURTIS, Gomdg. Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: Did Colonel Phillips inform you whether the rebels crossed above or below Fort Gibson? THOS. J. McKEAN, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Gommanding Dist. PAOLA, KANS., April 25, 1864. Major-General CURTIS: Colonel Phillips on the 22d reports to Colonel Blair by messenger in substance what yon have already received by telegraph in regard to movements below. Two additional companies have been sent to Pleasant Grove. Humboldt now secure against a larger force than reported to be coming north. THOS. J. McKEAN, Brigadier- General. PAOLA, KANS., April 25, 1864. Col. C. W. BLAIR, Fort Scott, Kans.: Two companies of the Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, en route for Pleasant Grove, will be at Le Roy on Wednesday night. Have Major Plumb communicate with him at that point the state of affairs. The rebels crossed the Arkansas River 25 miles above Fort Gibson. By order of Brigadier-General McKean: GLO. S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. PAOLA, KANS., April 25, 1864. Col. C. W. BLAIR, Commanding Brigade, Fort Scott: Company D, Sixteenth Kansas Cavalry, at Le Roy, is attached to the First Brigade and ordered to report to Major Plumb at Hum- boldt for orders, by letter. GEO. S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. PAOLA, KANS., April 25, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HOYT, Olat he, Kans: Report by telegraph when Companies A and G arrive at Olathe, and after their arrival have Major Haas and two of the four com- panies ready to move south on short notice, but wait for further orders. By order of Brigadier-General McKean: GEO. S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 291 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 291 PAOLA, KANS., April 25, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HoYT, Olat he, Kans.: Leave Major llaas in command at Olathe if you Choose, and start as soon as practicable with two Companies through Paola, Gar- nett, and Le Roy to the south border. Further instructions will be given when you reach here. By order of Brigadier-General McKean: GLO. S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. PAGLA, KANS., April 25, 1864. Lient. J. E. GREER, A. A. A. G., Second Brig., Mound City, Kans.: Major Laing is sick at this post, and Captain Thompson,Company B, Fifteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, has been ordered to take tern p orary command of detachments at Rockville, Trading Post, and Coidwater. Notify detachments at Trading Post and Rockville. By order of Brigadier-General McKean: GLO. S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 25, 1864. Major-General CURTIS, Corndg. Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: I have three separate commands out after Indians, who are steal- ing in every direction. Have recaptured about 100 head of stock. I need about 100 horses for immediate use in the field after Indians. Shall I order my quartermaster to buy what can be had at reason- able rates, and will you set limit to be paid? Cannot quartermaster buy saddles in this emergency? Will General Mitchell soon relieve the companies of my regiment now in his district, and order them to report to me? J. M. CHIVINGTON, Golonel, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 25, 1864. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith copy * of report of Lient George S. IEayre, commanding detachment sent in pursuit of Indians who stole the stock of Irwin, Jackman & Co., as referred to in niy letter of the 9th instant. Lieutena~it Eayre having returned to Denver and procured the required transportation, has again gone after the Indians. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Comdg. Dist. * See Part I, p. 880 Page 292 292 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, COLORADO TERRITORY, Col. J. M. CHIVINGTON, Denver, April 25, 1864. Commanding District of Colorado: SIR: I have application from parties in Government employ at the Point of Rocks (Upper Arkansas Indian Agency) for arms to defend themselves with against Indian hostilities. If twenty or thirty good gnns with ammunition could be placed there, under such regula- tions as you may prescribe, it would promote the public service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. EVANS, Governor of Colorado Territory. CAMP COLLINS, CoLo. TER., April 25, 1864. Lient. G. H. STILWELL, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Denver, C~olo. Ter.: SIR: In compliance with order from district headquarters, dated April 13, 1864, I left Camp Collins on the morning of the 16th, with a detachment of 25 men of B Company, and proceeded on the Laramie road to Cheyenne Pass, a distance of 75 miles; then down Lodge Pole Creek 100 miles to the Pine Bluffs. Met a great many Sioux Indians on Lodge Pole and Crow Creeks. They all appeared very friendly, and knew nothing of any troubles between the Indians and whites. I met a Mexican near the Pine Bluffs, who said a war party of 15 Cheyennes had crossed some 40 miles below, on their way to Crow Nation, some five days before. They were going out to steal ponies. I then crossed the country to the Platte, 75 miles; thence to Camp Collins, where I arrived on the evening of the 23d. All of the Indians I met were Sioux; they were very friendly, and say they have no desire to make war with the whites. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. HAWKINS, First Lient., First C~av. of C~olorado, Joindg. Detach. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Brig. 0-en. H. H. SIBLEY, Milwaukee, Wis., April 25, 1864. ~ommanding District of Minnesota: GENERAL: I have had no further news of the action of Standing Buffalo and Sweet Corn with their bands of Sissetons. In case they complete their submission, I suggest to you that they be located somewhere on Devils Lake, so that they will be protected from any hostility of the Yanktonais by the garrison of that post, aided if necessary by the garrison of the post near month of Long Lake, on the Missouri. There will be no danger from the Yanktonais any- where in the buffalo region embraced in the great triangle made by the large posts at Devils Lake, on James River, and on Missouri River, near mouth of Long Lake. The region included between these posts seems to have been last year, as it will be this year, the resort of the buffalo. Such seed corn, & c., as the Sissetons need to open their farms at Devils Lake can be supplied them on proper repre- sentations to these headquarters Page 293 C1~AP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 293 The bands of Standing Buffalo, Sweet Corn, and any other bands of Sisseton Sioux who surrender to the United States, had best be located at Devils Lake, I think, with the understanding that so long as they behave themselves and are quiet and peaceful they will be aided in every way by the military authorities, and protected in their buffalo hunts in the great~region south and southwest of Devils Lake. Possibly some place on the James River might be assigned them, but for reasons which will suggest themselves to you they should not be permitted to pass east of James River or south of the post on that river. The danger arising to them from the exasperated condition of the public mind in Minnesota, as well as danger to the people of the frontier from incursions by lawless young men of the tribe, renders it essential that these Indians be kept as far as possible from the frontier of Minnesota and Iowa. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE, Major- General, Gommanding. WASHINGTON, April 26, 18642.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: Your telegram of the 22d, asking for the removal of General Banks, was submitted to the President, who replied that he must await further information before he could act in the matter. Gen- eral Steele was at Camden on the 20th, and was informed of General Banks disaster. An order to him to return to Little Rock would probably reach him in five or six days. One to General Banks would not reach him in less than two or three weeks. This would cause a conflict in your proposed instructions to these officers, if Banks should have advanced on Shi~eveport, for Steele would then have returned to Little Rock. Would it not be better to send the instruc- tions contained in your telegram to Banks, and a copy of them to Gen- eral Steele, with orders to communicate with Banks or his successor in command, and to carry out the spirit of your instructions as in his judgment the condition of affairs at the time would require? I omitted to state that Admiral Porter says the failure of Banks ex- pedition and the withdrawal of our forces from Red River will result in the loss of nearly all of Louisiana and a part of Arkansas, where there is already a pretty strong Union sentiment. If General Banks is withdrawn from the field General Franklin will be the senior officer left. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. CULPEPER, VA., April 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, (Received 7.45 ~. in.) Chief of Staff: The way you propose to conimunicate orders to General Steele and General Banks will be better than as I directed. General Franklin is an able officer, but has been so mixed up with misfortune that I would not select him for a large separate command, but he is so muc Page 294 294 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. better than General Banks that I will feel safer with him Command- ing midst danger than the latter. I submit this, however, to the President and Secretary of War, whether the Change shall be made. I am in hopes the whole problem will be solved before orders reach. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 26, 1864. Captain DUNHAM, General Banics AStaff, Devalls Bluff: Colonel Clayton telegraphs that the train and troops on the way from Camden to Little Rock were undoubtedly all captures at Marks Mills, beyond the Saline, oii yesterday. It is important that General Banks should know this, as General Steele will be hard pressed for supplies and may be compelled to fall back. The trains lost at or near Camden and the one on yesterday cannot be replaced. If there is anything further please ask by telegraph. Respectfully, ~. D. GREEN, Assista ~it Adjutant- General. HDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, April 26, 1864. Hon. WILLIAM PITT FESSENDEN: Colonel Fessenden was wounded in the leg at the battle for the possession of Monetts Bluff, on Cane River, the 23d instant. Their position was as difficult of access as Port Hudson or Vicksbnrg, and involved the safety of our army. He led the brigade which made the assault, and his conduct receives universal comlnend%tion. His wound is not dangerous, and he is doing remarkably well. N. P. BANKS 3Ic~jor- General, Commanding. FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 27. ~ Alexandria, La., April 26, 1864. * * * * * * * 3. Brig. Gen. C. Grover will report with his division to Maj. Gen. W. B. Franklin, commanding Nineteenth Corps. This will not in- terfere with his duties as commanding post at Alexandria. * * * * * * * 5. Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts, commanding U. S. forces at Pass Cavallo, will evacuate that place so soon as practicable, reporting with the troops under his command to Major-General McCler- nand, at New Orleans, La. It is essential that this movement be made with caution and dispatch. Its details are confided to Briga- dier-General Roberts. The quartermasters department will furnish the necessary transportation. * * * * * * * 9. Brig. Gen. R. Arnold, chief of artillery, Department of the Gulf, is assigned to the duties of chief of cavalry, Department of the Gulf. He will at once detail a staff officer to take charge of his office in New Orleans. * * * * * * Page 295 CHAP. XLVI] C0RRESP0NDE11~CE, ETC.IYNION.- 112. The First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Regiments of En- gineers, Corps dAfrique, now designated as the Ninety-fifth, Ninety- sixth, Ninety-seventh, Ninety-eighth, and Ninety-ninth Th S. Jnfan~ try (colored), will perform the duties for which they were originally organized and will be subject to the orders of the chief engineer, Department of the Gulf. * * * * * * * 15. Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman will turn over his command to the senior officer present, and report.with the least possible delay to the major-general commanding, at headquarters in the field. 16. Maj~ Gen. J. A. MeClernand, having arrived at this post with a portion of his command, will resume command of the Thirteenth Army Corps, reporting direct to these headquarters. That portion of the Thirteenth Army Corps. heretofore reported to Major-General Franklin will report to Maj. Gen. J. A. M.cClernand. 17. Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts, commanding IL S. forces at Pass Cavallo, will, upon his arrival at New Orleans, turn over his com- mand to the next senior officer present, who will report with it to the major-general commanding in the field with as little delay as is pos~ sible. Brigadier-General Roberts will remain in New Orleans and await fnrther orders from these headquarters. By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- Generd~ HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEAN~4, New Orleans, April 26, l864~ Brig. Gen. WILLIAM DwIGHT, Chief of Staff; GENERAL: General Lee, recently from the front, reported to me yesterday that no more cavalry was particularly required at the front at the present moment. On inquiry to-day I find four and a half companies of Twelfth Illinois and detachment Second Maine Cavalry still here. I have countermanded the order for their move- ment to the front (except the half company), and will use all avail- able transportation for the infantry now under orders and previously reported. General B. S. Roberts has sailed for Texas. If. the cav- alry above referred to is needed, please inform me, an(l it will be forwarded as soon as the infantry has been moved. Very respectfully, & c., ~. ~. REYNOLDS, Major- General~ GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS AND U. S. FORCES IN WEST LA., No. 41. ) Alexandria, La., April 26, 1864. Thorough inspection will at once be made of all the troops of this command, with special reference to the completeness of their outfit and preparation for the field. Reports of brigade inspectors will be promptly forwarded to the acting assistant inspector-general at these headquarters, and requisitions will be made without delay for al Page 296 296 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. articles of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and ordnance which shall be fonnd to be needed for the completeness of the troops for the field. By order of Major-General Franklin: WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS Brig. Gen. WILLIAM DWIGHT, Alexandria, La., April 26, 1864. Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have the honor to report my arrival at this station with the following troops: 16th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 480 34th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry 307 47th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry 650 49th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry 404 69th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry 422 114th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry 345 Aggregate present. ......... 2,668 1st Wisconsin Battery, ~ 94 The steamer Universe, with part of the Thirty -fourth Iowa and part of the Forty-seventh Indiana and five guns of the First Wis- consin Battery, has not actually arrived but is not far behind. Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler is in immediate command. The infantry have 150 rounds of ammunition to the man and the chests of the artillery carriages are full. The force has land transportation and camp equipage for field service and is supplied with rations and for- age to the 28th instant. I have brought along in the hands of niy quarterniaster 40 teams and wagons complete, for an ordnance or general supply train for my command; also 12 ambulances and teams complete, 500 shovels, 144 chopping axes, amid 96 pickaxes. The quartermaster has forage for these teams for ten or twelve days. My medical director has brought a small stock of assorted medical stores. I am, & c., JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF Alexandria, April 26, 1864. Major-General MOCLERNAND: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of to-night, I am directed to inform you the position intended by the commanding general to be occupied by the brigade from your conimand is the wooded cypress about three-fourths of a mile from your present posi- tion and running at right angles with Bayou Rapides. The directions you have given are therefore correct. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 297 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 29~! SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 89. Alexandria, La., April 26, 1864. The Forty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry is placed temporarily under command of Brigadier-General Lawler, Command- ing Second Brigade, First Division. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. MeClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., April 26, 1864. Brigadier-General LAWLER, Commanding Second Brigade, First Division: GENERAL: Major-General McClernand directs that you will have your command, including the Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, in readiness by 8 oclock to-morrow morning to move to the front and join the rest of this corps near this place. Major Schwartz, chief of artillery and ordnance, will guide your command and point out the ground it will occupy. Very respectfully, SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Commanding Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps.~ GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you order Brigadier-General Mower, with at least 2,500 men, to occupy a posi- tion on the opposite side of the river that will protect the transports. There are heights in that vicinity which should be occupied and held by your forces. A sufficient cavalry force will be sent you to make a reconnais- sance in the direction of Mills to ascertain the movements of the enemy in that direction. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. DWIGHT, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS, Comdg. Detach. Second Div., Seventh Army Corps: I have the honor to transmit herewith Special Orders, No. 23, from these headquarters, assigniug you to the command of a detach- ment of the Second Division, Seventh Army Corps. This detach Page 298 298 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSIS$IPPI~ [CHAP. XLVI. ment is charged with the duty of escorting a train of supplies to General Steele, commanding department, at Camden. The follow~ ing troops, being the major part of the force, marched from here to-day to Pine Bluff: The Sixty-second Illinois and Twelfth Michigan Infantry, aggregating about 1,300 men; the Fifth and Eleventh Ohio Batteries, each with six pieces and about 300 men, and a detachment of cavalry, numbering some 250 men. In addition, the Third Minnesota Infantry and detachment of Third Division, 600 strong, has been ordered to report to you. So without any additional force from Pine Bluff you will have at your disposal 1,900 infantry, two batteries, and the number of cavalry named above. Arrangements are in progress to add to your com- mand 300 infantry and 200 cavalry from the force at Pine Bluff, giving you an aggregate of upward of 3,000 men, well proportioned from the different arms of the service. You will proceed to Pine Bluff by steamer, taking with you the Third Minnesota Infantry. Colonel Clayton, commanding at that point, will have instructions to give you all the men he can, and these will probably at least equal the number above mentioned. Please say to Colonel Clayton that it is my wish that he should accompany your command and give you the benefit of his valuable services; but I will not send any order for him to do so, leaving it entirely to his judgment whether he can be of more service with you or in command of his post. You will please see personally to the prompt loading of the supply train, and if you can possibly augment your transportation at Pine Bluff you will spare no efforts to take every pound of subsistence l)ossible to the front. By General Steeles orders each regiment of infantry is to have two wagons, each battery one, and as cavalry has been added to the command a proportionate ratio of transportation should be furnished for it. In addition, four wagons are furnished for hospital and medical stores, and there is also an ambulance train. Bear in mind that the troops are in no case to have more transportation than has been stipulated by the commanding general. You will move from Pine Bluff with three days rations carried by the men, and after that you are to draw from the train for subsistence. There is also a quantity of ammunition going forward; the careful management of this should command your attention. Please consult Colonel Clay- ton about the readiest method of improvising a bridge at the Saline. I judge that he is well informed on the subject by a dispatch received from him to-day. I feel that it is scarcely necessary to remind you to avail yourself of every opportunity to subsist upon and draw forage from the country through which you travel, nor from personal conversation with yourself I am convinced that I cannot now any more strongly impress upon you the necessity that those supplies must be got to, or at least toward, General Steele at all hazards. Please communi- cate your progress at Pine Bluff by telegraph, and subsequently by such opportunities as may present themselves. Wishing you every suct~ess, and knowing that whatever betides you and your command will acquit themselves with honor, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Gommanding Page 299 CHAP. XLVI.] 299 CORRESPONDENCE, .UNION. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, & C., No. 86. * Little Rock, Ark., April 26, 1864. * * * * * * ILL Brig. Gen. C. C. Andrews, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from the command of the post of Little Rock, and will report with- out delay to Brig. Gen. J oseph R. West, commanding troops, & c., for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele; W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DETACH. 7TH ARMY CORPS, No. 12. Little Rock, Ark., April 26, 1864. I. Pnrsnant to paragraphs IX and 7K of Special Orders, No. 85, from headquarters Department of Arkansas, dated the 2Dth instant, the undersigned hereby relieves Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball, U. S. Volunteers, and assumes command of the troops along and north of the line of the Arkansas River. II. The following staff officers are announced: First Lieut. Samuel T. Brush, Eighteenth Illinois infantry, acting assistant adjutant-gen- eral; First Lient. Orland W. Barrett, One hundred aiid sixth Illinois Infantry, acting assistant quartermaster, chief quartermaster; First Lient. John S. McClintock, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, acting commissary of subsistence, chief commissary; First Lieut. Charles E. McDougall, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, acting assistant inspect- or-general; Surg. Henry W. Davis, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, chief of medical staff; First Lient. J. Francisco Guirado, First Cavalry, California Volunteers, aide-de-camp; First Lieut. Eben C. Litherland, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, acting aide-de-camp. Coin- munications to these headquarters will be addressed to Lient. Sam- uel T. Brush, acting assistant adjutant-general. Communications on business relating to the staff departments must be addressed to the respective officers above announced to receive attention. III. Orderly hours for citizens on business will be from 2.30 to 4 p. m. daily, Sundays excepted. ~ R. WEST, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, April 26, 1864. Col. JAMES M. TRUE, Comdg. Detach. Second Div., Seventh Army Corps: We have sad news to-day. Colonel McLeans brigade, 240 wagons, and five pieces of artillery were overpowered by the enemy day before yesterday between the crossing of the Saline and Camden. It behooves you to be on the alert, and at all times, day and night, pre- pared for active resistance. You have with you about all the avail- able transportation left in the department. The imminency of the case should command your attention, as it will, doubHess, your best efforts to secure the safety of your command. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 300 300 LOU [SIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPT. ICRAP. XLVI. LITTLE ROCK, April 26, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON, Commanding, Pine Bluff: By orders from Department of Arkansa,s I have succeeded Gen- eral Kimball. Maintain the crossing of the Saline; preserve the bridge. Use all the force at your command for this purpose. Reply and tell me how your forces are disposed of, infantry and cavalry. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 26, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON Commandi~g, Pine Bluff: Two thousand infantry, two batteries of artillery, and the Fifth Kansas Cavalry left for Pine Bluff early this morning. They go through light Respectfully, W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 26, 1864. Col. POWELL CLAYTON Commanding, Pine Bluff, Ark.: Dispatch received; 2,500 men are on the way to Pine Bluff to escort a train of supplies, thence to General Steele. Can you strengthen it by 200 cavalry and 300 infantry? It should go as strong as possible. Your front will be free as long as this force is in advance. I rely upon your assurance that the Saline can be crossed without delay. Can you give Mrs. McLean any informa- tion about her husbands position? J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 26, 1864. Col. W. F. GEIGER, Gommanding, Devalls Bluft Ark.: By orders from headquarters Department of Arkansas, I have succeeded General Kimball. Has the Tycoon gone? If not, detain her until I can communicate with you again. J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 26, 1864. Col. W. R. JuDsoN, Comdg. District of the Frontier, Fort Smith, Ark.: By orders from headquarters Department of Arkansas I have suc- ceeded General Kimball. Now that the river is up, would it not be well to withdraw the troops from Roseville and strengthen Clarks- ville with them? J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 301 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 301 LEAVENWORTH, April 26, 1864. General ROSECRANS: I have the following dispatch from Fort Gibson: INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, April 23, 1864. Major-General CURTIS: SIR: I have already sent you two telegrams from Fort Smith. Thought Quan- trill was going to Kansas. He had gone up on Grand River and, by night marches, I sent several small columns (I had only infantry) to meet him at daybreak on Prices Creek. It has rained hard for two days. The rivers are rising. Adair, who had 320 men, had been driven across Illinois River about Tahlequah, and has gone east. Seeing himself about to be taken between the rivers, Quantrill crossed the Verdigris and Arkansas by a forced march last night. The rivers are up this morn- ing. My scouts were on his trail at daybreak, 20 miles southwest, across Arkansas River again. I have a force over there under Captain Kaufman that may meet him. Suffering here for the train. Respectfully, W. A. PHILLIPS, Colonel, Commanding. Adair, as you see, moved east. He may come up toward Missouri or Arkansas, but the rise has induced Quantrill to return, and Adair may also. Who knows ~ S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. ~HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Maj. ~. D. GREENE, IVarrensburg, ilfo., April 26, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General, Saint Louis, Mo.: MAJOR: I have the honor to request that the major-general com- manding will order, from State arms, that 1,000 stand with equip- ments be sent to Col. J. F. Philips, commanding Second Sub-Dis- trlct, at Sedalia, in order that the citizens may be armed either as militia or, if preferred, as citizen guards, in case the movement of Jackman and others should render it necessary for the better pro- tection of the country. The citizen guards will probably be the best organization to arm, as the basis, if not all, are loyal, while the Iflilitia will be made up of all citizens capable of bearing arms, and will undoubtedly have much disloyal element in it. The officers, who have been, are generally responsible parties and will naturally be elected captains of the companies of Enrolled Missouri Militia (when organized) in many cases. Double-barreled guns, with buck- shot cartridges, would be the most effective weapon in the hands of the citizens. A statement of the several organizations of citizen guards~ is being prepared and will be forwarded to department headquarters, for the information of the major-general command- ing, as SOOll as possible. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteer8, Commanding. HDQRS. FOURTH SUB-DIST., DIST. OF CENTRAL Mo., Kansas City, Mo., April 26, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Kansas City: SIR: You will on the receipt of this immediately prepare your com- mand for moving at a brief notice, and maintain extreme vigilanc Page 302 302 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. against surprise, keeping out some mounted pickets to watch the approach of any armed bodies of guerrillas who may be coming up from the south. You will also prepare yourself to turn over to the assistant quartermaster at Kansas City all your tents, camp, cloth- ing, & c., garrison equipage and quartermasters stores except one tent for officers of eac]i company, and the necessary cooking uten- sils, picks, spades, axes, & c., and in lieu of your tents, to draw shel- ter-tents when the assistant quartermaster can supply them. A body of guerrillas, we are advised, is moving up from the south toward the Sni Hills. Keep a good lookout. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EI)WARD L. BERTHOUD, First Lieutenant and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., April 26, 1864. Maj. M. I3URCH, Commanding at Neosho, Mo.: MAJOR: I am advised by Colonel Phillips, commanding at Fort Gibson, that Colonel Adair with 325 men crossed the Illinois River above Talilequah on the 23d instant. He may attempt to come north into Missouri. I think you should keep your scouts well out to the southwest and south, and be prepared for him if he comes. Call cit- izens to your aid if you need them. Quantrill has been up Grand River, but Colonel Phillips reports that he has returned and re- crossed the Arkansas. I will have more forces in your section as soon as grass grows a little more. Hold your forces well in hand and keep ready for any emergency in the mean time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. - FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 26, 1864. (Received 5.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Colonel Phillips telegraphs as follows :* * I * * * * * * I supposed from this that high water and the colonels move- ments have induced the rebels to fall back south of the Arkansas. While in my command I urged the mounting of the Indian brigade on ponies I again recommend it. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 26, 1864. General CURTIS, Leavenworth, Kans.: General Sanborn says the Clarksville meant is 8 miles south of the Arkansas River. Your dispatch received. Thank you. Will give you any intelligence I get from that quarter. W. S. ROSIECRANS, Major- General. * See Phillips to Curtis, April 23, p. 301 Page 303 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, FTC. UNION. 303 FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS J. MCKEAN: Colonel Phillips telegraphs as follows : * * * * * * * * By this I suppose the enemy has fallen back south of the Ar kansas. Humboldt was probably their objective point. Press the block-house and try to increase forces in that region. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. J. MCKEAN: You see by last report from Colonel Phillips that Captain Adair with about 300 had gone east from Tahleqnah. Genera1 Rosecrans also reports over 100 passed Clarksville, Ark., on their way to Mis- souri. You see, therefore, a force may be moving toward Southeast Kansas. The rains and high rivers may induce them to fall back as Quantrill did. You must, however, be on the alert. Can you do anything in the way of a block-house or redoubt, to make a small force competent to repulse cavalry? We must so arrange as to have some disposable movable force. You need a good colonel stationed at or near Humboldt. with men sufficient to take the field with mountain howitzers. I am also anxious about Fort Lamed and the Santa F6 road. Have you done anything in that (lirection? I know you need more forces, but xve must watch and fight as best we can. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 26, 1864. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding, that on 13th instant I received a very hastily written letter from Capt. George L. Sanborn, commanding Camp Sanborn, Fremonts Orchard, Cob. Ter., stating that he had received information from L. A. Ripley, of the Bijon Creek, that the Indians had been taking stock and committing depredations on the ranches of that creek. That on 12th instant he sent Lieutenant Dunn, with 40 men of Companies H and C, to recover the stock. That Lieu- tenant Dunn with party had a fight with the Indians, in which sev- eral of them were killed, and 4 of Lieutenant Dunns men wounded (2 having since died). See copy of Lieutenant Dunns report, dated Camp Sanborn, April 18, 1864, marked A ;t also report of expedition commanded by same officer, dated April 18, 1864, marked B. t There appearing to be some uncertainty as to which tribe the Indians belonged who were engaged in these depredations, and to provide for all emergencies, on the 16tl~ instant I ordered Major D owning, First Cavalry of Colorado, to take charge of the opera * See Phillips to Curtis, April 23, p. 301. t See Part I, pp. 884, 887 Page 304 804 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVJ tions against them. See copy of his report, inclosed herewith, marked C. ~ The implements sent to these headquarters are some arrows of the kind used by the Cheyennes and Kiowas, a lance (Cheyenne) and a carbine pistol marked U. S., manufactured at Springfield, 1855, carrying an ounce ball. The command of Major Downing has, as far as practicable, been supplied with requisite equipment, and every precaution will be taken to protect the settlers and emigrants, and to punish severely the Indians who have coin- mitted the depredations, unless otherwise ordered by the conimand- ing general. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District. JUNCTION RANCH, April 26, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIVINGTON, First ~iJavalry of Colorado, Commanding District: COLONEL: Not hearing anything from you at Camp Sanborn, I came down here last evening. Have sent detachments down the road at different points. Upon my arrival here I learned that they had discovered C heyennes below, and had gone in pursuit. A messenger was seiit to me, but passed me on the way down, having taken a dif- ferent road. Everything looks prosperous, as far as I can learn, for them to overhaul them this time. If anything occurs before I reach them or after will telegraph you. Has the quartermaster sent down those articles I called for, and do you intend to send more troops down here? I would like to go over to the Republican after them, while I think it important to pursue them on this road to keep them from committing depredations here. The Platte is rising rapidly and probably we will be unable to ford it in a short tinie. Shall I order Captain Sanborn to cross the river while he can and camp near IFre- monts Orchard? I have iio idea how long this affair will last, though the Indians have a big scare and it is hard to find them. I think my only chance is in having detachments along the road. If you think of any improvement, I hope you will let me know. I have tried to write all the particulars. Hoping to hear from you soon by telegraph, I remain, yours, J. DOWNING, Major First Cavalry of Colorado. Capt. JOHN WILLANS, OMAHA, NEBR. TER., April 26, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Kansas: I have just received the following dispatch from Colonel Collins, which I forward to you for consideration: FORT LARAMIE, April 25, 1864. General R. B. MITCHELL: I avail myself of Superintendent Creightons leave to telegraph without charge as to some matters requiring immediate attention, details of which could not be compressed in a short dispatch. Immigration is coming rapidly; trouble with In- *See p. 250 Page 305 CHAP. XLVI.] COR~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 305 dians may be expected, and I need power or instructions. You have probably sent orders or information as to your plans, but nothing has been received except two or three telegrams as to side matters. Applications are being made for escorts through Idaho. Shall I furnish them when it would be unsafe for emigrants to go without, or let them go forward unprotected with a certainty that I shall be called upon when too late to render assistance, as was the case last year? A large party is coming from Denver to go a new route from the Platte to the mines, crossing Big Horn and Yellowstone. Colonel Chivington, commanding Colorado District, has assured them I would furnish military escorts. Other trains are coming with same object. The route will be at least 200 miles shorter, through a country which ought to be opened, but a strong military party will be necessary. I can furnish an ample one and leave men enough to guard posts and do other duty, especially after the recruits on the way arrive. I should like to go myself at least part of the way, to insure the best route, prevent difficulties with Indians, or be ready to pun- ish them if necessary. Allow me to say that I have devoted the last two years to understanding this country and its peculiar service, and may be supposed to know something of its necessities, and my officers and men are equal to any duty here. General Curtis kindly wrote me to communicate directly with him on any impor- taut subject, but I prefer doing so through you. Should you doubt your power to give me the necessary authority, will you send him this with such suggestions as you think fit? In this mountain service it is better to lead than follow immigration. Could I have my way, it should be sifted, controlled, and guided on designated routes; not permitted to run wild and make trouble. The principal [sic] in Ne- braska District is Idaho. Could not your headquarters be moved to Laramie so that you could direct it? Deserters and secessionists are thronging into the Terri- tory, and even good men make trouble through ignorance. My men should be employed. There is work enough here, and we are anxious to be useful. Escorts from the east are humbugs, for private benefit only. Mr. Creighton will send this to General Curtis without charge. Please suggest that he do so, that I may have immediate information as to what I am to do. WM. 0. COLLINS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment and Post. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. B. MITCHELL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, illircn., April 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, llfilwaulcee: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of 22d instant. I must have been very unfortunate in expressing myself in my last dispatch, to which yours was intended to reply, if you were led to fear that there would be any delay in the movements of the force from this district to join General Sully which could be avoided by human efforts or energy. Nor did I intend, by using the term depot, to convey any other meaning than that a particular point on the upper Minnesota River would be designated as a poilit of concentration for the column, the compa- nies to compose which, being required to move from opposite and different directions, must necessarily have a specified rendezvous from which to march. I have selected Camp Pope (of 1863) as the most conveuient spot for that purpose, and my intention is that the force shall move on 28th May from there, if the animals can possibly subsist on the grass and the horses arrive here in time. Thus far only 492 of the latter have been received at Fort Snelling, and 200 are now on their way from La Crosse. I trust they will be shipped more rapidly, so as to avoid delay on that score. I have never failed you yet, gen- 20 R RVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 306 306 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPi. [CHAP. XLVI. eral, in obeying your orders punctually as to time and every other particular, aud I beg you to dismiss from yonr mind any uneasiness or apprehension as to the arrival of the forces from this district at the designated point of junction with General Sully. My under- standing with him is that my detachment will be there on 20th June, and I intend it shall be. I shall probably superintend the departure in person. The last reports from above are of date 19th instant, from Major Brown, at Fort Abercrombie. A half-breed scout had arrived who stated that the understanding is among the upper bands that the Yanktonais are decided in their hostility. There were a good many Indians on the James River near Bone Hill. The Sissetons had not as yet given their reply to the conditions upon which peace would be granted them, Major Browns scouts sent to communi- cate with them having been detained by a severe snow-storm, which covered the ground to the depth of 2 feet. I shall probably have their reports within a week. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, 111mm., April 26, 1864. Maj. J. R. BROWN, Special iMiilitary Agent, Fort Abercrombie: MAJOR: Your two dispaP~hes of 19th instant, with inclosure, have been received at these headquarters. The scouts should have been taken up on the acting assistant quartermasters rolls as intended, and much trouble would thereby have been saved. The xill sent down should have been in duplicate, and must be before the amount will be paid. Major Camp will be applied to to certify as to the services rendered. The late season to which the Sissetons have delayed their submission may operate very disastrously upon them, for Indians of whatever bands found within the prohibited country, unless employed as scouts by the Government, will be treated as enemies. These Sissetons, by thus halting between two opinions, may bring destruction on their own heads. So soon as you have heard from the scouts and have accomplished all that can be done you will report in person at these headquarters, as Colonel Thomas is exceedingly anxious that you accompany him on the expedition to the upper Missouri. It is to be hoped that Major Hatchs command will soon arrive and relieve the companies of the Eighth Regiment now in garrison at Fort Abercrombie. By command of Brigadier-General Sibley: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. OLIN, A8sistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, April 27, 186411.35 a. m. Major-General BANKS, I)epartment of the Gulf, via Cairo, Ill.: Lieutenant-General Grant directs that, on the receipt of this order, you will return yourself immediately to New Orleans, and mak Page 307 CilAp. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 307 preparations to carry out his previous instructions the moment your troops return to that place. The troops in the field will be left under command of the senior officer, with instructions, if Shreveport has been taken and a junction formed with General Steele, to leave Gen- eral Steele, with all of General Smiths troops, if necessary, and the navy to hold the line of Red River. If, when this is received, you shall have failed to accomplish the object of your campaign by securing Red River to Shreveport, you will direct the officer left in command to see the gun-boats safely out of Red River as soon as possible, and then return all the troops rapidly to where they be- long, General Steele returning to and holding the line of the Arkan- sas. A copy of this dispatch will be sent to General Steele, via Little Rock, with instructions to communicate with you as early as possible. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS AND U. S. FORCES IN WEST LA., No. 43. ) Alexandria, La.., April 27, 1864. The advance of the army in its march from Grand Ecore to this place having been accompanied by indiscriminate marauding and incendiarism, disgraceful to the army of a civilized nation, and no clue having hitherto been found by which the guilty parties can be detected, a reward of $500 is hereby offered for such evidence as will convict the accnsed of incendiarism before a general court-mar- tial, to be paid to the person furnishing the evidence upon the con- viction of the accused. By order of Major-General Franklin: WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 3D Div., 13TH ARMY CORPS, No. 34. Alexandria, La., April 27, 1864. The undersigned hereby assumes command of the Third Divis- ion, Thirteenth Army Corps, and announces no changes in the staff. T. H. BRJNGHURST, Colonel, Commanding Division. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 3D Div., 13TH ARMY CORPS, No. 35. Alexandria, La., April 27, 1864. The undersigned hereby reassumes command of this division, and announces the following-named officers on duty at headquarters: Capt. Oscar Mohr, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, acting assistant ad- jutant-general. Capt. G. A. Norton, assistant quartermaster, quartermaster. Capt. J. T. Haskell, conimissary of subsistence, commissary of subsistence Page 308 308 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. First Lieut. E. H. Funston, Sixteenth Ohio Battery, acting ord- nance officer. Second Lient. H. H. Hyatt, Twenty-fourth Indiana, aide-de-camp. Second Lient. W. E. Dougherty, First U. S. Infantry, assistant commissary of musters. R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, April 27, 1864. Col. T. G. BLACK, Commanding Detachment Cavalry Division: Please send a cavalry force of 50 men, or as many as you can spare less than that (but 50 if possible), to cover the approaches to this point from toward Benton. They will remain out until to-mor- row evening. As Captain Bunner is out they must be certain not to mistake him for the enemy during the night. Have this force in the saddle as soon after this reaches you as possible, and with as little noise and confusion. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS Little Rock, April 27, 1864. Capt. BYRON 0. CARR,, Chief Quartermaster of Department: CAPTAIN: Please send a special train to-night to Devalls Bluff to bring to this point a battery of six rifled pieces. A detail will be at the ferry landing at 6 oclock to-morrow morning ready to go to the opposite side to handle the pieces. My cavalry are failiiig every hour for want of long forage. If you can bring over from the Bluff, say, 30 bales of hay, by this special train, it will relieve us greatly. Please notify Lieutenant Barrett, chief quartermaster of my staff, if you do so. What we lack in numbers in cavalry it will be desirable to make up in efficiency, and if you can keep me supplied with hay for one week it will prove of inestimable service. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., A Col. POWELL CLAYTON, pril 27, 1864. Commanding, Pine Bluff: General A~idrews left here this morning. Please advise with him and furnish him the re-enforcements. Mrs. McLean is under many obligations to you. J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Comn~andiwj Page 309 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 309 WASHINGTON, D. C., April 27, 186410.30 a. m. Brig. Gen. J. W. DAVIDSON, Saint Louis, Mo.: The Third Iowa Cavalry will be prepared for the field and sent to Memphis. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Fort Leavenworth, April 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Commanding Department of the Missourt: GENERAL: This will be handed you by Major Bowen, paymaster, a very worthy and prominent gentleman of my State of Iowa. He may desire an escort, and I hope you will furnish it, to pass him throDgh your department. I would furnish it myself, but fear such a squad would advertise the object of the paymaster to bush- whackers and endanger the funds on their return trip. I desire, gen- eral, a copy of my official correspondence, most; of which I have; but there is lacking the correspondence occurring between the 22d of November, 1862, to February 2, 1863. The great desire and oppor- tunity to misunderstand and mystify motives and actions of officers holding important commands make such records constantly neces- sary for reference, and I must have them near me to give satisfactory answers to inquiries constantly made of me. It is not a personal but a public interest that is niainly subserved. I have a nephew, a clerk in the office of Major Dunn, who would be competent to select the letters, orders, and telegrams that have such importance as to merit such a special care by me. The Indian country has been attached to the Arkansas Depart- ment, the troops having been drawn away from mine. Our line on the Arkansas River is therefore entirely out of our control and very poorly guarded, hence the convenient move of Quantrill and others in this direction. High water and Colonel Phillips have checked present operations, but we may expect trouble from that quarter. I have for duty only 4,320 troops in my whole department, spread over ttis vast country and including troops on overland route, Santa P6 road, and in Colorado. I name this to you, that you may perceive my inability to meet expectations and support your exer- tions. But you may be sure, general, of a hearty co-operation and cordial response to your demands. I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant, S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 27, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING: I would not advise taking any force from here while affairs are so threatening. We have not over 550 effective men here. This is the depot for this whole country and ought to be well guarded. J. B. ROGERS, Colonel, Commanding Page 310 310 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 27, 1864k Brigadier-General EwING, Commanding: There is but one company of artillery here now since Company A left, besides the Battery G, who are not armed with muskets. Shall send them. There is a rumor here to-night that the enemy are moving on Bloomfield or this place. I think it wild, but have just sent for the man who brought it, and will report. Could you not send me the three companies of the First Missouri State Militia under Lieutenant-Colonel Herder? This would be better than mov- ing our artillery, as then our guns would be useless and there is too much good property here to risk too weakly guarded. If this re- port is true, they are in sufficient force to threaten us seriously. They are said to be very strong. If there is any reliability in it I will telegraph you again to-night. J. B. ROGERS, Colonel. SAINT Louis, April 27, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pilot Knob: Colonel Rogers telegraphs from Cape Girardean that the enemy. are reported in strong force below him. He does not say where, but I suppose it is in the direction of Gainesville, Ark. Order command- ing officer at Patterson to send out scouts south and east, and if he has any reason to suppose that the enemy are threatening Bloom- field to re-enforce it. Send Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews or Major Montgomery to Patterson to-morrow with his command, and let him get there by dark. Keep the rest of your command ready to march at a moments notice. I want an answer as to the company at Cen- treville. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. SAINT Louis, April 27, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Cape Girardeam: Your dispatches of to-night surprise me. With the abundant cavalry force at your command you should keep advised of the movements and strength of the enemy below you towards Gaines- ville. I would judge from your dispatches that you regarded your- self as in danger of siege at Cape Girardean. I wish you to find the enemy, and unless he is much too strong, attack him; dont wait to be attacked unless he is greatly superior in strength to you. I wish you to understand distinctly that no circumstances will justify you in the loss of the little garrison at J3loomfield; therefore you must keep your reconnoitering parties well out in front of the garrison so as to give it timely notice of the approach of an enemy and of his strength, so they can fall back to Cape Girardeau or Patterson if in danger of being overpowered. I have telegraphed commanding officer at Patterson to re-enforce Bloomfield if he learns it is i Page 311 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 311 danger of attack, and have telegraphed commanding officer at Bloomfield to notify officer at Patterson of snch danger. The First Missonri State Militia Infantry cannot be relieved from provost duty. Keep me fully advised night and day THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. MACON CITY, Mo., April 27, 1864. Col. 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General: On the 20th of this month 3 armed men entered the town of Hun- newell, on the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad, in Shelby County. The citizens telegraphed to me to know if they should arrest them. I answered, yes, of course. They collected together about 6 strong and proceeded to make the arrest. It was resisted, and during the shooting which took place 1 of the desperadoes was killed, 1 named Henry Snider was captured, and 1 escaped. One citizen was killed and 2 seriously wounded; 1 of the latter is not expected to live. Snider was sent to me. Immediately after receiv- ing him I received a dispatch from General Fisk, ordering him to be tried by drum-head court-martial, and if found guilty to be shot. I called together 5 of my most discreet officers, who took testimony for and against him and found him guilty of being a guerrilla and of being accessory to the murder. General Fisk is absent from the district, and I consequently refer the matter directly to department headquarters. Shall I proceed to execute the order of General Fisk? DAN. M. DRAPER, Lieut. Col. Ninth Car., Missouri State Militia, Comdg. Post. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 27, 1864. Col. JAMES H. FORD, Kansas City: Colonel Blair telegraphs from Fort Scott as follows: Seventy men, supposed to be rebels from their dress, horses, and accouterments, passed north 30 miles from this place on the 2~th, heading toward Boonville, Mo. S. S. CURTIS, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS STATION, Hickman Mills, Mo., April 27, 1864. Lient. E. L. BERTHOUD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Kansas City, Mo.: SIR: I have the honor to report the acknowledgments of receipt of dispatches was forwarded at 8 ocfock this a. in., per special mes- senger. Lieutenant Evens acknowledgments were duly received at this station in time to have been forwarded per same, but owing to my neglect were overlooked. I send per regular military express. Page 312 [CHAP. XLVI 312 LOUISIANX AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Have the country patroled from the Harrisonville road, running south from here, to the Pleasant Hill road; running southeast, and from that to the Independence road, running northeast. These roads command all approaches from the south, east, and north. Shall have everything ready td move at any time after 12 m. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. D. JANES, Lieutenant, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI Dr. ~. ~. HOLLAND, Warrensburg, Mo., April 27, 1864. Clinton, Henry County, Mo.: DocToR: Your favor of the 23d instant has been received. I do not think it is best to break up the organization at Calhoun, as the officers and most of the company are reliable Union men. This had better be understood at once, and thus it will be known that it is permanent and your matters will become settled. Your efforts and representations will have a good effect in accomplishing this, and as it is for the public good, I do not think I am mistaken when I say that I rely on your assistance in the attempt to aeconiplish it. To break up the present organizations, in any case, would lead to strife between loyal men, which I hope will be prevented in this hour of disaster to our arms. The Government needs an undivided support from its friends now more than ever. Upon the receipt of the names of the rebels who are in the company and the necessary proof of disloyalty I will order their names stricken from the rolls. This I have done in other cases, with good results, and I have no doubt it will be equally beneficial in Henry County. I ani, very truly, your obedient servant, B. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Major-General ROSECRANS, COLDWATER, MICH., April 27, 1864. Saint Louis, Mo.: I shall reach my headquarters, Saint Joseph, on Saturday, 30th instant, Shall remain a a or two in Northeast Missouri. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 27, 186411.10 a. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, C~ulpeper: Geiieuial Curtis telegraphs that Quantrill with 325 men were on the Arkansas River threatening Kansas. He asks for authority to niount his Indian brigade on ponies. What answer shall be given? H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff Page 313 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRI~SPONDI~NCI~, I~TC.tTI~ION. 313 CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 27, 1864. (Received 5 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff: I see no objection to General Curtis monnting as many men on ponies as may be necessary. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. FORT SCOTT, April 27, 1864. Capt. G. S. HAMPTON: The following dispatch by messenger was received late last night: HEADQUARTERS INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, April 22. Colonel BLAIR, Commanding: SIR: Col. William Penn Adair fled in the night across Illinois River, which was rising fast; it is past fording. He thinks of going toward Bentonville and New- tonia. The streams here are rising fast. I concentrated all I could spare and by night marches sent my infantry after Quantrill, with the few mounted men I could raise. Seeing he was about to be corralled Quantrill, crossed Verdigris last night and crossed Arkansas River 30 miles above. My scouts followed his trail going southeast. I have a good force south of the river that may meet him. The line is again clear. Quantrills design~was to enter Kansas. We are suffering for the want of the supply train. Respectfully, & c., WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS. CHAS. W. BLAIR, Colonel, Commanding First Brigade. FORT SCOTT, April 27, 1864. General MCKEAN: I dont think Quantrill intended to strike Kansas at all. It looks to me as if he proposed hanging on the Santa F6 road, west of the settlement, and robbing the ontgoing and incoming trains. If this be so he will strike again and cross further west. It may be well to see if any protection can be afforded to such trains. CHARLES W. BLAIR, C~olonel, Commanding First Brigade. PAOLA, KANS., April 27, 186412 m. Major-General CURTIS, Coindg. Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: Colonel Phillips, on the 22d, reports to Colonel Blair by messenger in substance what you have already received by telegraph in regard to movements below. Two additional companies have been sent to Pleasant Grove. Humboldt now secnre against a larger force than reported to be moving north. THOS. J. MCKEAN, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding District Page 314 314 LOUISiANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. JUNCTION STATION, April 27, 1864. Col. J. M. CHIVINGT6N, First Cavalry of Colorado, Comdg. District: COLONEL: As I wrote you a few days since, I stationed one de- tachment at the Junction ranch and one at Moore and Kelleys. In consequence of the detachment at the Junction being unable to ob- tain forage, they moved down to Moore and Keileys. They had scarcely got there when they learned that a party of Cheyennes were near, who had stolen about $800 worth of horses of Moore and Kel- ley, when they immediately pursued them, and when about 25 miles south and toward the Republican, reached their lodges, with every- thing in them, but no Indians. They destroyed eleven lodges, with the cooking utensils, imple- ments for dressing hides, & c., besides capturing a large number of buffalo robes, many of which, however, were not dressed. The In- dians have gone toward the Republican. I have telegraphed you for more troops. If you cannot spare them I will try and get along without Them. The amount of duty to perform is so great that I fear the men will all be afoot. We can whip theni easy enough with our present command, but I cannot successfully pursue them. I am afraid that if we do not stop the thing here soon we will have the Sioux to fight also, which I do not wish, if 1 can avoid it, till we get through with the Cheyennes. Hoping this will be satisfactory, I remain, yours, & c., J. DOWNING, Major First Cavalry of Colorado. In this affair Lieutenant Dunn and Chase were commanding the d~tachments. They are both doing well. We are going over to Cedar Bluffs, north of this, to-day, when I will be able to report something better. J.D. IIDQRS. DIsT. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST Saint Paul, Miinn., April 27, 1864. Col. FREDERICK MYERS, Chief Q. 111., Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee: COLONEL: If the horses are not forwarded more rapidly the ex- pedition will be delayed. Up to 25th less than 700 were received, including 200 last shipped from La Crosse. H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HIQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF TIlE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Miun., April 27, 1864. - Col. M. T. THOMAS, Commanding First Sub-District, Saint Cloud: COLONEL: You will receive for your guidance a copy of the special order issued 26th instant, designating the forces to compose the column to join Brigadier-General Sullys command on the Missouri River. You will at once dispatch ccipies of so much of that order as may be necessary to those officers in your sub-district whose co Page 315 ChAP. XLVI.] OOR1U~SPONDENCI~, ETO.UNION. 315 mands are embraced in it, so that there may be perfect concert of action when the period for concentration at Sauk Centre shall arrive. The troops in garrison who are specified as a part of the expeditionary forces will march to that point as they are successively relieved. The stations at Pomme de Terre and Alexandria will be occupied by detachments of Major Hatchs battalion, that officer having already been so instructed. A small detachment will be left in garrison at Sank Centre, probably not more than 25 or 30 men, and the post at Fort Ripley will be garrisoned by those men of your regiment who are not fit for active duty in the field, as specified in same order. The brigadier-general commanding depends upon you to exercise the strictest scrutiny in the examination of the several companies of your regiment, so that none be taken on the expedition but men in sound and healthy condition, so that the column be not encumbered on the march with invalids. The men left behind will be useful in performing indispensable garrison duty. Company F, of the Eighth Regiment, except such men as are required to secure the public property while in process of transportation from Princeton, will be dispatched in due time to aid in taking charge of the horses for the regiment, and it may be that detachments from other companies will also be necessary for the same purpose. You will be duly notified on this point when the horses shall have been received at Fort Snelling. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. OLIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, liiliinn., April 27, 1864. Maj. J. R. BROWN, Special Military Agent, Fort Abercrombie: MAJOR: Since my dispatch to you of 26th instant, General Sib- ley, in reply to his representations of the friendly disposition of the Sissetons, and their probable unconditional submission to the Gov- ernment, has received instructions from Major-General Pope, a copy* of which is herewith inclosed, which will serve to show you that the superior military authority of this department not only intends that the bands who thus return to their allegiance to the Government shall be protected, but that they shall also receive such aid in procur- ing seed-corn as may be requisite. General Sibley trusts that ere this the Sissetons, at least, will have tendered their full consent to the con- ditions proposed to them as the p rice of peace, as every day of delay in their so doing is fraught with danger to them. Should you find further opportunity to communicate with them, you will not fail to bring to their knowledge such portions of General Popes instructions as will serve to ,impress them with the merciful intentions of the Government toward those Indians who comply promptly with the terms heretofore proffered them. The location of such is fixed, as you have before been informed, at Devils Lake. By command of Brigadier-Gen~ral Sibley: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. OLIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. * See Pope to Sibley, April 2~3, p. 292 Page 316 316 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVL CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 28, 186411 p. m (Received 1 a. in., 29th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: General Banks dispatch of the 17th received. * I do not see that better orders can be given than those sent a few days ago. If Gen- eral Banks has not advanced on Shreveport aild beaten the enemy then Steele will be exposed to a superior force as to make it necessary to re-enforce him. I would order in this event A. J. Smiths whole force to General Steele. General Banks, by his failure, has absorbed 10,000 veteran troops that should now be with General Sherman and 30,000 of his own that would have been moving toward Mobile, and this without accomplishing any good result. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Lieutenant-General GRANT, ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 28, 1864. Commanding U. S. Army: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I arrived here yester- day morning in eight and a half days from Washington. I immedi- ately had an interview with General Banks, and delivered him your communications. 1 regret very much to find affairs here in a very complicated, perplexing, and precarious situation. You have, of course, had the particulars of the fights. The situation at present is this: We have some six, eight, or ten gun-boats, among them two monitors, above the rapids, with no possibility of getting them out. The whole question is, then, reduced to this: Shall we destroy the gun-boats or lose the services at this critical period of the war of the 20,000 men necessary to take care of them? My opinion is, of course to destroy the boats. Why this expedition was ordered I cannot imagine. General Banks assures me it was undertaken against his opinion and earnest protest. The result is certainly a very sad one. I shall communicate from day to day anything of interest which may occur. 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, D. HUNTER,~ Major- General. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 28, 1864. Admiral FARRAGUT, or OFFICER COMMANDING FLEET AT NEW ORLEANS: ADMIRAL: Admiral Porters fleet is above the rapids, and cannot fall below on account of the low stage of water. There are but few boats between Alexandria and the mouth of the river. It is desira- ble that you should send such boats as can navigate the river for the purpose of keeping open our communications. The enemy threaten this line in considerable force. I beg your immediate attention to this subject. Our situation is in nowi ~emb arrassing, except that the fleet is detained above the rapids, and the movements *See Part I, p. 187 Page 317 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 317 of the army are dependent upon its relief. The army is in excellent spirits and condition, and fears nothing. The enemy is reported in force about us, and it is quite probable that we may have a general are fully prepared. engagement within a few days, for which we N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. P. 8.I amullable to suggest the number of boats or their dranght; they should, however, be of sufficient strength to vindicate our possession of the river. hEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. Hon. B. F. FLANDERS, Agent Treasury Department, New Orleans: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, deliv- er~ed to me yesterday by Mr. Hutchins, dated New Orleans, April 22, and to express my high gratification at the desire it manifests to place the commerce of the department upon some general basis in which we can all unite. I am reluctant to undertake to designate aiiy individuals as agents or managers of the general trade. There are various reasons against such a course, but that which weighs most strongly against me is that I am disinclined to it. I believe our affairs are now in such condition that the additional trade regu- lations of the 26th of January can be officially promulgated, and have issued orders to that effect, intending that they shall take effect from this date. For that purpose they will be posted here at once. The quartermaster will be instructed to assist in its execution as far as consistent with the public service on the line of the Red River, and to adapt his business to this code as far as it is possible. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, lifajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. Col. S. B. IIOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster: COLONEL; I have this day promulgated the additional regulations concerning commercial intercourse, approved by the President on the 26th January, 1864, and have posted the same here as taking effect throughout the department on this day. You will please to be governed by these regulations in the disposition of all property which is now in your department, so far as it may be affected by the same. With much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. FIELD ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 29. ~ Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. * * * * * * * 9. The line of battle for the defense of Alexandria will consist of Major-General McClernauds and Brigadier-General Smiths corn Page 318 318 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. mands, with Brigadier-General Emorys division in reserve. Gen- eral Smith will cause his left to rest on the Red River, his right extending to the same point on the railroad where it touched this evening, and thence to the Opelousas road at this point. On the right of the ~Opelousas road Major-General McClernands left will rest. His command will extend in a line, according to the nature of the ground, to the bridge on the Bayou Rapides road. Brigadier- General Emorys division will form the reserve for this line. The lines will be maintained, but Generals McClernand, Smith, and Emory are at liberty to encamp their troops where most convenient to water, though ready to move on the lines at a moments notice. By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: The major-general commanding directs that the troops of your command be placed under arms, and that you report at these head- quarters with the least possible delay. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General DWIGHT, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I desire to be informed whether General Smith moved in my front this evening by your orders. He has voluntarily seized a quantity of forage and other property belonging to my command, left temporarily in camp on the withdrawal to our present position. Part of it, General Cameron reports, was in wagons and on the way to the rear when seized. If agreeable to the departmefit commander I would prefer to look after my own front. If General Smith came forward without orders, as I surmise, I request that he be ordered to withdraw, and to turn over all the property belonging to this corps which has been seized by him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, 6~ommanding Thirteenth Army 1orps. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. Commanding officers Second Brigade, First Division, and of Third Division, will intrench their respective fronts to-night, using all the tools they may have and sending to headquarters for any deficiency Page 319 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 319 They will also level the cane in their fronts for a breadth of 150 yards, leaving, however, a breadth of 50 yards immediately in front nndistnrbed. Commanders will send an officer or orderll with the bearer of this to identify the location of corps headcpiarters. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. (To division commanders.) SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 91. Alexandria, La., April 28, 1864. I. The commanding officers of the Third and Fonrth Divisions are directed to nnite temporarily, for tactical purposes, two or more regi- ments of their respective commands now in the field, so as to form battalions of not less than 300 nor more than 500 men. The nnion will be completed and the composition of the battalions reported to these headqnarters not later than the evening of the 29th instant. II. Commanding officers of the Third Division, of the Fonrth Division, and of the Second Brigade, First Division, will have their troops instrncted in the school of the battalion on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and in the evolutions of brigade on Wednes- day and Saturday of each week while they remain at this station. The instrnction will be commenced on Monday, the 2d proximo. Two hours in the field for battalion and four for brigade instrnction is fixed as the proper limit in regard to time. Officers should be called together to recite and receive special instrnction during another hour each day. Particular attention is req~iested to be given to the snbject of grand-guard and outpost duty in the special instruc- tion of officers. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, April 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps: I inclose for yonr information a copy of a letter received from Major-General McClernand this evening. The major-general com- manding regrets that without orders from these headqnarters you saw fit to move your troops off the line you were directed to occupy, and it was without anthority from these headquarters that you occu- pied any of the camps of Major-General McClernand, who had been directed to leave them in order before the line of battle which had been selected to defend Alexandria. He was further directed to leave everything he could not bring away at the moment until he formed his line of battle, when he was to send for and bring them to his new camp. While he was in the act of executing this order *See p~ 318 Page 320 320 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLV1. you, without orders, marched into his camp and seized public prop- erty belonging to his command. The commanding general directs that you return the property thus seized to General McClernand and that you- occupy with your troops the line of battle you were directed to take up this afternoon. The above instructions will be carried out early to-morrow morning. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. DWIGHT, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. CONFIDENTIAL.] PINE BLUFF, April 28, 1864. Lieut. SAMUEL T. BRUSH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Little Roe/c: Nothing from Colonel True yet. An escaped prisoner (reliable), Private Weathers, First Indiana Cavalry, came in this morning and states that General Fagan told Lieutenant-Colonel Drake he had 6,000 men and twelve pieces of artillery. He captured five pieces from us, which gives him seventeen. Also, that lie had 3, ~500 men and six pieces in the engagement. He states that this force was all mounted infantry, and the best mounted he ever saw. The Con- federate medical director reported 362 of our men in killed and wounded. Confederate loss about the same. That General Fagan took with him all our ambulances and medical supplies, leaving none for the wounded. That one regiment was sent with the prisoners. The Confederate forces are supposed to be near Prince- ton, waiting for another train. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, April 28, 1864. Lient. Col. T. G. BLACK, Commanding Detachment Cavalry: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you relieve Major Harker and his command in guarding approaches on Benton road. No others will be sent out to-night. I am also instructed to say to you that you will detail the same number of officers and men and send them at 8 a. m. to-morrow to guard the approaches to Benton road. They will remain out until 8 a. m. next day. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, - SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. LITTLE ROCK, April 28, 1864. Colonel GEIGER, Commanding, Devalls Bluff: The general commanding directs that the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry be sent to this place immediately. SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lieutenant, 18th lillimois, A. A. A. G Page 321 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONIDENCE, ETC.UNION. 321 LITTLE ROCK, April 28, 1864. Colonel GEIGER, Commanding, Derails Bluff: A special train goes from here to-night to bring over the six rifled guns directed to Fort Smith. Have them ready at the depot. They nuist be here to-morrow morning, and I rely upon you to send them. J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 28, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: General Washburn, at Memphis, telegraphs many of his cavalry regiments are detained at Saint Louis depot for horses. The men are needed at Memphis as much as horses, if not more. Please order them down at once. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. SAINT Louis, Mo., April 28, -1864. Major-General SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn.: General Grant has ordered the only infantry guards we have away and directed us to use the dismounted cavalry instead. This impor- tant depot must be secured against a traitorous armed secret organi- zation. W. S. ROSECRANS. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, April 28, 1864. Hon. JAMES L. THOMAS, Mayor of Saint Louis: DEAR SIR: It was my intention yesterday to speak to you about my provost-marshal-general, Colonel Sanderson, whose name is be- fore the Senate for confirmation, in regular line of promotion, as colonel of the Thirteenth U. S. Infantry. I understand that charges have been made against him before the Senate Military Committee for misconduct at the battle of Chickamauga, while serving on my personal staff. I believe the charges to be maliciously false and without the shadow of foundation, but as it now stands it injures his usefulness in the position which he now fills. Colonel Sauderson is prepared to refute any charges made against him, and his papers are in the hands of Senator Cowan, of Pennsyl- vania; but the difficulty is to get the case before the Senate from the Military Committee and have action taken upon it, and my object in writing you is to ask you to unite with such of your friends as may be willing to do so with you in asking the U. S. Senators from this State to try and bring the case before the Senate for their action, on the ground that the interests of this State demand, in view of the important position that he holds, that the matter should 21 R RYOL XXXIV, PT II Page 322 322 LOUISIANA AND TIlE IRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. be settled at once. If he is innocent he should be vindicated, and I believe he has the evidence to fully vindicate himself, and if guilty he should be relieved from the important position that he fills. If you have no objection you will mnch oblige me, and I believe serve tbe interests of the State, by writing to Senators Brown and Henderson, and getting any of your political friends to join you in the request, asking them to call upon the Military Committee to bring the case before the Senate for their action. I do not ask them to take sides in the matter at all, but merely to afford Colonel Sander- son, through his friend Senator Cowan, who has his papers, the opportunity of vindicating himself from the charges made against him before the Military Conunittee. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. IROSECRANS, Major- General. BLOOMFIELD, April 28, 1864. Col. J. B. ROGERS: I would like for you to re-enforce this post with at least another com- pany. In our present weak condition we simply invite attack. It is 40 miles from here to the crossing of the Saint Francis south of us, and I dare not send a sufficient reconnoitering party in that direc- tion from the post, for fear of an attack from the west during their absence; and if a force should cross the river south of us without my knowledge they would be able to march on Bloomfield before re-enforcements could be sent here. Besides, I have so much scout- ing to do with the small force I have here that the horses are get- ting run do~yn. We will use every effort to hold the post, but if you can possibly send another company down here I would like to have it, as I can use it to a good advantage. I haye no doubt but this post will be attacked sooner or later if more troops are not stationed here. H. M. HuLLER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT, Cape Girardeam, Mo., April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, C~ommanding, Saint Louis, Mo.: GENERAL: In reply to your telegram regarding the sending of the artillery companies stationed here to Bloomfield, asking if I saw any objections in doing so, I have the honor to give you some reasons which I think are such as would decide you against doing so. We have now but one company of heavy artillery and one battery of four pieces. The heavy artillery are armed with muskets; the bat- tery is not, of course. We have four forts of earth-works, mounting ten 24-pounder guns. We have no other troops here capable of man- ning these guns or of properly taking care of the forts and guns. We have four magazines to guard. If the earth-works are left without guards they will soon be de- stroyed by cattle and otherwise, and cavalry would be little use in taking care of the works and less of the guns, as they do not under Page 323 Ca& x~. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 323 stand the business. The light battery would be of no particular use at Bloomfield, and it would be better to send cavalry, as the battery cannot be called upon to do guard and garrison duty, and the ques- tion of forage would be none the less, as they have more horses than a cavalry squadron. If the rumors of a defeat below are reliable, and I fear it is too true, we may look for an invasion in force as soon as Banks and Steele fall back; and, although not on the route to Saint Louis, it is the only feasible route to feed an army in the field, and flanks the route to Saint Louis and Pilot Knob so effectually as to make it very hazardous for a force to pass us; hence I think a small artillery garrison should be kept here. Our force now here is but about 5~O effective men; quite light enough to hold the Government property here and be ready and able to assist any of our outposts that may be threatened or march to repulse any raid and leave sufficient guard. The outposts at Dallas might be easily dispensed with, as any move in that direction would be known at Bloomfield or Patterson, and the force now at Dallas might be sent to Bloomfield; and it would be nearly as easy to sub- sist them there as at Dallas, as the distance is but little greater and they have to be foraged from here entirely hereafter. If you could send about three companies of infantry they would be useful to gar- rison outposts, and thus relieve the cavalry so they might be able to do more scouting, but this is not indispensable. I am, general, very respectfully, J. B. ROGERS, Colonel, Commanding. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commanding: I do not think there is any truth in the rumors about force below Bloomfield. We certainly do not need re-enforceinents there at pres- ent, as no enemy can get there. There is no forage there and no train can go down until the water falls. We will watch and scout thor- ouglily, but I think no force will be found. The reports come by way of Patterson. I can re-enforce that place whenever it is neces- sary, for I can get there as soon as the water falls, and they cannot before then, if they are there, which I do not believe. J. B. ROGERS. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EwING, Commanding: There is no present danger to Bloomfield; the water is too high. Colonel Tyler sent me the following telegram: Colonel ROGERS: Major Wilson reports that rumor places Kitchen and Reves between Cherokee Bay and Gainesville trying to raise a force to attack Bloomfield and break up the court. I start an expedition in that direction to-morrow. JOHN F. TYLER, Colonel Page 324 324 LOUJSIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. I do not believe it, but have scouts oh the Saint Francis, and he cannot cross that stream until the water falls, and I should know it long before that. Last night the same rumor reached here, but I give no credence to it. I am watching and have no fears. I told you last night I thought the rumor wild. We cannot get to Bloomfield, nor neither can any enemy. We are all right at Bloomfield. Have no fears on our account. J. B. ROGERS, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, April 28, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Cape Girardeau: Is the water so high that you cannot re-enforce Bloomfield? An- swer at once. THOMAS EWING, JR., Brigadier- General. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 2~8, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commanding: I do not credit the rumor of any danger to Bloomfield. The high stage of water makes all the streams impassable. The Saint Francis could not well be crossed. I am satisfied that it is all humbug. I will write you fully by to-days mail. J. B. ROGERS, Colonel, Commanding. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commanding: You entirely misunderstood me if you conclude I think myself in danger. The rumor I referred to came from Colonel Tyler, via Patterson. I do not believe it. He seems to understand that I am about to lose Bloomfield; do not apprehend any such calamity. My scouts are on the Saint Francis; can get no farther on account of high water. I fear no attack, have asked for no re-enforcements; do not want any. I spoke of the First Missouri State Militia to take the place of the heavy artillery which you spoke of sending to Bloom- field. I spoke of the future entirely. I did not think it best to send away all the heavy artillery, leaving ten siege guns and four forts useless. I fear no siegeexpect no attack. Moving forces now is out of the question, the water is so high. I can hold Bloomfield without aid. We have no communication with Bloomfield. The line is down, and the water is so high on the White River bottom that the repairers cannot reach it. It would swim a horse for miles. You entirely misunderstood me if you think I am afraid. We shall not need help from Patterson or Pilot Knob. My cavalry force, all told, at this post is 3~O effective men. It is enough. J. B. ROGERS, Colonel, Commanding Page 325 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. ~25 CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EwING: Your dispatches to commanding officer at hloomfield cannot be forwarded. The line is down. He has already received similar orders from me. Shall they be sent by courier? Do you desire him to report directly to you, as indicated in your dispatches, or through these headquarters as heretofore? J. B. ROGERS, Colonel, Commanding. PATTERSON, April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commandina: I can be ready to march my command in one hour. I have no transportation here for camp equipage. We can only cross Saint Francis River by swimming, and it would be difficult to get to Bloomfield on account of high water. JAMES WILSON, Major, Commanding. PILOT KNOB, Mo., April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commanding, Saint Louis: The command at Patterson cannot get to Bloomfield. I will send Colonel Matthews from here to Bloomfield. He can get there sooner and will thus evade the large streams, and his men in this command are acquainted with the country there. If this meets with your ap- proval, please answer immediately. ~. ~. TYLER, Colonel, Co~mmanding. PILOT KNOB, April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING: I shall order Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews to Bloomfield, with four companies, and draw in the Centreville command. Troops can get to Bloomfield from here better than from Patterson. Troops from here will somewhat avoid the lakes and will get on the east side of Saint Francis River, which Major Wilson cannot cross for two or three days yet. Please answer immediately. J. F. TYLER, Colonel, Commanding. PILOT KNOB, Mo., April 28, 1864. Lient. II. HANNARS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: I have been thinking of asking permission to order in the com- pany at Centreville. The only good it does there is to stand on the right flank of Patterson and act as a feeler for this post~ which probably could be accomplished by scouting well. I will order it in, with your permission. There are scarcely any people there worthy of protection. Rebels will not hurt them, hence Union men have no use for them. Howes Ford is 2 miles above Van Buren. Buf- falo Creek runs through the southwest corner of Carter County, empties into Currant River in Ripley County. Logans Creek rise Page 326 326 LOUISIIKNA AND ~UJE ThANS-MISSISSIPPJ. [ChAP. XLVI. in Carter County, east of Currant River, and flows into Little Black River. Major Wilson says he thinks the report is false that rebels are concentrating on Buffalo Creek. Centreville gave me the in- formation that 1 man, a soldier, was killed 16 miles from here on the Patterson road, on the 26th instant. I am not certain whether it was done by a soldier that was with him or by 2 or 3 robbers, as the soldier states. I am having the matter investigated. I have ordered out a scout from Patterson, which will leave as soon as it can cross the water. Every stream in this lower country is too high to be forded. Please answer. J. F. TYLER, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MIssouRI, Saint Louis, April 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. B. BROWN, C~omdg. District of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo.: GENERAL: I am directed to inform you that the general com- manding is of the opinion that the best disposition of your troops to meet an emergency such as indicated in your communication of the 26th instant would be, in general terms, to establish a large re- serve at some central point in your district, from which small out- posts should be sent out as far as prudent. In this way all the men in your command would, at various times, have the benefit of drill and discipline. While at the depot of reserves, all would be taught outpost duty by establishing regular reliefs, say, every two weeks; also, the main body being always at the reserve, will be ready for a move in any direction at any time. The general commanding is of the opinion that this system would protect the country much better than the systt~m of small, isolated permanent posts. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK ENO, Assistant Adjutant-General. WARRENSBURG, Mo., April 28, 118647 a. m. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo. Eighty rebels crossed the Grand River, moving north toward Rose Hill, at 3 p. m. yesterday. They will probably strike the Missouri River between Wellington and Independence. I have ordered the troops after them, and also to move to intercept them. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WARRENSBURG, April 28, 1864. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, A. A. G., Saint Louis: MAJOR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, that at 4 a. m. to-day 1 ~received infor- mation that a party of about 80 rebels crossed Grand River, near Dayton, Cass County, at 3 p. m. yesterday, and were moving toward Rose Hill; at 10 a. m. that they had passed near Holden, and 2.30 p. m. had crossed Black Water River, south of Chapel Hill, and had met Lieutenant Couch, First Missouri State Militia, with 3 soldiers Page 327 ~1~AP. XLVII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. in a hack, and mnrdered them when on the way to this place, when about 5 miles this side of Chapel Hill. The troops have been ordered to send their camp and garrison equipa~e to the posts where there was a quartermaster of volunteers on receipt of your dispatch that Jackman had passed Clarksville, and to draw shelter-tents, turning in all unnecessary quartermasters stores. This was being done to-day. If my intormation is correct, that the enemy was in the vicinity of Chapel, he is now within a square of our troops, who are moving from Jackson County east, La Fayette County west, and from Kings- ville north, in pursuit, and from Pleasant Hill north to intercept him. There being no leaves on the trees, I hope to cut him up badly in the next few days, and to be ready to treat Jackman in the same way when he arrives. If I cannot succeed in killing them, or a part of them, there will be no good done, as they are like birds of passage, and to disperse them will bring no good results. I am unable as yet to learn what band this is, but it moves like Quantrills, and I do not suppose that Jackman could have reached here if he was at Clarksville Monday. My troops are alive to the necessity of making short work of these fellows, and they will do it if possible. The commanding general may rely on their zeal. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. WARRENSBURG, April 28, 18647.45 p. m. Col. J. H. FORD, Kansas City: Lieutenant-Colonel Dodd has been ordered to send camp and gar- rison equipage to Kansas City, and, with the troops east of Independ- ence, scout for the enemy toward La Fayette County. Troops have been ordered from Kingsville and Pleasant Hill to follow them, and from La Fayette County to the west. The rebels were near Chapel Hill this day at noon. They are dressed in Federal uniform. The citizens must guard the towns, and we must use every man in the field. Before the leaves come out we should kill these men or we shall have trouble. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding. KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 28, 1864. (Received 8.10 a. in.) Capt. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, lVarrensburg, Mo.: Colonel Ford absent at Saint Louis, Mo. Dispatch just received from Fort Leavenworth says: Telegram from Colonel Blair, Fort Scott, reports 70 men, supposed to be rebels, passed 30 miles east of I~ort Scott, going north on the 25th, heading toward Boon- ville. Reports here to-day in Kansas City from Fort Scott that 150 guerrillas under Quantrill crossed the Arkansas going north. E. L. BERTHOUD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 328 ~328 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Maj. 0. D. GREENE, SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 28, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General: Colonel Jackman and his command, about 125 men, passed Car- thage, in Jasper County, during the night of the 24th. He evades all posts and pnb~ic roads and commits no depredations, and has moved since crossing the Arkansas about 40 miles a day. Five guerrillas have been killed in Dade County, aiid the band, about 40 in all, scattered through Dade, Barton, and Vernon Counties. The brother of Finch West, the leader, has been killed. Quantrill has been up Grand River 40 or 50 miles, but Colonel Phillips, commanding at Fort Gibson, says he has been driven back across the Arkansas. Colonel Adair, with 325 men, crossed the Illinois River, passing east above Tahlequah on the 9th. I have not been able to communicate with Fayetteville for four days, and infer that Adair is near that place or between here and there. The wire is up as far as the repairers from this district go, but down at and be- yond Cross Hollow. I~early all my mounted men are on the move. There are rumors that Jackmans design is to rob banks at Boon- yule and other towns. J. B. SANBORN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Capt. ~. S. FAHNSTOCK, Springfield, Mo., April 28, 1864. Commanding, Cassville, Mo.: Communicate with Captain Ray, commanding at Gadfly, and or- der his company, if necessary; also order a company from Berry- ville to move in the direction of Cross Hollow, if necessary, com- municating the facts to Colonel Phelps. By order of Brigadier-General Sanborn: W. D. HUBBARD, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 28, 18643.20 p. m. Major-General CURTIS, Fort Leavenworth: Lieutenant-General Grant directs me to say that he has no objec- tions to your mounting as many men on ponies as may be necessary. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, April 28, 1864. (Received May 4.) Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS: SIR: Quantrills force divided; part ran south. Quantrill and 60 men are still above. He killed a messenger 10 miles above Cabin Creek. Grand River is swimming. Arkansas River past fording Page 329 Cn~. XLVI.] CORRESPO~DFNCE, ETC.t1NIO~. 329 River navigable and rising. No news of train. One hundred and sixty infantry at Neosho to meet it. Adairs force is still above, supposed to be toward Maysville ~ud Pineville. I suspect it has broken up. They decline to fight any party; are well mounted. Very respectfully, your most obedient, W. A. PHILLIPS, Colonel, Commanding. PAOLA, KANS., April 28, 1864. Major-General CURTIS, Comdg. Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: The only difficulty in sending a company from Lawrence is that one is not armed yet, and the other is the artillery company. There are two companies at Fort Riley. Company L, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, at that place, would be a good one to send forward if it could be armed immediately, and I should think one left there would suffice. It is not in my district, but would be that much farther on the way of Fort Lamed. Several of my captains are on duty at Fort Leavenworth. If they can be sent to duty I will be able to send a company forward immediately. I do not wish to send inex- perienced officers on such duty if it can be avoided. THOS. J. McKEAN, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. District. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., April 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. J. MCKEAN, Paola, Kans.: Dispatch from Kansas City says 80 rebels crossed Grand River near Dayton, Bates County, this morning, going toward Rose Hill, Shawnee, and Olathe. Must be~ on the lookout. Although the rebels mean to move eastward, they may be driven westward, and your district may be invaded. S. R. CURTIS, Major- General. PAOLA, KANS., April 28, 1864. Col. C. W. BLAIR, Fort Scott, Kans.: A party of 80 rebels were reported near Dayton, Bates County, Mo., this morning, moving toward Rose Hill. THOS. J. McKEAN, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, C~omdg. District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS, Paola, Kans., April 28, 1864. Maj. H. C. HAAS, Fifteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, En route for Pleasant Grove, Kans.: MAJOR: In answer to your favor of the 27th instant the general commanding the district directs me to say that you will proceed to Pleasant Grove under your original orders and take command o Page 330 330 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. the troops at that place. If Major Plumb is absent from Humboldt, you will report to Col. C. W. Blair at Fort Scott, commanding First Brigade, and will receive orQers from him. Colonel Blair has already started a subsistence train from Fort Scott to you at Pleas- ant Grove. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. PAOLA, KANS., April 28, 1864. Col. C. W. BLAIR, Fort Scott, Kans.: The Pleasant Grove I referred to in my former dispatch is the one west of Humboldt, in Woodson County. GEO. S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT LEAVENWORTH, April 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. B. MITCHELL, Omaha: Colonel Collins dispatch received. We may send out one proper escort from Laramie to new mines. Immigration large enough to defend itself. We cannot control it. I am in great need of troops. Send two companies to Fort Riley; E and D, Seventh Iowa, could move overland; also send A and C to this place forthwith. S. R. CIJRTIS, iliajor- General. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 28, 1864. Brigadier-General SIBLEY, Saint Paul: GENERAL: Yours of the 22d just received. I have sent up pack- saddles for all your mules required. I have also this day directed Captain Bagg, quartermaster, to have grain deposited at points from Spirit Lake to Sioux City for the use of Bracketts battalion. Bordache Creek is a creek that empties in the Missouri near Little Soldiers Village. Of course, I understand it, all the troops you send me will be returned you. Do you intend any of them for Devils Lake? They might start for there without going back. I have a letter which states that the Indians have a piece of artil- lery with which they intend to stop boats going up the river. I have not learned the caliber, but suppose it cannot be very formidable. I expected to have left here before this, but have been detained by bad weather preventing the loading of boats, and slow work of the quartermaster in charge of transportation, but shall leave Sunday without fail for Sioux City. With respect, your obedient servant ALP. SULLY, Brigadier-General Page 331 Oiiiv. XLVI.] 331 CO11M~SP& N]YENCE, ETC.IJZNiON. CULPEPER, VA., April 29, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 11.30 a. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: On due reflection I do not see that anything can be done this spring with troops west of the Mississippi, except on that side. I think, therefore, it will be better to put the whole of that territory into one military division, under some good officer, and let him work out of present difficulties without reference to previous instructions. All instructions that have been given have been given with the view of getting as many of these troops east of the Mississippi as possible. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, April 29, 18642.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: Your telegram of 10.30 a. m. has been received and submitted to the Secretary of War. You do not name any officer for the trans- Mississippi command. Did you propose to leave Banks in the gen- eral command, or only of his present department, or to supersede him entirely? I will immediately write to you confidentially the difficulties in the way of removing General Banks, as I understand them. H. W. HALLECK, i1Eajor-General, Chief of Staff. CULPEPER, VA., April 29, 18646 p. m. (Received 9 p. in.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Of the four department commanders west of the Mississippi I would far prefer General Steele to take the general charge, but he cannot be spared from his special command; there is no one to fully take his place. I would leave General Banks in command of his department, but order him to his headquarters in New Orleans. If you could go in person and take charge of the trans-Mississippi division until it is relieved from its present dilemma, and then place a commander over it or let it return to separate departments, as now, leaving General Canby temporarily in your place, I believe it would be the best that can be done. I am well aware of the importance of your remaining where you are at this time, and the only question is which of the two duties is the most important. If a commander must be taken from out there to take general charge I would give it to General Steele, giving General Reynolds his place. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. CONFIDENTIAL.] WASHINGTON, April 29, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: GENERAL: I fully agree with you, that after General Banks long delay it will hardly be possible to get his troops east of the Missis- sippi in time to be of any use in the spring campaign. Moreover, t Page 332 332 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISsISSIPpI. [CHAP. XLVI. withdraw any of his forces at the present time might lead to serious disasters and to a virtual closing of the navigation of the Mississippi River. I submitted yonr telegram of 10.30 a. m. to the Secretary of War, who was of opinion that before asking the President for an order I should obtain yonr views in regard to the extent of the pro- posed division, the officer to command it, & c., and that I should write to you confidentially on the subject. Do you propose to include Popbs, Curtis, and Rosecrans coin- mands, or only the present Departments of the Gulf and of Arkansas, with the Indian Territory? Is it proposed to give Banks the com- mand of the division, or to leave him in the subordinate position of his present department, or to remove him entirely? In either case the order must be definite. If Banks is superseded Franklin will be the ranking officer in the field, and Rosecrans, Curtis, and McCler- nand in the division. You have also heretofore spoken of Steele and Reynolds in connection with this command. I think the President will consent to the or(ler if you insist upon General Banks removal as a military necessity, but he will do so very reluctantly, as it would give offense to many of his friends, and would probably be opposed by a portion of his Cabinet. Moreover, what could be done with Banks? He has many political friends who would probably demand for him a command equal to the one he now has. The result wonld probably be the same as in the cases of Rose- crans, Curtis, Sigel, Butler, and Lew. Wallace. Before submitting the matter to the President, the Secretary of War wishes to have in definite form precisely the order you wish issued. Your last instructions to General Banks were telegraphed to Cairo on the 27th, in as nearly as possible the words of your telegrams to me. Copies were also sent by mail. I inclose herewith a copy. * The p resent proposed change should be decided upon and telegraphed to him and Steele as early as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief qf Staff. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: Yours of the 24th is just received. ~ News- paper stories about quarrels between the President, Secretary of War, General Grant, and myself, and my resigning are all bosh. Not a word of truth in them. There has not been the slightest diffi- culty, misunderstanding, or even differeiice of opinion between any of the parties, so far as I know, and the relations between Grant and myself are not only friendly and pleasant, but cordial. I have never had the slightest intention of resigning so long as my services can be useful to the country. These malicious stories generally originate in such secesh journals as the Herald and World. Of course my position here, both as General-in-Chief and as Chief of Staff, has been and is a disagreeable one, from which I can receive no credit, but sufficient abuse to satisfy any ordinary ambition. To *Scep 306. t See Vol. XXXII, Part III, p. 469 Page 333 CHAP. XLVL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 333 this, however, I have become utterly callous. Grant very wisely keeps away from Washington, and out of reach of the rascally poli- ticians and shoddy contractors who infest every department of the Government and abuse everybody who will not grind their axes. Banks operations in the West are about what should have been ex- pected from a general so utterly destitute of military education and military capacity. It seems but little better than murder to give important commands to such men as Banks, Butler, McClernand, Sigel, and Lew. Wallace, and yet it seems impossible to prevent it. If Banks and Steele fail to occupy the line of Red River and the troops are withdrawn as General Grant contemplated, I fear that we shall have serious trouble in Louisiana and Arkansas, and that the navigation of the Mississippi will be greatly disturbed, if not suspended. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK. CAIRo, ILL., April 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, (Received 10.10 ix in.) Chief of Staff: Cipher dispatches for General Banks sent last night by an officer, with orders to take one of the rams at Memphis and proceed with all dispatch. S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GUJ~F, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Alexandria, April 29, 1864. Commanding Mississippi Squadron: ADMIRAL: Colonel Bailey has been ordered to build the dam with all the energy and vigor in his power. Details of men with tools and every species of material at hand have been given him. Every facility will be afforded to prosecute to a speedy and favorable issue. Very respectfully, & c., N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. FIELD ORDERS 4 HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 30. Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. * * * * * * * 4. No cotton will be used in the fortification of this lace unless specially directed from these headquarters. 5. Maj. Geii. W. B. Franklin, commanding Nineteenth Army Corps, will cause the pontoon bridge to be thrown across Red River between the rapids and this place, if practicable. 6. Maj. Gen. W. B. Franklin, commanding Nineteenth Army Corps, will direct Brig. Gen. Henry W. Birge with his brigade to cros Page 334 334 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. to the north bank of Red River and take post at such p lace as General Franklin may designate. A battery of artillery will be ordered to report to General Birge if necessary. 7. Until further orders the Ninety-seventh and Ninety-ninth Reg- iments of U. S. Infantry (colored) will be under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, chief engineer, Nineteenth Army Corps, and will afford him every assistance in building a dam over Red River. * * * * * * * 20. Until further orders the District of West Florida and the Dis- trict of Key West and Tortugas will report to Maj. Gen. J. J. Rey- nolds, commanding Defenses of New Orleans. By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Asst. Ac~jt. Gen., Department of the Gulf: COLONEL: I am just returned from our line of vedettes posted on the Natchitoches road. The line is the same occupied by my infan- try yesterday. A hostile picket occupies a corresponding line about 400 yards in advance. Both lines are covered by rose hedges. My orderly was struck by a fragment of a shot, but not hurt. Your obedient servant, J. A. McCLERNAND, iJiajor-General, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. Brigadier-General DWIGHT, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my command occupies the line indicated in your Orders, No. 29, extract 9, of last night, and is partially intrenched. I would like to have an additional light rifled battery sent me, to command the Opelousas road. If the heavy battery is sent up on the Bayou Rapides road near the sugar- house, however, as you proposed last night, I could use my light battery now stationed there. Mean time the light battery asked for above is desired for the purpose of commanding the Opelousas road. Very respectfully, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Jiiajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of this date, I am directed by the cc~.mmanding general to inform you that the heavy battery has been ordered to the position decided on last night, an Page 335 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ThNION. 335 that you can withdraw your light battery as if the heavy battery was already in position. Lieutenant-Colonel Abert, assistant in- spector-general, has been directed to visit you this afternoon to arrange for certain dispositions of your command. Very respectfully, & c., C. S. SARGENT, Acting A8sistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Department of the Gulf: MAJOR: Your Field Orders, No. 30, extract 1, has not been exe- cuted, so far as my corps is concerned, for the reason that I desired to complete the defensive works begun last night, and because I con- sidered that a little latitude as to time was probably contemplated by the major-general commanding the department. In view, however, of your letter received this evening, directing me to occupy the ridge of gronud about a mile in your (my) front with a brigade, & c., it becomes important for me to know precisely what is meant. Is the brigade to occnpy the wooded bayou in front of and parallel with my intrenched line, or is it to be advanced in front of the camp occupied by me yesterday morning, to the rose hedge, which is about 2 miles beyond the sugar-house? I have given directions for a brigade to occupy the wooded bayon running at right angles to Bayou Rapides, and about three-fourths of a mile above the burnt sugar-mill. If the other position is the one meant, I will advance the brigade. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General DWIGHT, Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I am informed that it is contemplated to transfer Cap- tain Fosters (First Wisconsin) battery to some other command. I am persuaded that it would be agreeable to the battery, as I know it is to me, that the battery should be allowed to remain with this corps, of which it has been a cherished part since its first organization. Pardon, general, this intrusion upon such delicate ground. It is meant for the best. This is the only efficient battery in my command. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brigadier-General LAWLER, Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. Commanding Second Brigade, First Division: GENERAL: By direction of Major-General Banks you will occupy the ridge of ground about a mile in your front with a brigade, th Page 336 336 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. right resting on the Bayou Rapides road, the line extending in rear of the belt of timber. You will also send two regiments of your com- mand over Bayou Rapides and relieve the cavalry now picketing be- tween Bayou Rapides and the river. The headquarters of one regi- ment should be near the bayou; of the other near the river. The movement should commence at daylight. The belt of timber referred to is supposed to be the first one in front of your present line, to or near which you have already advanced a strong line of skirmishers. The positions of the two regiments that cross Bayou iRapides will be ascertained when you find the stations of the cavalry. If the brigade should find it necessary to retire, it will resume its present intrenched position. If either or both of the two regiments should find it necessary to retire they will fall back on the burnt sugar-mill, and one or both, as you may think best, defend that posi- tion. If only one should remain to defend it, the other will take its present intrenched position, or such other position as you may think best. It may be that the line meant by Major-General Banks is the one first occupied by you yesterday, in front of the camp of the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. I have sent to ascertain and will notify you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. FOURTH DIvIsION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Capt. SAMUEL CALDwELL, Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. Actg. Assi. Ac~jt. Gen., Thirteenth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: While the command was at Grand Ecore, Captain Klauss, First Indiana Battery, was ordered by Major-General Banks to re- port to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding detachment Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, with his men, his guns having been captured in the action at Sabine Cross-Roads. I supposed that the arrangement was only temporary, but Captain Klauss still remains with General Smiths command. Respectfully, W. J. LANDRAM, Colonel, Commanding Fourth Division. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., April 29, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters, with request that Captain Klauss be ordered back to his division. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] - HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., April 30, 1864. Respectfully referred to the chief of artillery. By command of Major-General Banks: GLO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 337 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 33~ [Third indorsement.] OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., lliliay 3, 1864. Respectfully returned, with the recommendation that the First Indiana Battery be returned to the Thirteenth Army Corps. RICHARD ARNOLD, Brigadier-General, Chief of Artillery. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. Detachment 16th and 17th Corps: The major-general commanding directs that Brig. Gen. Kilby Smiths command be ordered to be at the head of the pontoon bridge ready to cross the river at 1 oclock to-night. He desires that Gen- eral Kilby Smith be instructed to r~port in person to the chief of staff at these headquarters as soon as his command has reached the bridge. He also directs that the balance of your command be held in readiness to move to the support ~f General Kilby Smith at any hour after dawn. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, ALEXANDRIA, LA., April ~9, 1864. Comdg. Detachment 16th and 17th Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to direct Brig. Gen. Kilby Smith to embark, with his command of infantry and one battery of artillery, on steam-boats, with at least ten days rations and forage, and to hold himself in readiness to carry out his instructions to be given hereafter. Having given these orders, the commanding general desires to see you at these headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. BATON ROUGE, April 29, 18642.30 p. m. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, (Received 3.15.) Assistant Adjutant-General: I know no more than I telegraphed, except a previous report that they had crossed, and that Donaldsonville was also threatened. I dont think they have actually crossed. I have sent a few cavalry asked for by Major 51mw. Report says a large force is this side, near Port Hudson. P. ST. GEO. COOKE, Brigadier- General, Commanamng. 22 R RvoL XXXIV, PT II Page 338 338 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. PORT HUDSON, April 29, 1864. Lieut. Col. R. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General: The accompanying telegram is just received, to which the follow- ing answer has been sent: Lieutenant WICKER, McGallums Plantation: From your representation it is evident you have but one course to pursue. Re- turn at once. Answer immediately, and keep the general informed. C. B. GASKILL, Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. DANL. ULLMANN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] MOCALLUMS PLANTATION, NEAR MORGANZA, April 29, 1864. Capt. CHARLES S. BULKLEY, Asst. Quartermaster, Supt. ]Iifil. Telegraph: From reliable information received this a. in., there are 300 rebel cavalry now at or near Morganza. They calculate to attack us at Old River. There are about 20 who keep just in advance of us, and pick up information as regards our force and movements. They have a strong force at Morgans Ferry, and are thus enabled to send 500 men against us at any time. A loyal citizen reports there are 1,500 on the other side of Atchafalaya, and says I will not be able to repair line much farther an(l return safely. If these reports are true, in my opinion, they intend cutting us off while going from the Mississippi to Old River, as they have nothing to fear from the howitzer on boat. What course shall I pursue? Please answer immediately. WICKER, Lieutenant. THIBODEAUX, April 29, 1864. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant-General: The informatioii you telegraphed me, which you received from General Cooke, is corroborated to a certain extent by my informa- tion since received from Brashear City. Colonel Jones reports Seinmes Battery at Opelousas and some two regiments. Acting Master Washburne, commanding naval forces at Brashear, reports the return of the gun-boat Glide from up Grand Lake, and says there is no doubt of a force at and above Franklin. This is proba- bly the same that General Cooke refers to. Will inform you of anything further I may [get] from scouts. Either of Captain Wash- burnes tin-dads could go up above Butte-a-la-Rose into the Atchafalaya if you deem it expedient. N. W. DAY, ~Jolonel, Commanding District Page 339 CH~. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 339 AT THE CROSSING, April 29, 18643.15 p. m. Colonel [MANTER]: By 4 p. m. the bridge will be ready for cavalry and infantry to cross. A few minutes more work at the abutment to make it pass- able for artillery and train. Very respectfully, J. B. WHEELER, Captain of Engineers, Chief Engineer. AT THE CROSSING, April 29, 18649.20 p. m. Colonel MANTER: The wagons are sticking ahead of us. I expect that we may con- sider ~he passage ahead as stopped until light, for it is very dark. I would recommend some infantry to be marched up to the head of the column by early daylight. Very respectfully, J. B. WHEELER,, Captain of Engineers, Chief Engi~ieer. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., No. 19. Little Rock, Ark., April 29, 1864. Lient. Col. S. C. Benham, having reported for duty in compliance with Special Orders, No. 112, paragraph XVI, War Department, Adjutant-Generals Office, current series, is announced as chief com- missary of subsistence for the Department of Arkansas. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 29, 1864. Capt. URI MANLY, Assistant Quartermaster, Little Rock: CAPTAIN: Send as soon as possible to-night 100 bales cotton to a pine tree about 300 yards southwest of the penitentiary. Let them tell Captain Mason a.t the penitentiary when they are to go, and he can tell them the exact point. Send as above enough cotton to the penitentiary to complete the quantity there to 200 bales. Captain Mason there can tell the leading teams how many additional b ales he wants. Send 60 bales cotton as above to the white house south of Saint Johns Hospital, where you have been hauling to for the last two days, immediately. I am, captain, very respectfully, ~ R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 340 340 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 29, 1864. Col. DANIEL ANDERSON, Commanding Post of Little Rock: COLONEL: Place a detail of 75 men, under officers from some other conunands than the colored troops, Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and Tenth Illinois Cavalry, at the service of Captain Richardson, assistant quartermaster. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 29, 1864. Lient. Col. A. H. CHAPMAN, Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, (Jomdg. Detach.: COLONEL: With the detail of 200 men furnished by Colonel Mitchell, commanding Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, you will pro- ceed to Brownsville and report to Colonel Wood, Twenty-second Ohio, commanding. Say to Colonel Wood that I found it necessary to send your force to secure the passage of the train, as it takes over a bearer of important dispatches. Also say to him that I will be guided by what he telegraphs me of matters transpiring on the road in regard to the return of your command to this place. See that your men are provided with 60 rounds ammunition and two days subsistence. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT. SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 29, 1864. Capt. BENJAMIN B. PEGRAM, Comdg. Detach. 106th illinois Infy., Guard at Post, Tan-Yard: CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs that immediately upon receipt of this order you fall back with your command upon this place. The general also directs that you keep a sharp lookout in your rear for the enemy. Do not allow yourself to be surprised. Respectfully, SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lient., Eighteenth illinois Infantry, A. A. A. G. CONFIDENTIAL.] PINE BLUFF, April 29, 18644.30 p. m. Brigadier-General WEST, Little Rock: Information has come in that about 400 of the enemy crossed to the north side of the Arkansas, 60 miles below here, day before yesterday, with the avowed purpose of interfering with the rail Page 341 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 341 road. My command is dra~& ing another days rations. I think we had better not move to-night. If we are to proceed it will be desir- able to start as early as possible in the morning. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier-General. LITTLE ROCK, April 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS, Pine Bluff. It seems morally certain that you will be attacked in the Moro Bottom. Nevertheless, you must go through. Move as soon as you can to-morrow morning. Send a courier to General Steele to-morrow morning, if possible, with a verbal message of your movements; tell him when you expect to be in the Moro Bottom, and that you anticipate an attack there. He will probably send out and take the enemy mu rear. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CONFIDENTIAL.] PINE BLUFF, April 29, 18648.45 p. m. Brigadier-General WEsT, Little Rock: A scout of 60 men left General Steeles fGrces at Jenkins Ferry at ii oclock to-day. His rear was fighting. A rebel force of about 6,000, with heavy artillery, crossed Pratts Ferry, on Benton road, to attack Little Rock. It is said they will be there to-morrow. General Steele is out of rations. He left Camden night before last. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier-General. LITTLE ROCK, April 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS, Pine Bluff: Go out as far as you can, with all your command, toward General Steele in the morning, but .1 may send for Graves regiment. Are there any boats at Pine Bluff sufficient to bring up the Twelfth Michigan to me? If so, send it up. Answer promptly. Let the train stay at Pine Bluff until you know how matters go in front. J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LITTLE RocK, April 29, 1864. Brigadier-General ANDREWS, Pine Bluff: Go out toward Jenkins Ferry with your force, except Graves. I will send a boat for him. Tell him to be ready. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 342 342 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 29, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pine Bluff: SIR: I send the steamer Leonora down for Colonel Graves regi- ment, Twelfth Michigan Volunteers. Tell the colonel to get on board as soon as possible. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. PINE BLUFF, April 29, 1864. Lient. SAMUEL J. BRUSH, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Colonel Clayton cheerful] y concluded to accompany me. He sent out 300 of Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry last night with pon- toon train. Colonel Clayton, with from 200 to 300 cavalry and two light howitzers, has just gone, and will scont the country. He pro- poses to be at Mount Elba to-night, with Twenth-eighth Wiscon- sin, so as to prepare the bridge. I expect to be ready in two hours, and told Colonel Clayton I wonld move out 15 miles to-day. The ammunition arrived, but I had determined to take only enongh for the expedition, our transportation is so limited. Some of the wagons that came down from the Rock were out of order, and the mules here were not shod, but the quartermaster thinks they will get along well. Soon let you know what stores we can take. It will require thirteen teams to take all the ammunition that came down for General Steele. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 29, 1864. Colonel WooD, Gommanding, Brownsville: I have advice that 400 of the enemy crossed the Arkansas the day before yesterday, with the intention of attacking your posts and damaging the railroads. You must be on the alert; let me know if you are so, and how matters progress with you. Inform me promptly. J. R. WEST Brigadier-General, Comman~1ing. BROWNSVILLE, ARK., April 29, 1864. Brigadier-General WEST, Little Rock: I have a stockade or block-house at each post on the railroad. I have no horses to mount any men. With one or two companies of cavalry I could find out the movements of the enemy, and be bet- ter prepared for defense. Everything is in as good shape as can b Page 343 CIIAP. XLVI.) 343 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOIN. with the force under my command. If I find the danger imminent I will abandon this post and concentrate on the railroad, if I have your permission to do so. OLIVER WOOD, Colonel Twenty-second Ohio. LITTLE ROCK, April 29, 1864. Colonel WooD, Commanding, Brownsville: I have no cavalry to send you. You have my permission to do all things with your own m~n that will tend to the security of the railroad. J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 29, 1864. Colonel WOOD, Commanding, Brownsville: Stop the train; send it back here at once with the 200 infantry. I have just learned that I am to be attacked to-morrow. You must look out for yourself. ~. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 29, 1864. Colonel GEIGER, Commanding, Devalls Bluff: Send 30 men as guard on the Westmoreland. She is going to Jacksonport for cavalry for you. When they come, use them. Gen- eral Steele and the rebels are both making for this point; it is a race between them. I may be attacked to-morrow. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, clommanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 29, 1864. Col. R. R. LIVINGSTON, Commanding, Jachsonport: Send by the Westmoreland all the cavalry she can carry to De- valls Bluff, ready for active duty. ~. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, C~ommanding. Operator at Devalls Bluff will put this dispatch in the hands of the captain of the Westmoreland, to be delivered to the command ing officer, Jacksonport. ~ R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 344 344 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Major CARMICHAEL, HELENA, April 29, 1864. Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry: SIR: I furnish you the steam-boat Dove, and a colored guard of 40 men, 30 infantry and 10 artillerists. You will take 100 Cav- alry, with five days rations and forage, and proceed to the mouth of White River, where you will cross with the commanding officer of the naval station, and make a raid on the island between the mouths of White and Arkansas Rivers. You will make a careful search for enemies, guerrillas, negro stealers, and horse thieves. You will capture or destroy all who are found in arms or giving aid and comfort to the enemy. You will seize all horses and mules fit for the service found in pos- session of persons unfriendly to the United States, also all arms and munitions. You will look carefully for boats, and destroy them. This accomplished, you will go to Major Henrys landing, and send a scout from there to Lyconia, to Gillans. You will send the Dove up to Gillans, and cause a party of 50 men to land there, and to come down to meet you. When you have got all the men together, you will return to Gillans and re-embark. In this expedition you are free to alter the plan. You are also to use your discretion as to landing opposite Island 66 and below, or at 63, and make a raid into Mississippi. The object is the same as on the last raid, to capture rebels in arms, to seize from disloyal persons horses and mules fit for cavalry service, and afford particular rotection for refugees into our lines. If you can capture Grant or Packs [?] or Sanders, or any of the persons who have plotted the capture of Island 63, it is desirable. Your especial atten- tion is directed to the capture of rebel mails and~ the destruction of any small crafts in crossing the river. Your obedient servant, BUFORD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SAINT LouIs, Mo., April 29, 186411 p. m. (Received Culpeper, 30th.) Lieutenant-General GRANT: General Sherman is urgent that the dismounted cavalry of his command should be sent forward without horses. I telegraph you direct that you may give such instructions as may be necessary. I repeat to you what I have, already stated. In presence of secret dan- gers, which I know to exist and hope soon to circumvent, and the posture of affairs in Arkansas and Louisiana, to leave the depart- ment without adequate force would be most hazardous. If the two regiments of infantry sent to garrison Columbus and Paducah were sent back, I could send two or three of the dismounted cavalry regi- ments to the front. These regiments were eminently qualified by discipline and order for the work, while the lack of these qualities in the cavalry has given rise to frequent disorder and complaints al- ready. Please direct. Rest assured that what I say about secret dangers is well considered and based on facts. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General Page 345 CHAP. XLVI.] COR1SPONDENCE, ETC .imio~. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, In the Field, Chattanooga, Teun., April 29, 1864:. General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, 31o.: We need all our troops at the front. Dismounted cavalry can with ease replace infantry in block-houses and as road guards; same at Memphis and down the river. City police and militia should take care of secret machinations of the enemy in the North. Those are plots calculated to retain there our troops. We should not fall into such a trap. That cavalry is needed at Memphis. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. SAINT Louis, April 29, 1864. (Received 30th.) Major-General SHERMAN:. Your telegram received. You mistake me. I do not speak of stories, threats, and ruses to keep back troops, but of what I know. Our depot must be secured, and the pressing positiofi of affairs in the Southwest demands additional caution. I have telegraphed General Grant that by returning the two regiments of infantry lately sent down to Columbus arid Paducah, I could send forward the dis- mounted cavalry to your command. You may re] y on my doing my utmost for you in any way possible. W. S. ROSECRANS, 1Ii[o~jor- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRs. DEPT. OF THE MIssouRI, No. 65. Saint Louis, Mo., April 29, 1864. It having come to the knowledge of the ~omnianding general that combinations exist in the city of Saint Louis, having for their object to prevent journeymen mechanics, apprentices, and laborers from working in manufacturing establishments, except on terms pre- scribed to the proprietors thereof, by parties not interested therein, which terms have no relation to the matter of wages to be paid to em- ploy& , but to the internal management of such establishments; and it appearing that, in consequence of such combinations and the prac- tices of those concerned in them, the operations of some establish- ments where articles are produced which are required for use in the navigation of the Western waters, and in the military, naval, and transport service of the United States. have been broken up, and the production of such articles stopped or suspended, the following order is promulgated. Any violation thereof will be punished as a mili- tary offense: I. No person shall directly or indirectly attempt to deter or pre- vent any person from working, on such terms as he may agree upon, in any manufacturing establishment where any article is ordinarily made which may be required for use in the navigation of the West- ern waters, or in the military, naval, or transport service of the United States. II. No person shall watch around or hang about any such estab- lishment for the purpose of annoying the employ6s thereof, or learn- ing who are employed therein Page 346 346 LOUISIANA ANIi~ THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CRAP. XLVL III. No association or combination shall be formed or continue, or meeting be held, having for its object to prescribe to the proprietors of any such establishment whom they shall employ therein, or how they shall conduct the operations thereof. IV. All employ~s in such establishments will be protected by mil- itary authority against all attempts by any person to interfere with or annoy them in their work, or in consequence of their being en- gaged in it. V. The proprietors of every snch establishment in the county of Saint Louis will forthwith transmit to the office of the provost-mar- shal-general the iiames of all persons who have, since the 15th day of March, 1864, left their employ to engage in any such combination or association as that above referred to, or have been induced to leave by the operations of any snch combination or association, or by the individual efforts of any one concerned therein. The places of resi- dence of such persons, so far as known, will be stated, together with a list, by name, of all who have taken an active part in any combina- tion or effort to control the conduct of any such establishment or to prevent persons from working therein. VI. The post commander, Col. J. H. Baker, Tenth Minnesota Volunteers, is charged, under the direction of the district commander, with the execution of this order. All persons applying for the aid of the military forces in this connectioii will report direct to Col- onel Baker VII. In putting down this attack upon private rights and the mnil- itary power of the nation by organizations led by bad men, the gen- eral confidently relies upon the support and aid of the city authori- ties, an(l of all right-minded men. By command of Major-General Rosecrans: 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARKANSAS CAVALRY, In the Field, April 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Gomdg. Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.: GENERAL: Inclosed you will find a map of Arkansas. * The mount- ains and ridges separating the basins of the various water-courses have been drawn, localities or villages marked down, names added. For instance, Burrowsville, county seat of Searcy County, and Buf- falo City, in Marion County. South of White River the mountains are known throughout under the generic name of the Boston Mount- ains, and extend from west to east, from the eastern portion of the Indian Territory, almost to the mouth of White River, in Eastern Arkansas, where they terminate into a ridge or divide, of no alti- tude but sufficient to throw off the waters in the basins of both the rivers, Arkansas and White. A peak or spur, a secondary branch, generally bears the name of the main stream running by it; such are the Kings River, the Osage Mountains, or sometimes of an early settler, the Gaither Mountain, or, again, a name borrowed from fancy, the Judea, Boat, Pilot, Greenbrier Mountains. Though the map in many respects is incomplete and even erro- neous in the platting of localities, a glance at it will suffice you to * Not found Page 347 ChAp. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.1JNION. 347 judge of the amount of labor imposed upon my command in for- aging and scouting over a country so rugged and so asperous. I was here as early as the 22d of January. From that time 1,000 Fed- eral cavalry have been foraging upon the country on one side, and hundreds of guerrillas on the other. It is exhausted. The country of itself, even with abundance of forage, is enough to kill horses, much more so when there is no forage at all and foragers have to go in large numbers 25 or 30 miles to find forage, and not find any half the time. If there is any forage anywhere it has been concealed by guerrillas in the mountain fastnesses to which no one can find access but they, and where, from the nature of the country and the friendly disposition of the inhabitants, they are comparatively se- cure. The Union people have all, or almost all, left the country. The remainder is generally hostile, or in tacit, if not open, league with the bushwhackers, and will not disclose the least particular that might lead to any discovery. I have to depend altogether upon my own means of information, and to do so my horses are constantly employed. Very often I send men dismounted in order to give horses rest. There is no grass yet. I am now herding my animals on the wheat fields, and, with so little sustenance and so hard serv- ice, they are dying every day. When the leaves put out, unless I can get more horses, it will be next to impossible for my conunand to remain any longer. At this time, however, the rains have been more than ordinary, the streams are swollen past fording, and White River must have become navigable, for the next two or three months at least, as far up as Buffalo City or shoals, 18 miles from Yellville. With a new remount of horses and supplies of forage and subsistence, that could be shipped to that place from below, I could not only maintain myself here, but put an end to bushwhack- ing. By moving part or whole of my command to that place and ~stab- lishing my headquarters there I would be nearer and would have straight road to the range of McRaes banditti, at Sylamore and Richwoods, where they are said to be 800 or 1,000 strong, but poorly armed. Here I have 600 men, but half of those only are mounted on horses that are at all serviceable. I am compelled to shape my movements upon my means of accomplishment and upon the neces- sities of my command more than upon its strength. Sixty miles separate me from McRae, and, with the numbers I have and the condition of my horses, it is too far for me to venture an attack upon him without a support that my dismounted men cannot afford. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN E. PHELPS, Colonel Second Arkansas Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TilE MIssouRI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN B. GRAY, Adjutant- General of Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.: GENERAL: The commanding general desires to know if there are any available arms at Jefferson City. If not he desires 1,000 stand State arms to be got ready at once, to be sent to that point for dis- tribution, as General Brown may direct. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK ENO, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 348 ~48 LOUISIANA AND THR TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. tQHAP. XLVI. [Indorsernent.] HDQRS. STATE OF MISSOURI, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, Respectfully returned. April 30, 1864. There are no arms at Jefferson City, but the desired number can be shipped from here at any moment, should the general so direct. JOHN B. GRAY, Adjutant- General of Missouri. Major-General ROSECRANS, BOONVILLE, Mo., April 29, 1864. Saint Louis, JJ[o.: A message from General Brown to the mayor of this city, received this afternoon, notifies him of the presence of guerrillas, and calls upon him to arm the loyal citizens. I can raise enough men to de- fend the city, but we have no arnis nor ammunition. Can sonic be sent us? It is the wish of the loyal citizens that a body of troops sufficient to keep everything quiet in this vicinity be stationed here. A. H. THOMPSON, Captain, & c. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 29, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER SEVENTH KANSAS CAy. VoLS.: SIR: I am directed by the major-general commanding to instruct you to select from your regiment 100 of the most reliable and trusty men for immediate and important service. These men will be chosen for their sobriety, trustworthiness, and promptness in obeying orders. They will be fully equipped, well mounted, and ready to take the field at half an hours notice. They will be excused from all duty that would in the least interfere with their readiness for immediate departure, aiid will await the orders of the provost-marshal-general. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. BENNETT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 29, 1864. Rev. J. P. FINDLEY, Stated Clerk, Westminster C~ollege, Falton, Mo.: DEAR SIR: Assnred by your letter of the 25th that the members of the Presbytery of Missouri, which was to have met at Boonville, are loyal, I am quite satisfied that nothing but a proper understand- ing ot the origin and purposes of the order is necessary to cause it to meet their hearty approval. My respect for your body and for the principles of religious freedom requires that I should give an ex- planation to you and to the religious public. Loyal church members Page 349 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 349 both lay and clerical, called my attention to the facts that many assemblages of ministers and teachers of religion of varions denomi- nations were to convene dnring the spring and snmmer, in which would doubtless be many persons openly and avowedly hostile to the National and State Governments; that in one, most of them wonld be open enemies of the Union. They also prayed me to take such measures as that those assemblages should not be used to con- coct treason or injure the national cause. What was to be done? If all who claim to meet for religions purposes can do so without question, a convocation from Prices army, under the garb of relig- ion, may assemble with impunity and plot treason in onr midst. If, on the contrary, religions assemblies, really such, are scrutinized with the same freedom as political meetings of unknown or doubtful character, not only would it be necessary to inquire into the minis- terial character of its members, but their public and l)rivate pro- ceedings must be watched, that treason could not be perpetrated without detection and pnnishment, which would occasioii a most irksome interference with personal privacy and the freedom of re- ligious actioii. As the general conimanding this department, my duty to the country and the people of the State required me to pro- tect them from the machinations of enemies, who, under cover of the freedom of religion, should atten~t to conceal plans and counsels opposed to the interests of peace and safety of the State and nation, while as a Christian I feel bound to secure religion from the danger and disgrace of being used as the cloak of malice, and its freedom from a surveillance freely exercised over political meetings. To fulfill these duties, the provost-marshal-general was instructed as follows HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, March 5, 1864. Col. J. P. SANDERSON, Provost-Marshal-General, Department of the Missouri: COLONEL: In the opinion of the general commanding, the interests of the coun- try require that due protection should be given within the limits of this depart- ment to religious convocations and other religious assemblages of persons whose function it is to teach religion and morality to the people. But at the present time he deems it expedient that the members of such assemblages should be required to give satisfactory evidence of their loyalty to the Government of the United States, as a condition precedent to such privilege of assemblage and protection. The major-general commanding desires that you take such steps as in your judgment will best secure these objects. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant-Generat. Upon these instructions the provost-marshal-general issued the order to which your letter alluded. In that order as now enforced he protects these meetings and dispenses with surveillance of the mem- bers or proceedings, on the simple and easy condition that the mem- bers will individually assure him of their loyalty in either one of the following ways: First. By certifying on honor that they have sworn to support the Constitution and Government of the United States and the pro- visional government of this State, as required by the laws thereof to enable ministers to solemnize marriage, each at the time and place set opposite his name; or, Second. By taking an oath of the form prescribed in that order Page 350 350 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. I am quite sure that upon proper understanding and reflection the friends of religion and its freedom will thank me as much as do the friends of the Union for this order. I regret to say that while I have abundant evidence of their satisfaction, I know of very few who have complained of it who have been remarkable for loyalty. Most of them have been remarkable for their sympathy with the rebellion, and now live in our midst, croaking, fault-finding, and even rejoicing in the nations struggles and reverses like the impious son of Noah who uncovered and mocked at the nakedness of his father. It is easy to see that such persons injure the cause of religious freedom as they do that of the country. From what has been said it is manifest that the order, while providing against public danger, protects the freedom and purity of religion on the one hand from disgraceful complicity with treason, and on the other from an irk- some surveillance which would otherwise become necessary in times of public danger. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. CAPE GIRARDEAU, April 29, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING, Commanding: Company H, Second Missouri Heavy Artillery, arrived last even- ing. I would like to send one company of theni to Bloomfield. There are two companies here now, and one is all that is necessary here to take care of the guns and works. They would be better at Bloomfield than more cavalry, on account of forage. J. B. ROGERS, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Col. ~. F. PHILIPS, Warrensburg, Mo., April 29, 1864. Commanding Second Sub-District, Sedalia, 310.: COLONEL: I have requested Major-General Rosecrans to order sent to you 1,000 stand of arms and equipments, and that, if consistent, they be (louble-barreled guns. As soon as the answer is received I will advise you. These arms had better be issued by Lieutenant Becker, upon requisition, in the usual manner. The captains of the citizen guards should make them in duplicate, and in blank, to be filled as the character of the arms and ammunition may require. It is not expected to give all the members arms, but I wish to dis- tribute them pro rata among the unarmed men, taking into consid- eration the number they have and the especial wants of exposed localities. I am informed that Brigadier-General Gray makes some objection to furnishing arms, and it is possible that we shall be com- pelled to wait the arrival of the Governor (though the arrival of the rebels may remove the objections), and obtain his order. I give you these views so that you may be prepared to issue the arms as sbon as they arrive, if my recoinniendation to Major-General Rosecrans is complied with. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding Page 351 CRAP. XLVI.] 351 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. HEADQUARTERS, Sni bar Station, April 29, 1864. General BROWN, lYarrensbnrg: I am here with Companies D, F, H, K, and M. and will move for- ward easterly and southeasterly in two or three bodies immediately, and have established a depot here for supplies, guarded by the dis- mounted men of Companies M and H. Have ordered Major Smith, with Companies A, B, and E, to Lone Jack, who will arrive there probably to-day. The enemy are probably moving on Lexington or Wellington, and their force is estimated at about 100. The coni- panies all got here by 10 oclock last night. THEO. H. DODD, Lieutenant- Colonel, (Jomman ding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Warrensbmrg, Mo., April 29, 186411.45 a. m. Lieut. Col. THEO. H. DODD and Major SMITH, In the Field, Lone Jack: The commanding general directs that Major Smith will move with two companies from Lone Jack, and watch for the enemy, from Hickman Mills, or some point south of Independence. Your coni- mand is too mnch in the eastern part of the county. The enemy will double by you to the west or cross the river. He does not iii- tend to attack posts or troops unless compelled to. Your companies are sutliciemit to watch for him in the vicinity of Lone Jack and protect Pleasant Hill. Time First Missouri State Militia are mov- ing from La Fayette County, part of them followimig the enemy. They have your signals. Time enemy are in Federal uniform. These instrnctions will be observed, if you have no information that ren- ders it necessary to v~ry from it; if so, report your movements. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 29, 1864. Col. J. H. Moss, Liberty, Mo., via Kansas City, Mo.: Information shows that the Missouri rebels are returning in squads to reinaugurate the scenes of murder and robbery which have deso- lated your country during the past three years. I expect froni you and the Enrolled Militia under your command such a receptiomi for them as will amply vimidicate you all from the charges of disloyalty which have been urged against you at these headquarters. Your first duty is to organize for active operations and to provide means for detecting and promptly repressing any movements threatening the peace and security of your sub-district. Acknowledge receipt of this order, and report to your district commander your condition and dispositions. ~. ~. ROSECRANS, Major- (kneral Page 352 352 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [OnAP. XLVI. APRIL 29, 1864. General SANBORN, Springfield, JIo.: Your dispatch received. Keep open full communication with all your posts and with Brown and Guitar. Has Colonel Marsh, assist- ant provost-marshal-general, arrived? Tell him the general says be careful not to allow the events of the Sandusky trip to be re-en- acted. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 29, 1864. General FISK, Saint Joseph, Mo.: Two bands of 70 or 80 rebels each are in the Central District ,going north. Notify the Enrolled Militia that now is the time when I expect them to justify the confidence reposed in them and put these bushwhackers to the wall. Get ready to aid them there prcmptly. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Julio., April 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK, Gommanding District of Northern Missouri: GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to say that your information relative to Jackman is not good; that our information he knows to be reliable; that he knows that Glasgow would have been attacked when it was so reported bat for circumstances that occurred outside of this department, amid he desires to impress it upon you that it will not do to look at the surface of things and to take mt for granted that no storm is brewing, because you cannot yourself hear the thunder. The general commanding desires you to keep your troops well in hand, establishing convenient places of ren- dezvous, so that when miecessary they can be moved promptly, as it is a well-established fact that there are disloyal organizations of a most dangerous character, thoroughly organized and ready on the first favorable opportunity to act on the offensive, in nearly every county. You should tell loyal league societies that they can best serve the interests of the State by keeping you promptly and fully advised of all rumors of rebel or bushwhacker movements, charging them par- ticularly to carefully trace back all such rumors to the source from which they emanated, as the presumption is that the originators or original disseminators of such reports are either participants in or instigators of such umovements. The general also desires that you impress it upon the Enrolled Missouri Militia, Paw Paws, & c., that now is their time for showing themselves true and loyal citizens~ that they should be active amid vigilant, and by the fidelity with which they perform their duties show that they are worthy of the confidence reposed in them by the Government. With great respect, your obedient servant, FRANK S. BOND, Major and Aide-de-Gamp Page 353 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 353 HEADQUARTERS NINTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, Saint Charles, Mo., April 29, 1864. Col. E. B. ALEXANDER, Actg. Asst. Prom Mar. Gen., Saint Louis, Mo.: COLONEL: Your telegram received at 5.30 oclock,, and hence I re- ply by mail. I cannot enroll in Callaway without troops, and four townships in that county are untouched. With troops they can be finished in a few days. On Tuesday morning, as per arrangement with General Rosecrans, I telegraphed General Fisk. Receiving no reply, I again telegraphed him this morning. No reply. On the 10th instant I expected the enrollment would be done in a week, but the change in district commanders caused the troops in Callaway to be withdrawn. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. F. SWITZLER, Captain and Provost-iliarshal, Ninth District, Missouri. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. ACTG. ASST. PRov. MAR. GEN., Saint Louis, Mo., April 30, 1864. Respectfully referred to General W. S. Rosecrans, commanding de- partment, for his action. E. B. ALEXANDER, Colonel, U. S. Army, Actg. Asst. Prov. Mar. Gen., Mo. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, DIST. OF SOUTH KANSAS, Mound City, April 29, 1864. Capt. GEORGE S. HAMPTON, Assistant Ac~jutant- General: I received information to-day, which I consider reliable, that there is a force of bushwhackers, say 30, in the vicinity of Papinsville, on the Osage River, 25 miles from Potosi, southeast of this point, near the State line. Potosi is a point where troops should be stationed. It is the route by which the bushwhackers have always entered, be- ing thickly timbered and low, and, so far as I can learn, the citizens are a little mixed as to loyalty. I would consider the border as well protected as is possible had I a company there. Balls Mills, in Missouri, is a strong point on the Little Osage, which has always been garrisoned with troops from Fort Scott, but I presume we have none there now. I intend going to Fort Scott on the 1st, to see Colonel Blair as to stations of troops, and will return on the 2d. Could not a company or two of the Sixteenth be sent to Fort Scott for post duty, and Company F~ Eleventh, now there,, be ordered to report to me? I have had several citizens in this morning from Mine Creek, on the subject of protection they are evidently getting scared. I make this hasty statement for the information amid consideration of the commanding general, and am holding the stage that it may reach you to-night. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THO. MOONLIGHT, Colonel Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Commanding. ~3 R RYOL XXXIV, IPT II Page 354 354 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, DIsT. OF SOUTH KANSAS, Mound City, April 29, 1864. Capt. GEORGE S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Paola: CAPTAIN: Since I wrote you this morning I have received a letter from Colonel Hoyt calling for more troops at Olathe. I would like to get Company F, of my regiment, now at Fort Scott, as suggested this morning, and then I would move Company L, Fifth, from Shaw- neetown to Olathe. If that cannot be done, Company L, Fifth, will have to come to Potosi, and as the discipline and conduct of that company is scarcely up to the mark (according to report), I dislike placing it there on the border. If this latter must be the plan, could you not send a company of the Sixteenth to Olathe for post duty? There can be no danger inland if the horder is properly protected hemice I would use the Sixteenth nearer the danger. None of the Six- teenth are under my command yet, as I understand matters. Respectfnlly, your obedient servant, THO. MOONLIGHT Colonel Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, ~Jornman~ling. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Major-General CURTIS, Denver, April 29, 1864. 1)epartment of Kansas: SIR: Send the gnus to Fort Lyou. McLains independent battery company will nieet them there. Captain McLain starts for Leaven- worth to-morrow to re~ipt for artillery ordnance. Ninth Wisconsin Battery is en route from Fort Lyon to Council Grove. As soon as General Mitchell or Colonel Collins relieves my troops at Camp Col- lins and Camp Sanborn, I will concentrate them on the Arkansas. I desire ~uthority to build military telegraph from here to Fort Lyomi. Wire is here and can be had; cost will nQt be much, and can be done quickly. I then can have headquarters at Lyon. I also desire authority to move with my command over into Northwestern Texas, if for~nothing but a raid. Can make the most successful one of the war, in my judgment. If there should be further Indian troubles. which does not seem probable, the militia are armed and can take care of them. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Comdg. District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Major-General CURTIS, Denver, Cob. Ter., April 29, 1864. Department of Kansas: Caii you obtain the authority from the War Department to call out Colorado militia in case of extreme necessity? Our people will be terribly scared with no protection left them. Dont think they will be needed, but by possibility they maA~. I ani, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of ~Jolorado, ~omdg. District Page 355 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 355 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, April 29, 1864. Governor JOHN EVANS, Denver, Gob. Ter.: SIR: I have the honor to inform you of the receipt of recent infor. mation from department headqnarters to the effect that we are threatened with rebel invasion on the sontheastern border of this Territory, an event which is likely to necessitate a concentration of the troops in this district at the point threatened, thus withdrawing garrisons from the varions stations. In view of the nnprotected state of the sonthwestern part of the Territory in such a contingency, I wonld respectfully suggest that yon authorize a recrnitment of a battery company in the counties of Conejos and Costillo, and such others as in your judgment seem ad- visable. The recruits could be rationed and otherwise supplied from Fort Garland as fast as enlisted, thus saving to the Government the usually great expenses of enlistments. This company, if raised, would, in my judgment, contribute much to the security of that section of the Territory. If this proposal should meet your favorable notice and actioii, I would respectfully suggest the appointment as recruiting officer, to be captain of said company when it is raised, First Lieut. George H. Stilwell, First Cavalry of Colorado, who is a good officer and thoroughly competent for the proposed duty. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Comdg. District. MILWAUKEE, WIS., April 29, 1864. (Received 1.40 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK: There is no difficulty on any route in reaching the Missouri River from the east. I have only been able to find one man who knows any- thing personally of the country north of the Plattebetween that river and the upper Missouri. Below Fort Benton there is little doubt that the region north of the Black Hills is practicable any- where, but enough is not known of it to enable me to express an opinion of the best route. General Sullys expedition this summer will probably explore it thoroughly. Until more is known of its detailed topography I cannot recommend any particular route; probably the course of Grand River will be the best. JNO. POPE, Major- General.. MILWAUKEE, WIS., April 29, 1864. General SIBLEY, Saint Paul, Minn.: There is not the slightest danger of the Sixth being ordered away. I have communicated both with General Halleck and Mr. Stanton, and have their ~sstirance that it shall not be done. JNO. POPE, 2IfajQr-3~era Page 356 356 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HDQRS. DisT. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, ]Jiinn., April 29, 1864. Maj. Geri. JOHN POPE, Milwaukee: GENERAL: I have the houor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of 2.5th instant, relative to the disposition to be made of the Sisseton Sioux should they tender their submission to the Govern- ment in compliance with the terms. I have previously instructed special agent Major Brown that they woul(1 iu such case be req aired to repair to such point at or near Devils Lake as might be desig- nated. I have dispatched to him at Fort Abercrombie a copy of your directions, to be communicated as speedily as possible to the bands referred to. The hesitation on the part of the Sissetons to surrender themselves is, I think, attributable to the fact that some of those who partici- pated iu the attack on Fort Abercromnbie in September, 1862, are fearful they will be punished, and they have taken advantage of the reports spread by some of the Indians who escaped to the prairies from the Missouri reservation to impress upon the large majority that they would be held as quasi prisoners and badly provided for, if they shonld submit. Still, I am not without hopes that they will comply with the conditions vouchsafed them. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Miun., April 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Milwaukee: GENERAL: Since I wrote you of this date I have received a long and very interesting dispatch from Major Brown, a special agent, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose. * You will perceive that the mass of the Sissetons, as represented by the principal men, are willing to accede to any terms that will give them peace. Your in- structions will tend greatly to satisfy them of the friendly intentions of the Government toward those who sincerely (lesire a restoration of the pacific relations existing before the outbreak of 1862. These bands were the last to be forced into a hostile position, and they were very severely punished in the battle of Big Mound with the forces under my command, and they, in common with the other bands, have undergone great suffering during the past winter in con- sequence. They seem now to have entirely separated themselves from the disaffected Yanktonais. My previous reports to you as to the junction of these latter with the Tetons and other evil-disposed Sioux on this side of the Missouri are corroborated by Major Browns scouts. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Gommandiug. * Not found Page 357 CHAP. XLVI.] COnRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. 357 CULPEPER, VA., April 30, 18645.30 p. m. (Received 6.50 p. in.) Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: My dispatch to you of 6 p. m. yesterday answers the questions asked in your letter of the 29th, just received, except as to extent of the trans-Mississippi division. I would not have it include Popes department, but would have it include Rosecrans and Curtis. An entire failure of the Banks expedition may make operations requir- ing an increase of force necessary in either of those departments. You see from my dispatch I do not propose removing General Banks, but would not increase his command. If you could not go to take temporary command until present difficulties are cleared hip, I think General Steele would be the best man, and General Reynolds to take his place. The great objection to this is taking General Steele from where he is at this time. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, April 30, 18643.15 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: As some time may elapse before trans-Mississippi affairs are defi- nitely decided upon, had I not better telegraph to Cairo and Little Rock, modifying m~ telegram of the 27th, to the effect that no troops will be withdrawn from the operations against Shreveport and on Red River, and that those operations will be continued under the direction of the senior officer in command in the field until further orders? It appears that Major-General Hurlbut claims that Special Orders, No. 150, War Department, do not relieve him from command of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and that he is still exercis- ing command over General Washburn. Shall I not telegraph him that he is relieved from all command, and will repair to his home in Illinois? H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. CULPEPEE, VA., April 30, 18646.30 p. in. (Received 6.50 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Your suggestion to modify orders for troops on Red River so as to leave them to operate there until something definite is settled upon, I think advisable. Please send the order. I wanted General Hurlbut relieved entirely from all connectioft with the Sixteenth Corps. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 358 858 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. WASHINGTON, April 30, 186410.30 p. m. Major-General BANKS, Via Cairo, Jill., Major-General STEELE, Via Little Rock, Ark.: Lieutenant-General Grant directs that orders heretofore given be so modified that no troops be withdrawn from operations against Shreveport and on Red River, and that operations there be con- tinued under the senior officer in command until further orders. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. ALEXANDRIA, LA., April 30, 1864. Commodore PALMER, Commanding Fleet at New Orleans: Since writing my letter to the admiral (or to yourself, as com- manding the fleet at New Orleans) I have had an interview with Admiral Porter. He expresses a strong desire that such boats as can be spared may be sent to the Red River. The tin-dads that lately have been sent down can be used to advantage. I hope, my- self, that you will send some strong boats. It is not impossible that the navigation of the river may be severely contested. We are in good condition and in the best possible spirits. N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., April 30, 1864. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, C~omdg. Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.: SIR: The following instructions, which~ will not be printed, are furnished by order of the Secretary of War, for your information and guidance, and are to be sent by you to the officers under your command to whom they will apply: I. Generals commanding armies and army corps in the field will take the proper measures to supply, so far as may be possible, the wants of their troops, in animals and provisions, from the terrltory through which military operations are conducted. Private property so taken will be receipted and accounted for in accordance with existing orders. Special care will be taken to remove horses, mules, live stock, and all means of transportation from hostile districts infested or liable to be infested by guerrilla bands of rebels. II. Commanding officers will establish proper regulations, in ac- cordance with the usages and customs of war, for the enforcement of this order. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 359 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 359 FIELD ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 31. * Alexandria, La., April 30, 1864. * * * * * 3. The Cavalry Division, under command of Brig. Gen. Richard Arnold, will report direct to these headquarters. * * * * * * * 9. Brig. Gen. Henry W. Birge, U. S. Volunteers, is relieved from duty with the Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, and will at once proceed to Baton Rouge and relieve Brig. Gen. Philip ~t. George Cooke from the command of that post. 10. Brig. Gen. Philip St. George Cooke, U. S. Army, is relieved from duty in this department, and will at once proceed to Washing- ton, D. C., and report to the A.djutant-General of the Army in per- son. 11. Col. N. A. iVI. Dudley is relieved from all duty with the cav- alry of this department, and will await in New Orleans the return of his regiment from the North. On its arrival Colonel Dudley will assume command of it. By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Port Huzitson, La., April 30, 1864. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, A sst. AdjI. Gen., Departmei~t of the Gulf: SIR: The departure of the greater portion of the available troops from this post has nece~itated the withdrawal of all of the artillery from the outer line of works, and its concentration within the in- terior line of defenses. This course was recommended by General Andrews previous to his departure. The troops are being con- centrated in and near the inner works, and the artillery is now in position along that line. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL ULLMANN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. RICHARD ARNOLD, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: It is the wish of the major-general commanding that as many beef-cattle be collected in the vicinity of this place as pos- sible. He desires you to direct the officers of your command, when returning from expeditions or from advanced picket duty, to drive in as many cattle as possible without leaving the line of march. All cattle so collected will be turned over to Captain Herbert, commis- sary of subsistence, at headquarters of the Nineteenth Army Corps. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 360 360 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVL HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, April 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. HENRY W. BIRGE: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that, in relieving Brig. Gen. Philip St. George Cooke in com- mand of Baton Rouge, you will find that post in a bad condition. The movements of the enemy in that neighborhood have been of late characterized by great boldness. The commanding general hopes that you will clear the country between the Amite and Port Hudson of their presence. Your attention is also directed to the fact that goods are smuggled through our lines at this point, and that permits are abnsed. You Will please for the present prohibit any goods or supplies leaving Baton Rouge for the interior, and begin it again gradually, when and as you may deem best. The commanding general directs that you will make frequent reports to these headquarters of the condi- tion of affairs at Baton Rouge, and, as far as in your knowledge may lie, at Port Hudson. Very re3pectfully, your obedient servant, W. DWIGHT, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, & C., No. 14. Camp No. 20, in the Field, April 30, 1864. I. The march will commence to-morrow morning at 4 a. in., in order as follows: First. Dismounted cavalry of that division and one regiment of infantry, escorting all the trains, to be designated by Brigadier- General Salomon. Second. Third Division, Brig. Gen. F. Salomon. Third. Frontier Division, Brig. Gen. J. M. Thayer. II. All wagons of the command, except thase of general head- quarters. Five wagons for each division, and such as may be re- quired to carry the ordnance stores remaining after issue. All ambulances will be retained. All surplus of wagons will be gathered together and destroyed, under direction of the chief quartermaster, to whom, upon his re- qnest, division commanders will afford details to accomplish the purpose. The animals for the residue of the transportation and the artillery will be taken of the best that are from the destroyed wagons. III. The medical director will organize a hospital in which, with supplies and surgical aid, will be left such wounded as may be fatally or dangerously wounded, or so seriously that transportation will re- sult in permanent injury. Others will be taken in the ambulances. IV. All the commissary supplies will be at once issued equally to the conimand. V. Every man of the command will carry 60 rounds of ammuni- tion; 40 in the boxes, and 20 in the knapsack or haversack. By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele: GEO. 0. SOKALSKJ, First Lient., Second (Jay., and A. A. A. U Page 361 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, FTC.UNION. 361 IIDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 30, 1864. Lieut. Col. J. L. CHANDLER, Provost-Marshal- General, Department of Arkansas: COLONEL: The approach of the enemy and order to form line of battle will be signalized by the firing of three gnns from Fort Steele. Upon this signal I would thank you to adopt rigid measures for the security of the prisoners in the penitentiary. If you have cells, put them all or as many as you can in the cells. Instruct the command- ing officer there to redouble his vigilance and that of his guard. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRs. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 30, 1864. Lieut. Col. S. F. COOPER, Fortieth Iowa: COLONEL: The approach of the enemy and order to form line of battle will be signalized by the firing of three guns from Fort Steele. Upon hearing this signal, you will form your command on the road west of the cemetery, near Fort Steele. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, C~ommanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., April 30, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BLACK, Commanding Oavalry Detachment: COLONEL: Yon will please send out, starting it at daylight, a scout under the command of Captain Vance, of 50 men, to relieve Captain Bunner. Tell Captain Vance to call here this evening for instruc- tions. The men will take one days rations. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 30, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pine Bluff Ark.: Have you any news? Has General Andrews moved, and when? Is Colonel Graves, Twelfth Michigan, ready to embark? Where is Colonel Clayfon? Recall him and his command if it has not already been done, or unless General Andrews has given different orders. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 362 362 LOUISIANA AND TI1~ ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. PINE BLUFF, April 30, 18647 a. m. Brigadier-General WEST: I sent a scout to General Steele two honrs ago to inform him of onr situation. The officer who came in from him last night says General Steele does not need re-enforcements and that he wished the commanding officer at Pine Bluff to send to him for re-enforcements if this place was in danger. It has rained heavily all night, and I feel, under all the circumstances, very doubtful about the propriety of going out, the roads being so bad that we cannot get the train to General Steele so soon as he can get here or to Little Rock. Colonel Clayton with a large part of his force is now at Saline, on his way back. C. C. ANDREWS, Brigadier- General. LITTLE ROCK, April 30, 18644.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS: Your dispatch of 7 a. m. is just received. Remain where you are, subject to General Steeles orders. Send Graves regiment up by the Leonora. Keep me posted. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 30, 1864. Brigadier-General ANDREWS, Pine Bluff, Ark.: My pickets are being di~iven in; the enemys strength not known yet. I am told the Leonora will carry a battery as well as Graves regiment. Send the Fifth Ohio Battery on her, or as much of it as she will carry. Inform General Steele of the state of affairs here for his guidance. Answer. J. R~ WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, April 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDIREWS, Pine Bluff, Ark.: Two stupid scouts have created a false alarm. General Steeles advance is within 3 friiles of here. Send up the battery and Graves. J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., April 30, 1864. Col. OLIVER WOOD, Commanding, Brownsville: The general commanding directs me to say to you that by a tele- gram sent to you last night you were empowered to make such dis- position of your force as you deemed proper. If the arrangement is satisfactory to you, it will be satisfactory to the commanding general. SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lient., Eighteenth illinois Infantry, A. A. A. G Page 363 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDEI~CE, ETC.UNION. LITTLE ROCK, April 30, 1864. Col. A. H. RYAN, Commanding, Lewisburg: The general commanding directs me to request you to telegraph him matters at your post. How is the river? The general wishes you to keep him informed of what is going on around you. SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lieut., Eighteenth illinois Infantry, A. A. A. G. LITTLE ROCK, April 30, 1864. Lieut. Col. I. W. FULLER, Commanding, Dardanelle: How are affairs with you? How is the river? The general corn- mandiug wishes you to keep him posted on the state of the country around ~You. SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lient., Eighteenth Illinois infantry, A. A. A. G. CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 30, 18641 p. m. (Received 1.30 p. in.) Maj. Geu. W. S. ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: General Sherman has stripped his rear to get troops for the field, calculating on his furloughed men yet to return to take their place. His dismounted cavalry will have to be sent as he desires. Send it without delay. Should secret movement in Missouri require a greater force than you now have you will be able to get any amount necessary from the 100-days men now raising and from the State militia. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 30, 1864. (Received 5 p. in.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, (Julpeper, Va.: No 100-days men are being raised in this department. The rebel raids have begun from the south in the Central District. The emergency cannot be met in that way and is a present one. If you order these troops away without replacing [them], disaster will follow. Why should the grand depot be risked and such places as Columbus and Paducah be guarded? W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Saint Louis, Mo., April 30, 1864. Col. T. P. HERRICK, Comdg. Seventh Kansas Cavalry: COLONEL: I have the honor to state, by direction of the major- general commanding, that the 100 men mentioned in my commun Page 364 364 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. ICRAP. XLVI. cation of yesterday are required to be armed with revolvers only. They will be held in readiness, with a proper number of officers for their command, for important service at half an hours notice, sub- ject to the orders of the provost-marshal-general. They are not re- quired for mounted service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. BENNETT, Assistant Adjutant- General. BOONVILLE, Mo., April 30, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: Arms can be placed in safe hands, but not under existing circum- stai~ces. No company in service. Citizens are alarmed and excited, many leaving. Think at least one company of cavalry ought to be stationed here. A. H. THOMPSON, Captain, & c. HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Saint Louis, Mo., April 30, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Cape Girardean: Send the company of artillery to Bloonifield. By order of Brigadier General Ewing: H. HANNAHS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. WARRENSBURG, Mo., April 30, 18644.30 p. m. Col. J. F. PHILIPS, Sedalia: Send one squadron to co-operate with the troops in Sedalia County. The guerrillas have been attacked, some killed, and the rest scat- tered, and at last accounts were heard from in small bodies, moving toward Saline and Pettis Counties. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. SEDALIA, Mo., April 30, 1864. (Received 6 p. in.) General BROWN, Warrensburg, Mo.: I already have five companies in Saline County, including Captain Boxs. I sent Company G there to-night with six days rations. JNO. F. PHILIPS, Colonel, Commanding Page 365 CHAP XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 36i3 WARRENSBURG, Mo., April 30, 18646.05 p. m. Col. JOHN F. PHILIPS, Sedalia, Afo.: Have Company G scout in the Aorthwest of Pettis County, toward Dunksburg. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WARRENSBURG, Mo., April 30, 1864. Samuel McLaren states that he is a discharged soldier from Com- pany C, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, and that on the 28th instant he was in company with Lieutenant Couch and others com- ing from Chapel Hill to Warrensburg~ and that on the road, some 15 miles from this place, they saw some horses hitched to a fence around a house. The first time they saw them it was some three- fourths of a mile. They still moved on, ur~til they came up to within half a mile, when some of these men at the house mounted their horses and came toward us. Lieutenant Couch then rode forward to with- in 50 or 60 yards of them and asked them who they were. Their answer was, We are Kansas troops. Lieutenant Couch then told them to send one man forward. They refused to do this, but said it was all right for him (Couch) to go on. They turned and rode to the house, and we started and had got but a short distance when some 15 or 16 of these men rode up and called for us to halt. We all stopped and they rode up to Couch and the others and commenced shooting. They shot the 3 men and Lieu- tenant Couch. They then threatened to shoot us, but some one said that they would not kill t~itizens. One of them said to me and John Speck (who is also a discharged soldier), I am Quantrill, and flashed us with his revolver, saying he would kill all the damned Yankees he could catch, and told us to tell General IE. B. Brown that he had 4 of his men in prison and that lie would kill all the Yankees he could find, and that he had killed these 4 men for his having Blunt killed; that these 4 men would pay for Blunt. He also stated that he had 150 men in his command. I should think from the amount of men and horses that I saw that there were some 35 or 40 in all at this house. I cannot remember the name of the people that live at the house where they were. SAMUEL McLAREN, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI, Springfield, 31o., April 30, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Jib.: Colonel Marsh has not arrived. Guerrillas are driven from the border as far as I can hear. No news from below. JOHN B. SANBORN, Bri~ad~er- General, Qoininandin~ Page 366 366 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 30, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS, Saint Louis, Mo.: All quiet in the northwest. The militia are mustering in great numbers. I hope to do the country good service with them by pro- ducing large crops of corn, wheat, hemp, and tobacco, and shooting every bushwhacker we can find. CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 30, 1864k Capt. W. B. KEMPER, Company K, Ninth Cavalry, IlL S. ilL, Parlcville, Mo.: - CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d instant, and to reply that you will, until yon receive further orders from these headquarters, make such disposition of your force as may seem best for the inter- est of the service, remembering to keep your men on the alert and as actively employed as the nature of the service in your vicinity will permit. The general will be pleased with any arrangements that may be made by you having for their object the quiet and order of the country, and the peace, prosperity, and protection of loyal citizens. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. CLARKE, First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 30, 1864. B. W. LEWIS, Glasgow, Mo.: DEAR SIR: Your communication of the 20th instant, addressed to John D. Penny, Saint Louis, was placed in the hands of General Rosecrans and has been forwarded to me. I have already ordered troops to your section, and you may rest assured that all the means and power in my hands shall be used to put down and keep down the rebels in this district. It is my purpose to visit your county at an early day. I will then be glad to meet yourself and other loyal men. I shall not hesitate to lay hold of wrong with vigor, and desire the co-operation of all good men. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 30, 1864. JAMES H. ROBINSON, Danville, Mo.: DEAR SIR: I have just returned to my headquarters, after an absence of some days, and find your valued favor of 22d instant and others from you here on my table. I thank you for this informa- tion, and shall promptly take steps to put down the villains who gould stir up new tromib1e~, We must talio off Qur gloves and hur Page 367 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 367 somebody. You may rest assured that such will be the rule. If the Government will meet my demands for force we shall have no trouble. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., April 30, 1864. E. M. SAMUEL, Liberty, lIlio.: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your note of April 21, aiid to reply that Captain Younger will be permitted to fill up his company to the maximum. The general pro- poses to visit Liberty as soon as he possibly can, at which time he will be pleased to meet and confer quietly with some of your best and most reliably loyal citizens. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. CLARKE First Lieutenant and Aide-de-damp. PAOLA, KANS., April 30, 1864. Maj. C. S. CHARLOT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fort Leavenworth, Kans.: Company A, Fifteenth Kansas, is at Pleasant Grove, Woodson County, Kans., and Company G, Fifteenth Kansas, is at Olathe, Kans. GEO. S. HAMPTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, Milwaulcee, Wis., April 30, 1864. Brigadier-General SIBLEY: I answered yesterday, by telegraph, your letter concerning the Sixth Regiment, which will not be withdrawn from Minnesota until the summer campaign is over. I do not understand your dispatch to Colonel Myers about delay in consequence of non-arrival of horses. One thousand have already reached you, and I presume 300 more, at least, will be in Saint Paul by the time this letter reaches you. Let us understand. You were to send 1,600 mounted men to Sully. A large part of this force is to be infantry, who will be mounted mostly, as I understand you, on horses turned in by the First Mounted Rangers (mustered out). About 2,000 horses are to go up to Saint Paul to mount Second Cavalry and Bracketts and Hatchs battalions. You have now fully 1,000 horses besides those for Brackett. These, with the horses of the late mounted rangers, are nearly all that you need for the force you are to send to the Missouri. A week or so, more or less, is not of importance in remounting Hatchs bat- talion and the balance of the Second Cavalry. I cannot, therefore, see how a delay of a few days in forwarding the remainder of the horses caii in the least affect the sending of the force to Sully. I am thus particular and urgent, general, because it is very essential that your force sho~ild reaCh Sully iii time, I cannot Qn~4lllQ th~ idea o Page 368 368 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. delay, for which the views you present do not, in my jndgment, con- tam any sufficient reason. I have never supposed you would not do everything in your power, but I have a little feared that you are over particular and might possibly occasion delay by adhering to arrangements and to the completion of minute details which, although judicious, are not essential. In relation of the Sixth Regiment, it is proper for you to bear in mind the following views: Four companies of infantry are to estab- lish the post at Devils Lake and four companies oii James River. Of course, as you send off nearly the whole Eighth Regiment mounted, these companies must come from the Sixth, but as soon as the campaign is over, the four companies of the Sixth at each of these posts are to be replaced by three companies at each post of the Eighth Regiment. Thus six companies of the Eighth will be left to garrison (as infantry) the posts at Devils Lake and James River, relieving the companies of the Sixth. The other four companies of the Eighth, together with the eight companies of the Sixth, will then return to Minnesota, bringing with them all the horses upon which the infantm~y was mounted for the campaign. The whole of the Sixth Regiment will then be assembled and sent to its corps on the Potomac, leaving you for your district one regiment of infantry and one regi- ment and a battalion of cavalry. Of this force, you will have for Minnesota alone four companies of infantry and six companies of cavalry, a force more than you can use with good result behind the line of your large posts on ~Devils Lake and James River. You will undemstand the necessity of not com- municating any part of this information to any person whatever until the proper time comes to give the order. If the companies of the Sixth knew they were not to occupy the quarters at Devils Lake and James River of course they would work reluctantly and slowly. They must not, therefore, know it until they are relieved by the companies of the Eighth. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. POPE Major- General. Commanding. HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST, Saint Paul, Minn., April 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SULLY, District of Iowa, Sioux City: GENERAL: I have received dispatches from Fort Abercromnbie, dated 23d instant. My scouts, who had been absent several weeks and visited the region of the James River, report that they had held communication with different Indians from the Missouri camps, and the information they obtained corroborated previous reports as to the hostile disposition of the Yanktonais, who were encamped near the mouth of Heart River, on the north side, to the number of 700 lodges. They expect to be joined by 250 or 300 lodges of Isanti Sioux, and the (lisaffected of other bands, and to combine with the Tetons, who, to the number of 1,000 lodges, are between Heart River and Fort Clark. They claim that there will be a concentration of 2, 500 lodges to give battle to the troops, should they attempt to penetrate their country, and mnean time to attack a4 steamers attempting to ascend tho river or overland paxtie8 of emigrants. All accounts agree thaA Page 369 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UINION. their intended point of junction is near the month of Heart River. Some of the Sisseton head men have arrived at Fort Abercrombie, and given their assent to the only terms upon which they will be allowed peace. Those desirous of a restoration of friendly relations with the Gov- ernment will number probably 200 or 250 lodges, and they have been directed to go to Devils Lake, where a place will be assigned them, and where they will receive protection from hostile Indians by the military authorities. I am busily engaged in preparations for the march of the column to join you on Bois Cache or Bordache Creek, and although the season is backward I think the grass will subsist the animals by the 1st of June, when the detachment will move from the designated point on the upper Minnesota River. Bracketts battalion has received my orders to march to Sioux City from Fort Snelling 2d proximo, and will probably reach Sioux City by 15th, as I informed you in a previous dispatch. H. H. SIBLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Abstract from returns of the Department of the Gulf, Ma]. Gen. N. P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of April, 1864.* Present for ~ ~ Pieces of a duty. ~ artillery. n~ ~ Command. Headquarters. S a an ~ 0 ~ General headquarters 36 45 139 189 Alexandria and New Orleans, La. Thirteenth Army corps (MeClernand): Headquarters First Divisiont and attached troops (warren). 5econd Division and attached troops (Herron). Third Division (Cameron) Fourth Division (Landram) Artillery Brigade~ (Schwartz) Total Thirteenth Army Corps.... Nineteenth Army Corps (Franklin): Headquarters First Division (Emory) 5econd Division (Grover) Artillery Reserve (Closson) Total Nineteenth Army Corps Engineer Brigadeji (Houston) Corps dAfrique (detachment) Army of the Tennessee (detachment).. Cavalry Division (Arnold) 15 19 35 4.3 238 4,763 6,053 10,460 12 135 2,873 3,756 7,154 10 104 2,045 2,333 4,172 75 1,421 1,784 4,584 9 .~2 396 520 18 576 11,473 14,357 26,933 40 8 8 11 235 5,272 6,392 9,148 14 167 4,119 4,907 6,372 14 7 248 295 373 14 417 9,639 11,602 15,904 42 Alexandria. Matagorda Island, Tex. Brownsville and Bra- zos Santiago, Tex. Alexandria. Do. Do. Alexandria. Do. Do. Do. Alexandria and Ber- wick Bay, La, Alexandria. Do. Do. 58 1,003 1,257 1,452 88 1,447 1,745 2,034 453 9,221 11,620 17,907 14 253 5,003 6,210 10,462 6 * For return of troops composing Red River expedition, see Part I, p. 168. ~ The Second Brigade at Alexandria and Baton Rouge, La. t Excluding batteries reported with First and Second Divisions in Texas, in De- fenses of New Orleans, and District of Baton Rouge. ~The Third Division reported in Defenses of New Orleans. liThe Ninety-fifth Regiment with Second Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, and the Ninety-sixth with First Division of that corps, and so reported with troops in Texas. The Second Brigade reported in District of Baton Rouge. 24 R RVOL xxxiv, PT H Page 370 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Abstract from returns of the Department of the Gulf, & e.Continued. Present for -~ ~ Pieces of duty. ~ ~ artillery. H Command. .~ ~ Headquarters. S Hu ~.. ~, ~.c5 ~.. CS bS H ~ 0 ~ Defenses of New Orleans (Reynolds): New Orleans and vicinity5 389 9,334 11,331 13,607 4 6 Ship Island, Miss 19 309 451 565 Total Defenses of New Orleans 408 9,643 11,782 14,172 4 6 District of Baton Rouge (Cooke) 234 5,317 6,382 8,570 10 District of La Fourche (Day) 68 1,579 2,057 *, 584 4 Port Hudson, La. (Ullmann): Corps dAfrique 190 2,815 3,880 5,434 8 Second Brigade, Cavalry Division 18 424 621 821 (Fonda). Total Port Hudson 208 3,239 4,501 6,255 8 District of Key West and Tortugas ~9 820 1,460 2,100 Key West, Fla. (Woodhury). District of West Florida (Asboth) 79 1,729 2,142 2,401 127 6 Barancas, Fla. Grand total 2,917 60,161 75,254 110,963 1i~jl 136 Grand total according to the de- 2,551 53,026 66,637 103,935 139 108 partment return for the month of April.t Abstract from returns of the Department of Arkansas, Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of April, 1864. Present for ~ ~ Pieces of H duty. ~ artillery. H 5, Cii Command. , H H~ Headqu arters. H H H~ ~i I. s 0 General headquarters~ 16 16 19 In the field. First (or Cavalry) Division (Carr) 121 3,808 4,919 6,364 Do. Second Division (West) 25 i 780 5,936 12 Little Rock. Third Division (Salomon) 139 3,475 4,352 7,360 12 In the field. Frontier Division (Thayer) 155 4,149 5,110 7,760 10 Do. Cavalry Brigade (Clayton) 28 471 811 1,060 10 Pine Bluff. Cavalry not brigaded 52 1,388 1,722 2,139 District of Eastern Arkansas (Buford) 103 2,151 2,820 3,297 7 3 Helena. District of Northeastern Arkansas 49 905 1,662 1,996 2 Jacksorq~ort. (Livingston). District of the Frontier (Judson) 134 3,459 4,459 6,024 15 Fort Smith. Grand total 822 20,294 26,651 41, 95~ 7 64 Total according to monthly re- 782 19,871 25,936 39,591 7 70 turn. Total according to tn-monthly 774 18,203 25,087 36,663 .... 36 return for April 30. * Including the city and troops at Algiers, Bayou Saint John, Bonnet Carre, Camps Chalmette and Parapet, Carrollton, Forts Banks, Jackson, - Macomb, Pike, Saint Philip, and Stevens, and Greenville Station, Jefferson City, Kennersville, Lake End, Lakeport, Pass Manchac, and Pr~ctorville. t Among other discrepancies, does not account for detachment of Army of the Tennessee. ~ Escort not accounted for. ~As reported March 31. Headquarters and First a-nd Third Brigades in the field; remainder at Little Rock. II One hundred and eighty-seven officers and 4,219 men absent Within the depart- ment. The staff and Third Brigade, as reported April 2#. 37 Page 371 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 371 Abstract from return of the Department of the Missouri, Maj. Gen. W. S. Rose- crans, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of April, 1864. Command. General headquarters Benton Barracks (Pile) Jefferson Barracks, & c * District of Central Missouri (Brown). District of North Missouri (Fiskt)... District of Rolla (Guita4) District of Saint Louis (Ewin4) District of Southwest Missouri (San- horn). Alton, Ill. (Copeland) Enrolled Missouri Militia Grand total Present for duty. 0 ~ 27 16 4 77 32 64 327 69 53 81 124 614 268 2,557 560 1,240 5,328 1,853 995 977 2 a a 2~ CS be a be be *1 163 760 285 2,963 656 1,750 7,045 2,332 1,306 1,106 2 Pieces of a artillery. 2 ______ ~CS be2 ~CS ~ 2 be 205 900 318 4,165 828 2, 133 8,340 3,228 1,541 1,628 2 .4. 23 4 750 14,516 18,366 23,283 33 i6 8 8 32 Headquarters. Saint Louis, Mo. Warrensburg. Saint Joseph. Rolla. Saint Louis. Springfield. Abstract from return of the Department of Kansas, Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Our- tis, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of April, 1864. Present for ~ ~ Pieces of duty. a a ~ artillery. Command. Headquarters. CS CSCS be be.2 ~ ~ be beCS CS be be a a *~ .,~ ~ General headquarters 10 10 10 Fort Leavenworth. District of Colorado( ((~hiviugton) 27 491 809 1,378 ... 12 Denver, Cob. Ter. District of Nebraska (Mitchell) 51 918 1,440 1,638 .... 6 Omaha, Nehr. Ter. District of North Kansas (Davies) 20 515 684 787 6 4 Fort Leavenworth. District of South Kansas (McKean) 63 1,719 2,042 2,742 .... 4 Paola, Kans. Grand total 171 3,643 4,985 6,555 6 26 Abstract from return of the Department of New Mexico, Brig. Gen. James II. Carleton, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of April, 1864. 2 2 Present for a a Pieces of ~i2 tI~ duty. a ~ artillery, 2, ~ Command. a a .2 CS Headquarters. be b~2 a a a~ ~ ~ ~CS ~ 2 ~ be be ~ 0 ~ .,~ ~ ~ Headquarters Albuquerque (Capt. D. H. Brother. ton). Fort Bascom (Capt. E. H. Bergmann). Fort Cauby (Capt. A. B. Careyl Fort Craig (Maj. C. E. Bennett) Fort Marcy (Capt. H. M. Crandal) ... 21 3 4 6 8 2 i6i 157 194 252 104 21 133 166 265 329 114 24 147 198 539 376 4 132 4 Santa F& . .i3. * Veteran Reserve Corps at Jefferson Barracks and the Marine and Lawson Hos- pitals. 1 Assumed command April 6. t Assigned March 25. Not reported on department return. Forts Halleck and Laramie transferred to District of Nebraska. The District of the Frontier transferred to Department of Arkansas, Blunt relin- quishing command April 18. CHAP. XLVI. Page 372 LOUISIANA AND THE mANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. Abstract from return of the Department of New Mexieo, & e.Continued. Present for ~ Pieces of duty. ~ ,~. artillery. -C Command. Headquarters. br ~cC C . ~ -5 5 C ~ bE ,5 C bE bE C .3 0 ~ ~1 ~1 ~ Fort Stanton (lVJaj. Joseph Smith).... 2 37 87 144 Fort Sumner (Capt H. B. Bristol) 5 177 213 247 Fort Union (Lieut. Col. F. P. Abren) 11 451 518 557 4 4 Fort Wingate (Ma). H. Chacon) 3 162 170 183 Fort Whipple (Ma). E. B. Willis) 4 120 128 138 Las Valles (Lieut. S. L. Barr) 1 29 36 47 Los Pinos (Lieut. Charles Speed) 2 90 103 123 Fort McRae (Capt. 11. A. Greene).... 2 87 96 120 Reventon (Capt. J. L. Merriam) 2 63 70 98 Troops en route 13 350 363 363 District of Arizona (Col. G. W Franklin, Tex. Bowie). Fort Bowie (Lient. B. F. Bayley). 1 53 55 56 Fort Cummings (Capt.V.Dresher) 2 41 56 59 Camp Mirnbres (Capt. J. H. 2 58 89 150 Whitlock). Las Cruces (Capt. J. S. Thayer) 5 171 195 248 4 Franklin (Col. G. XV. Bowie) 15 302 372 465 Tucson (Lieut. Col. Theodore A. 2 32 40 45 Coult). Grand total 119 3,031 3,619 4,459 8 25 Abstract from return of the Department of the Northwest, Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of April, 1864. Present for ~ ~ Pieces of duty. ~ ~. artillery. C C, Command. .0 Headquarters. bE ~3d C ~ C ~ bE5 ~ a bE C 0 .~ ~ Headquarters 17 9 26 26 Milwaukee, Wis. District of Wisconsin (T. C. H. Smith) 26 646 769 830 Do. District of Minnesota (Sibley). ..... 142 2,872 3,512 3,805 . ... 22 Saint Paul. District of Iowa (Sully) 58 962 1,370 1,856 5 8 Davenport. Grand total 243 4,489 5,677 6,517 5 30 HEADQUARTERS, Fort Williams, Baton Rouge, May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. RICHARD ARNOLD, Chief if Artillery, Department of the Gulf: SIR: I have the honor to state that I arrived at this point April 12, 1864, with my Command, where I disembarked, by order of Briga- dier-General Cooke. My command musters, present and absent, 1,654. There are some recruits not inCluded, say 75, at Indianapolis. Com- pany L, as you know, is in Texas. I have at this post an aggregate of 1,178. I would request of you that Companies A and G be sent to Alexandria to take Charge of guns there and return the men belong- ing to Companies H, I, and K, now here. It is of the greatest un- portance that these detachments be returned to their companies in order to perfect our regimerttal organization. Company A numbers 5 officers and 121 men; Company G, 5 officers and 144 men. 37 Page 373 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 373 By special orders of General Banks 1 have been compelled to be equipped as infantry. The guns furnished us are of the poorest de- scription, being Austrian rifles, .54 caliber, many without bayonets, and those with bayonets without bayonet scabbards. The locks are very defective. I am now under orders to move outside the fortifica- tions with Companies A, B, F, G, H, and K, and relieve regiments ordered to the front. C, D, iE, and M garrison the fort. Company I is doing provost duty. We still have a recruiting party in Indiana. Six of the companies are filled to the maximum, and from information received from the recruiting party the regiment only lacks 75 to 100 men of being filled to the maxinmm number, 1,824. Now, general, if our former services and the number of recruits we have furnished merits any reward, I beg that you will use your effort to equip us as artillery at the earliest possible time. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedieut servant, JOHN A. KEITH Colonel First Indiana heavy Artillery, Commanding Fort. CIRCULAR.1 HEADQ~TARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 1, 1864. Major-General MCCLERNAND, Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH: The major-general commanding directs that the troops forming the line of defense for this place will stand at arms from a half an hour before daylight till half an hour after daylight, and from that time till 8clock a. m. they will be ready at a moments notice to nieet an attack of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM DWIGHT, Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: Col. W. J. Landram, commanding Fourth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, whose left rests on the upper side of the Opelousas road, reports that there are no troops in position connect- ing with him on the other side of that road. The line of defense at this moment, therefore, extends, in point of fact, only from Bayou Rapides, on the right, round to the Opelousas road, on the left, and embraces none but troops of this command in the first line. In view of the threatened attack of the enemy, I would respectfully request that the detachment of 500 men sent across the river yesterday morn- ing from the Thirteenth Corps be ordered back. I am, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Major- General, (Jommanding Page 374 374 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF. Alexandria, hay 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Gommanding Thirteenth Army Corps: In answer to your communication of to-night, I am directed to inform you that a brigade of General A. J. Smiths command is posted on the Opelousas road, about 4 miles from this place, at the fork of the Opelousas and Bayou Robert road, and will give all the necessary support to your left flank. It is the opinion of the com- manding general that the (lispositions already made will be sufficient without calling in any working party from across the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., iJilay 1, 1864. Brigadier-General DWIGHT, Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: I desire to send out a train of fifty wagons 7 or 8 miles on the Opelousas road, with a guard, to obtaiR forage. If the major- general commanding the department does not consider this measure safe, I ask permission to send a reconnoitering party to see whether the enemy are in that direction or not. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, llfajor- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, iNo. 23. Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864.. I. The Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry is authorized to have inscribed on its colors the following names of battles, in accordance with paragraph 11, Appendix B, Revised Army Regulations, 1863: Prairie Grove, Vicksburg, Yazoo City, Atchafalaya. II. The following are the dates at ~vhich the above-named actions took place: Prairie Grove, Ark., December 7, 1862. Vicksburg, Miss., invested May 18, 1863; assaulted May 1922, 1863; surrendered July 4, 1863. Yazoo City, Miss., July 13, 14, 1863. Atchafalaya, La., September 7, 1863. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 94. Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864. * * * * * * * II. All orders heretofore given in regard to outpost duty are coun- termanded after 8 oclock to-morrow morning. * * * * * * Page 375 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 375 IV. Commanding officers of SecQald Brigade, First Division, and of Third and Fourth Divisions will each make a daily detail of 3 officers, 9 non-commissioned ofllcers, and 65 privates for grand guard, thewhole to be posted in a continuous line, under direction of Cap- tain Carnahan, acting aide-de-camp, from Bayou Rapides, on the right, rou?id to the Opelousas road, on the left; this arrangement to take effect from 8 oclock to-morrow morning. * * * * * * * IX. There being reason to expect an attack from the enemy, and th~ major-general commanding being seriously ill, Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler, the next officer in rank present in the field, is temporarily appointed chief of staff, and will direct what is needful to be done in his name. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Ao~5ing Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864. [Col. W. J. LANDRAM :j COLONEL: Late and reliable reports go to show that the enemy are not in force in our front. The forage train and escort will there- fore go out as already ordered, except that the hour of starting will be 5 instead of 8 a. m. The letter (just received) of which I send a copy probably means that an additional force will be sent from some other command. If that force does not appear by 6 oclock, you will then send your entire First Brigade as escort. Battery A, First Regiment Missouri Light Artillery, four guns, will be sent to you in the morning. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864. Brigadier-General LAWLER, Commanding Second Brigade, First ]iYtviszon: GENERAL: Let your brigade remain as at present. The general expects to get permission to-day to withdraw it to the fortified line. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER FORAGE TRAIN ESCORT: SIR: The train will be formed in two divisions of twenty-five wagons each. An advance guard, 60 strong, will be detached fro Page 376 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. the escort, and will march 400 yards in front of the train, with a few men still in advance and on the right and left of the road, to prevent surprise. A rear guard of the same strength will march in a similar manner in rear of the train. The remainder of the escort will march in the center of the train between the two divisions, ready to support either the front or rear guard, and will keep flankers oi!t on each side 300 or 400 yards from the road. The wagons of the train will not be allowed to separate on any pretense. When a part stop for forage, the others must wait till these are loaded, when the whole will move on together. A sufficient number of soldiers from the escort will be detailed to load the wagons rapidly. If attacked, or if it is found necessary to remain out over night, the train will be parked, and every possible effort made to defend it. The teamsters will be shot on the spot if they do not obey orders or attempt to run away. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: SAMUEL CALDWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. H. EMORY, Commctnding First Division, Nineteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to detail one brigade of your command to act as escort to a wagon train to be sent out to-morrow morning on the Opelousas road. The wagons are directed to be drawn out on the road by 5 a. m. Brigadier-Gen- eral Dwight, chief of staff, desires to see the commanding officer of the brio~ade at these headquarters to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Uomdg. Detach. Sixteenth and Seventeenth Arm~i Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to direct one brigade of your command to take position at the fork of the Cheneyville and Bayou Robert road. The road fovks about 4 miles from Alexandria. Good camping-ground can be found on th~ bayou in the angle between the roads. The brigade should move at once. Inclosed you will find a rough map * of the position. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. SARGENT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. *Not found Page 377 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, 110.UNION. 377 FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 32. ~ Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864. * * * * * * * III. Brig. Gen. T. Kilby Smith will return with his command to-night to his old camp on this side of the river, reporting to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding detachment of Sixteenth and Seven- teenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Banks: GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 1, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Pine Bluff: Please send my dispatch of this day to General Steeles headquar ters by first opportunity. E. A. CARR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 1, 1864. Lient. GEORGE 0. SOKALSKI, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., iFldqrs. Dept. of Arkansas In the Field, via Pine Bluff: General West has ordered General Andrews to escort 30,000 rations to General Steele. The large force of the enemy has been heard from approaching this place, but we have not heard from as far south as Benton. A reconnaissance is started to-day for Benton. I think this place should be re-enforced, as the command is not large and consists partly of dispirited detachments. The road I came on is very bad; it had been little used, and crosses many small swampy creeks. E. A. CARR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 1, 1864. Col. DANIEL ANDERSON, Gommanding Post of Little Rock: The general commanding directs that you cause to be detailed from Lieutenant-Colonel Blacks command a scout of 1 commis- sioned officer and 50 men, mounted, with two days rations, to be in readiness to move as soon as possible. The officer detailed to com- mand the scout will, as soon as his men are ready, report at these headquarters for instructions. Captain Vance, [Seventh] Missouri Cavalry, is suggested as a suitable officer to be detailed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lieut., Eighteenth illinois Infy., A. A. A. G Page 378 378 LOUISIANA ANtI THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 1, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BLACK, Commanding Cavalry Detachment: General Carrs advance is at the bridge on Pine Bluff road and can- not cross until the bridge is replaced. You will cause to be detailed at once 1 commissioned officer and 50 men, mounted, to proceed to and replace the bridge. The officer who goes in command of the detail will report at these headquarters for instructions immedi- ately. By order of Brig. Gen. J. R. West: SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lient., Eighteenth Illinois Infy., A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 1, 1864. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant- General, ~Javalry Division: CAPTAIN: Lieutenant-Colonel Black, commanding cavalry detach- ment, informs me that he cannot furnish the mounted party which General Carr directed me to send out on the upper Pine Bluff road to-morrow morning. I am consequently unable to furnish that force. For the outpost ordered 4 miles out on the Benton road, I have sup- plied a cavalry picket of 20, the last mounted men of my personal escort. Please let me know the further orders of General Carr in the first-named matter. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 1, 1864. Col. DANIEL ANDERSON, Commanding Post, Little Rock: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you cause Lieu- tenant-Colonel Black, commanding cavalry detachments, to report immediately to these headquarters the number of effective men he can mount for scout duty in the morning. The general desires all possible dispatch in having this report made out and forwarded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lient., Eighteenth Illinois Infy., A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 1, 1864. Col. DANIEL ANDERSON, Commanding Post, Little Rock: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you cause to be detailed from the cavalry detachment of your command 2 commis- sioned officers and 50 men, mounted, with two days rations, to go out on the upper Pine Bluff road to-morrow morning. The detai Page 379 CHAi. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENUE, ETC.UNION. 379 will be in their saddles at 5 a. in., and the officer who goes in com- mand will report at these headquarters at that time to-morrow morn- ing for instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lieut., Eighteenth Illinois Infy., A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 1, 1864. Col. DANIEL ANDERSON, Comdg. Post, Little Rock, Ark.: COLONEL: The commanding general instructs me to say to you that you will cause Capt. Benjamin B. Pegram, One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry, and 80 men from same regiment, to be sent out to the tan-yard to-morrow morning at 8 oclock. They will re- main there until otherwise ordered. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. T. BRUSH, First Lieut., Eighteenth Illinois Infy., A. A. A. G. IIDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 1, 186410.30 p. m. Col. G. M. MITCHELL, Comdg. Fifty-fourth illinois Infantry: Have 200 men of your regiment, with 40 rounds ammunition and one days rations, ready to march in one hour from this time. Place the detachment under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, and send that officer to these headquarters for orders. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS, Pine Bluff: If you will observe paragraph 438, Regulations of 1863, it may save confusion. General Kimball will be at Pine Bluff to-night, on his way to Tennessee. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. LITTLE ROCK, May 1, 186410 a. m. General ANDREW S, Pine Bluff: The following order is communicated to you, supposing that there are no orders from General Steele that conflict with it. If there are, let me know: With two regiments of infantry, the Eleventh Ohio Battery (Sands), and 300 of Claytons cavalry, move out without delay to General Steele with 30,000 rations. Colonel Clayton will remain at Pine Bluff. The good news of General Steeles successful fight is most wel- come. J. R. WEST, Brigadier- General, Commanding. *See Part I, p. 667 Page 380 380 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., Afay 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS, hue Bluff, Ark: General Steeles order for you to remain at Pine Bluff must hold good until we can hear further. J. R. WEST Brigadier- General, Commanling. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTHEASTERN ARKANSAS, Jacksonport, Ark., May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. R. WEST, Corndg., Little Rock, Ark.: SIR: I have the honor to report that at 5 a. m. this day I re- ceived a telegram from Little Rock, per steamer Sir William Wal- lace, of which the following is a true copy: LITTLE ROCK, April 29, 1864. Colonel LIVINGSTON, Commanding, Jaelcsonport: Send by the Westmoreland all the cavalry she can carry to Devalls Bluff, ready for active duty. J. R. WEST, Brigadier-General, Commanding. And that in consequence thereof I immediately ordered all the serviceable horses of this command to be ~ddled and ready to move at once. The steamer Sir William Wallace could only take 56 horses and men, and was promptly dispatched. The steamer Raymond ar- rived at 12 in. and reported other boats coming, and that the whole command of this district was ordered down the river, which looked probable from the fact of additional boats to the one named in the telegram above being sent, though no additional instructions were received by me. I pnt 96 horses and men on the Raymond, all she could carry on board, and nOw have 150 more awaiting the arrival of further transportation. I will have left here about 800 effective men and at Batesville 500, a few sick in each command. I have at Jacksonport two very fine 3-inch Parrott rifled pieces, with all necessary equipments to move the same. I am ready and anxious to bring my command into service against the enemy as a whole, and have to state that the detachments First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry and Eleventh Regi- ment Missouri Cavalry, sent by the transports this day, are made up of details from all the squadrons of their respective regiments, being the serviceable horses of each squadron and regiment. I trust that this fact will lead to their speedy return if the re- mainder of this command does not follow soon, as these two regi- ments (Eleventh Missouri and First Nebraska Cavalry) will be badly mutilated by having these men reported on detached service, leaving, as it will, fragments here. On a pinch, for short service I could mount possibly 300 more men in these two regiments if desired. The enemy is 1,500 strong, and threatening me from the east side of Cache River. I state this for the information of the commanding general. I should be pleased to take my whole force to Little Rock and return it here when the necessity had passed. I can turn out 1,600 good fighting men. The First Nebraska is a veteran regiment and often tried. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. R. LIVINGSTON, Col. 1st Regt. Nebr. Gay. Vet. Vols., Gomdg, Dist. N. E. Ark Page 381 Ca~. XLVI] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 381 CULPEPER, VA., ilay 1, 186410 a. m. (Received 11.35 a. in.) Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Saint Louis: Have you sent any troops from your department at any time in obedience to orders from me? The troops which you are detaining, without authority and in violation of orders, are a part of the gar- rison for keeping open the Mississippi. With the troops belonging to your department proper, with other commanders interposing be- tween you and all organized forces of the enemy, I do not under- stand your threat of disaster as a consequence of permitting veterans to return to where they belong, unless it means that you must do as you please or be held in no way responsible. You can bring troops from places where you have more than is necessary to hold your depots safely. ~. S. GRANT, Lieutenant - General. HEADQUARTERS, Saint Louis, Mo., May 1, 18648.30 p. m. (Received 12.40 a. in., 2d.) Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpe per, Va.: Your telegram received. By your orders I have sent away the only two regiments of infantry I have at this post, one of which is put in garrison at Columbus, the other at Paducah. By your tele- graphic order I armed the dismounted cavalry and put them on guard duty here in place of the infantry sent away. No further order of yours came to me until yesterday. I telegraphed to say that if these guards are sent away and not replaced the 8,000 armed secret-society men, whose intended raising has been postponed, but the preparation for which rebel cavalry from the South were already beginning, would seize that opportunity, burn our depot, and do us irreparable damage. This matter of the secret society must be kept perfectly secret until I can secure names and evidence which will enable me to seize and convict the ringleaders and crush the organi- zation, which is widespread. If you think it safe after my statement of these facts to risk sending off these troops without bringing some disciplined infantry to take their place, your orders will be obeyed. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General. MAY 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Teun.: Shall the dismounted cavalry be sent forward without arms? They had none when they came here, and Colonel Callender has not yet received cavalry arms to supply them all. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major- General Page 382 382 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cairo, Ill., Miay 1, 1864 Brig. Gen. J. W. DAVIDSON, Commanding Cavalry Bureau, Saint Louis: GENERAL: I am instructed by Major-General Sherman (by tele- graph) to direct that all the cavalry regiments at Saint Louis belong- ing to the Sixteenth Army Corps be sent forward without any delay to Memphis. He is of the opinion that until they obtain horses they can be of good service as garrisons, and that the horses can follow as soon as practicable. You will please cause the necessary orders to be given and have the men, both those now at Saint Louis and those who may arrive, forwarded with all possible dispatch. I again urge the controlling necessity for pushing forward horses as soon as practicable. I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, iVilajor-General, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps. [Indorsement.] WEST DIVISION, CAVALRY BUREAU, Saint Louis, May 3, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Rosecrans. The Third Michigan is of the Sixteenth Army Corps. J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier-General. CAPE GIRARDEAU, May 1, 1864. Brigadier-General EWING: Please ask Colonel Cole, chief of artillery, which company of his regiment, Second [Missouri] Artillery, he prefers should be sent to Bloomfield, Company C, Captain Fuchs, or Company H, Captain Montgomery. Company H has lately arrived here. Company C has been here a long time. It is not material to us, and he may have a preference. Please answer immediately, as they are to start in the morning. J. B. ROGERS, Commanding. KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 1, 1864. (Received 10 a. in.) Capt. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral, Warrensburg, Mo.: Three boats passed up; two of them this morning. Report no trouble on river. Your adjutant here reports advice from Lexing- ton; no guerrillas near there. Can we go down? A. DONNELLY, Captain of Steamer Paragon Page 383 ChAP. XLVI.] 383 CORRESPONIJEN CE, ETc.UNION. PLEASANT HILL, May 1, 1864. (Received 5.20 p. in.) Capt. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Warrensburg: Arrived here at 3 oclock. Rebels scattered in small squads all through the country. Report is that other bands are moving up. All the troops had left below. I have ordered Major Pritchard back with three squadrons, with orders to scout thoroughly the Grand ~nd prevent other bands fi~om crossing. Have not been able to hear from Dodd as to the disposition of the balance of the regiment. J. H. FORD, Colonel, Commanding. NEOSHO, Mo., May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN B. SANBORN, Commanding Southwest District of Missonr~: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have informa- tion that there are some 800 to 1,200 rebels on Grand River, near Gilstrops Ferry. I am inclined to believe the report. The report came from a woman, who says she saw 60 of the rebels. She saw Stand Watie and talked with him, so she says. She says Stand Watie has 400 men. Colonel Pickens has 300, and the balance be- long to Cooper. She also says they were looking for Quantrill to join them with 600 men. She says that they intend to attack the train that is now on its way from Fort Scott. She says that they calculate to take my command in out of the wet, but they will have a good time in doing it. I have a small fort very near completed. I can whip a thousand if attacked. I will ascertain the truth of the report. I have sent Captain Ruark, with 20 men, with instructions to go to Gilstrops Ferry, or near enough to ascertain the truth of the report. When he returns I will report to you immediately. General, I am, with much respect, your most obedient servant, MILTON BURCH, Major, Comdg. Detachment Eighth Cavalry, 31. S. M. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Joseph, Mo., May 1, 1864. Maj. F. S. BOND, Aide-dc-Camp, Department Headquarters, Saint Louis: MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your com- munication of 29th ultimo, and assure you that I am not unmindful of the dangers that are but slumbering beneath the apparently peace- ful surface of affairs in this State. From a close personal inspection of the condition of things in this district, and from the most reliable information I can gather, I reached the conclusion that we must expect and prepare for trouble. Rebellion in Missouri is not dead, but sleepeth. The successive reverses that have followed our arms at the front within the past few weeks have partially roused the slumbering monster, and with a decided reverse to our arms in Vir- ginia and Georgia we may confidently expect a full-grown growl from every jungle in the State Page 384 384 LOUISIANA AND TIlE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. I desire to impress upon the general commanding the imperative and immediate necessity of more troops in this district. I have less than 500 men for duty. Dnring the spring and snmmer months of last year, when the rebels were disarmed, there were five regiments (nearly 6,000 men) stationed in this district. At this time every rebel in North Missouri is armed cap-a-pie. There are double the number of fire-arms and ten times the quantity of ammunition in the possession of out-and-out disloyalists in North Missouri than at any previous time during the rebellion. I believe that with decided success with our armies in the field the great mass of Missonri rebels would be passively loyal and quiet, but with reverses look out for a storm. Let us be prepared for the worst. The militia of the district have already rendered much valuable service, for which they have not been paid. Delay in payment has caused much discontent among men who have been taken from their farms and workshops for months. I would be glad if they could receive the early attention of the proper authorities. I very much need about 2,000 reliable U. S. volunteers, troops who do not know the people, and consequently will not enter into all the neighborhood quarrels and persoual animosities that disturb the people. I will thank you, major, to bring this matter before the general command- ing at the earliest moment. Rebels are drifting through the lines and crossing the river to this side daily. More than one-half of the amnestied Confederates would be easier taken care of if in front of us openly in arms against the Union. I have succeeded in produc- ing a much better state of feeling in the Northwest. It was a good move, the establishing my wigwam among the tribe of Paw Paws. The enrollment has been very thorough in this district. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. SAINT JOSEPH, May 1, 1864. Lient. Col. JOHN DONIPHAN, JYeston, Mo. COLONEL: The villains of whom you write committed three murders in the lower part of this county this morning, and they left for Platte County. We are pursuing them with 100 men from Saint Joe and some militia from the neighborhood of the murders. I hope some of our detachments will find them and visit swift and sure destruction upon them. I have advised all the outposts, and they are on the alert. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK, Brigadier-General. PAOLA, KANS., May 1, 1864. Maj. E. G. Ross, Lawrence, Kans.: Get ready with Company B and two howitzers to make tour along Santa F6 trail to Fort Lamed. THOS. J. McKIEAN, Brig. Gem., U. S. Volindeers, Comdg. District Page 385 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 385 PAOLA, KANS., ]Jfay 1, 1864. Col. T. MOONLIGHT, Fort Scott, Kans.: Company A, Sixteenth [Kansas], will be at Osawatomie to-mor- row, but not armed yet. If no other arrangement is made I will send yon Company H from here in conrse of the week. Mean time arrange with Colonel Blair for a small force, taken from both bri- gades, if necessary, to hold Potosi nutil relieved. I think Olathe is better provided than almost any other point. Company F and part of Company G, Fifteenth [Kansas], are there now, and the full company will be soon, so that Colonel Hoyt will have the same force as before Major Haas left. THOS. J. MCKEAN, Brig. Gem., U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. District. PAOLA, KANS., May 1, 1864. Col. C. W. BLAIR, Fort Scott, Kans.: Yon can bring Captain Kendalls company to Fort Scott if you choose. You can arm them better if you do. You know what troops you have along your own border; make your own disposition of them. I thimik it iniportant just now that a company should be at Potosi, and if you can spare F send it there to report to Colonel Moonlight. THOS. J. MCKEAN, Brig. Gem., U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. District. COUNCIL GROVE, KANS., May 1, 1864. General CURTIS: Is it not possible to get, say, 500 cavalry arms for use~on the border? I have plenty of infantry arms, but they are not suitable for scout- ing, There are in this district about 3,000 men. I should like to have, say, 500 for mounted service. I have received accounts of Quantrill amid a request from Captain Dunlap, Fort Riley, and shall be on the alert. I send inclosed orders to-day all over my district. Excuse nervousness; I slept none last night. I refer you to Major Hunt as to necessity for cavalry arms here. There are a couple of deserters here from rebel army; came a week ago; say Quantrill is at Fort Wasliita, on Red River. I do not think he is in Missouri, but some body is. I fear for some of our trains on the road west, but if one is captured it will take traveling to escape with it. Your obedient servant, ~. N. WOOD. P. S.I see the old Missouri Sixth is doing good service in Louisiana. Captains Breese and DeGress both wounded at Pleasant Hill. [mnclosure No. 1.] GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTH DIST., KANSAS STATE MIL., No. 3. Council Grove, Kans., April 25, 1864. I. In answer to many inquiries, it is hereby ordered that all regi- mental or company organizations, together with the officers of the same, organized under the old law, be recognized as such. 25 R RVOL XXXIV, PT II Page 386 386 LOUISIANA AND TILE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. II. No vacancy will be filled in any regiment or company for any officer not provided for in the new law. III. There will be no election in any company for the office of lieutenant so long as two lieutenants remain in the company. The ensign will act as fifth or color sergeant, and no election will be had for the fifth sergeant until the office of ensign shall become vacant. IV. Regimental surgeons will examine all persons applying for exemption froni military duty, on account of disability, on the pay- ment of a fee of $2, and will give a certificate showing the nature of the disability and opinion as to fitness or ability of applicant to perform military duty. V. Where any compaiiy becomes reduced below the required number (32 rank and file) the officer commanding regiment will dis- band such company and allow its members to enroll in some other company. VI. All official communications must be sent through company and regimental and brigade headquarters. By order of Brig. Gen. S. N. Wood, commanding: H. C. AKIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 2.] GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTH DIST., KANSAS STATE MIL., No. 4. Council Grove, May ii, 1864. I wish to call your attention to the following alarming news: FORT ScoTT, April 27, 1864. Seventy men, supposed to be rebels, from their dress, horses, and accouterments, passed north, 30 miles east of this place, day before yesterday, heading toward Boon- ville, Mo. KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 28, 1864. Eighty guerrillas crossed Grand River, near Dayton, Bates County, this morning at 3 oclock, going toward Rose Hill. The commanding officer at Fort Riley asks that a sufficient force of your command be kept on the alert to guard against sur- prise, and that you keep these headquarters posted as to any apparent demonstra- tions from bushwhackers or Confederate troops that may reach you. The indications from Washington are that the entire militia force of the country will be called into active service, and whilst I do not wish to raise any unnecessary alarm, or to take men more than is necessary from their usual occupations, yet the first duty of the citizen is to his country. There is no use to raise crops unless we can enjoy them. It is therefore ordered I. That the entire militia in this district hold themselves in readi- ness for active service in the field. IT. Commanding officers of regiments, battalions, companies, and squads will be active and efficient in their duties, will not only see that their commands are properly organized, armed and equipped, but will be constantly on the alert and keep these headquarters thoroughly posted as to all movements of the enemy, and, if neces- sary, act instantly. Do not wait for orders, but report all of your acts immediately, if necessary, by special messenger. III. Report immediately the number and kind of arms you have on hand, and amount of ammunition. Caution your men, and be very careful not to waste ammunition. If any of your command are unarmed, report the fact at once. I can supply rifled muskets, at least, to all exposed places Page 387 CHAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 387 IV. The commanding officer of each company unarmed in Lyon, Morris, Chase, Butler, and Marion Counties will immediately, through regimental commanders make requisition for arms, and de- tail a team to go to Topeka for the same. V. Commanding officers of companies mnst be more thorough at their monthly drill, and require each man to be present, unless sick, or enter complaint, and have them fined or imprisoned according to law. VI. Commanding officers of companies, within five days after each muster, will report to regimental headquarters the officers by name and number of men present for duty, and all absentees by name, with reasons of absence. The regimental commander will immediately send an abstract of the same to these headquarters. Persons refusing to enroll on account of conscientious scruples will be reported to me before other proceedings are had. VII. The new militia law having been printed and distributed there can be no excuse from officers for neglect of duty, and they will be held to a strict accountability. VIII. Keep a strict watch over all suspicious characters, aid the civil officers, put down brawls, arrest thieves, and, above all, kill bushwhackers and guerrillas. This part of Kansas must be protected. The regular forces are needed in the field, and we must rely upon. our- selves and each other. By order of Brig. Gen. S. N. Wood, commanding: H. C. AKIN, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO, Denver, Cob. Ter., May 1, 1864. Maj. J. DOWNING, Junction, Gob. Ter.: Lieutenant iEayre is out on the Republican with two howitzers and 100 men. Have ordered Company B to report to you, leaving only enough 1x take care of things at Collins. If route is clear, and in your judgment there is no more danger, you will gradually with- draw your forces, keeping a sharp eye on things as you do it. No howitzers mounted. I find Kennedy is comlnissioned second lieu- tenant. Dick failed. J. M. CHIVINGTON, Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ lID QRS. DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, No. 12. Santa F~, N. Mew., May 1, 1864. I. The Apaches of Arizona have been hostile ever since we have occupied that Territory, and now that the Navajo war is drawing to a successful termination, an earnest effort must be made not only to punish them for their continued murders, accompanied. as many of those murders have been, by burnings at the stake and by tor- tures of the most atrocious character, but either by their removal to a reservation or by the utter extermination of their men, to insure a lasting peace and a security of life to all those who go to that country to search for the precious metals Page 388 388 LOUISIANA AND TIlE ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. II. The plan of operations against these Apaches may, in general terms, be indicated as follows: Col. Edwin A. Rigg, First Infantry, California Volunteers, with a force of 500 infantry and cavalry, will establish a post upon the Gila River, near the confluence of the Rio de Sauz (the exact site to be selected by Lieut. Col. Nelson H. Davis, assistant inspector-general, U. S. Army), and here Colonel Rigg will have his depot of supplies. From this post, which is in a cen- tral position, the troops, in such parties with regard to strength as Colonel Rigg may indicate, will march in every direction to points where the enemy may be fonnd. III. The transportation, when the troops do not carry their food in their haversacks, which they can do and must do on all sconts of seven days and less, will be pack-mules. In the field, meat and bread and sugar and coffee and salt,al one of all the rations, will be carried. One blanket apiece will be as much bedding as the men will be permitted to have when on scout. To be encumbered with more is not to find Indians. IV. All A p ache Indians in that Territory are hostile, and all Apache men large enough to bear arms who may be encountered in Arizona will be slain wherever met, unless they give themselves up as prisoners. No women or children will be harmed; these will be taken prisoners. V. SimuThaneous with these operations of the force under Colonel Rigg, detachments will be sent northwardly from Tucson, through by the Ca~iada del Oro and the San Pedro, below the Arivaypa; from Fort Bowie, southwardly through the Chiricahua Mountains; from Fort Whipple, southeastwardly and across the Salinas; from Fort Canby, southwardly by western end of Mogollon Mountains; from Fort Wingate, southwardly toward the Sierra Blanca and the head of the Gila; and from Forts Craig and McRae, westwardly to the country around the head of the Mimbres and southwardly toward Pinos Altos, and toward Cookes Cafton. From Fort Cummings scouts will be sent to scour over the country to the southward; from the camp on the Mimbres the troops will scour the country in and around the Bnrro Mountains, and northwestwardly from those mountains, and toward the Florida Mountains. The size of these different parties will be as large as can be spared from the posts whence they start; their transportation, subsistence, and their in- structions are the same as those given for the guidance of the cen- tral force under Colonel Rigg. They will all take the field on the 25th instant, and, if possible, remain out for sixty days; when full reports will be sent to department headquarters of the operations, day by day, and their results, of each party; when all parties except the central force under Colonel Rigg will await further or- ders, and will repair up and be ready to take the field again at a days notice. VI. The Governor of Arizona has been requested to have parties of miners out at the same time, and arrangements are making to get four parties of 50 each, of Pima and Maricopa Indians, to whom we have given arms and ammunition, to move when we move, each over different ground, against their hereditary enemies, the Apaches. The Governor of Chihuahua and the Gdvernor of Sonora have been informed of these contemplated movements, and have been notified that the Apaches will doubtless run into their respective states when thus menaced by our forces. They have each bee Page 389 COnRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 389 requested to put a few hundred of their militia into the field against this common enemy, and have been granted authority to come over the line into our territory in pursuit of Apaches, when, where, and as far as they p lease. Thus the war against these bands of ruthless murderers wil I be a general war, and it is hoped that it may be pro- ductive of beneficial and lasting results. Every party, in energy, perseverance, resolution, and self-denial, must strive to outdo all other parties. Dependence must be placed on the gallantry of small numbers against any odds. This covering of so much ground by detachments of determined men, moving simultaneously from so many different points, must produce a moral effect upon the Indians which it is hoped will convince them of the folly long to hold out against us. VII. The following is the organization of the central force, which is to move out from Las Cruces, N. Mex., by detachments, the first detachment to start on or before the 15th instant, viz: Col. Edwin A. Rigg, commanding Maj. Joseph Smith, Fifth Infantry, California Volunteers. Maj. Thomas J. Blakeney, First Cavalry, California Volunteers. Surg. Edward J. Whitney, U. S. Volunteers. Surg. John H. Prentiss, First Cavalry, California Volunteers. First Lieut. William A. Thompson, First Infantry, California Vol- unteers, adjutant. Second Lieut. Sidney R. De Long, First Infantry, California Vol- unteers, acting assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence. Companies C and E, First Cavalry, California Volunteers. Companies D and H, First Infantry, California Volunteers. Companies A, C, and E, Fifth Infantry, California Volunteers. Company I, First Infantry, New Mexican Volunteers. VIII. The chiefs of the quartermaster, medical, subsistence, and ordnance departments will furnish Colonel Rigg with such means of transportation and supplies as may be necessary to give this order, so far as it relates to his command, immediate and practical effect IX. The field and staff officers named in the seventh paragraph of this order will report to Colonel Rigg without delay, at Las Cruces, N. Mex. X. Colonel Rigg will at once make estimates for what supplies and funds he may need. XI. Company A, First Infantry, New Mexican Volunteers, will take post at Fort Bowie. XII. The post to be established on the Gila River by Colonel Rigg will be known as Fort Goodwin, in honor of the first Governor of Arizona. By command of Brigadier-General Carleton: CYRUS H. DE FORREST, Aide-de-Gamp. CULPEPER, VA., May 2, 18647.30 p. m. (Received 8.45 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Has anything definite been done in regard to affairs west of the Mississippi? U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 390 390 LOUISIANA AND THE ThANS-MISSISSIPPI. tOHAP. XLVI. NEW ORLEANS, May 2, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Commanding U. S. Army: GENERAL: You told me to write you fully with regard to affairs in this department. I may write too freely, but where great and vital interests are at stake you must excuse me if I am very free. Knowing that your time is very precious, I shall briefly state the conclusions to which I have arrived: First. The Department of the Gulf is one great mass of corrup- tion. Cotton and politics, instead of the war, appear to have en- grossed the army. The vital interests of the contest are laid aside, and we are amused with sham State governments, which are a com- plete laughing-stock to the people, and the lives of our men are sacrificed in the interests of cotton speculators. Second. The vicious trade regulations, or the vicious administra- tion of them, have filled the enemy~s conutry with all kinds of goods except military supplies, and these they have been smart enough to capture. If this course is continued we cannot look for a speedy termination of the war. Third. The best interests of the service require that General McPherson, or some other competent commander, should be sent immediately here. Port Hudson and Natchez are both threatened, and unless prompt action is immediately taken we shall lose the navigation of the Mississippi. General Banks has treated me with great politeiiess and kindness, and I regret greatly to say anything prejudicial to him as a soldier or a gentleman, but a strong sense of an important duty compels me to speak. The most intelligent of the officers of the army and navy will, I think, fully concur in all I have said. General Banks has not certainly the confidence of his army. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient, D. HUNTER, _____ Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 2, 1864. Colonel CHANDLER, Chief Quartermaster: COLONEL: By direction of the major-general commanding, you will furnish Lieuteuant-Colonel Bailey, acting military engineer, with 20 mule teams complete and 1100 oxen, to assist in the building of the dam now in course of construction across the Red River. You will also furnish Captain Stein with 1 horse and equipments complete, for temporary use while engaged on the dam. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. MATTHEWS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Ale andria, May 2, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel CHANDLER, Chief Quartermaster: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you have 100 wagons ready to leave here by 9 a. m. to-morrow, for the pur- pose of procuring forage. The rebels will be driven from the point where the fodder you spoke of is stored. GEO. B. DRAKE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 391 CITAP. XLVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 3~1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., ]lfay 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. H. EMORY, Comdg. First Div., Nineteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you as- sume command of the Nineteenth Army Corps. He desires that as little change as possible be made in corps and division staffs. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedieut servant, W. DWIGHT, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 47. Alexandria, La., May 2, 1864. Pursuant to orders from department headquarters, the undersigned has the honor to assume command of the Nineteenth Army Corps. Capt. Frederic Speed is announced as the assistant adjutant-gen- eral of the corps. The other staff officers will remain as heretofore announced. W. H. EMORY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 108. Alexandria, La., May 2, 1864. I. Brigadier-General Emory having assumed command of the Nineteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. J. W. McMillan will assume command of the First Division. By command of Brigadier-General Emory: FREDERIC SPEED, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 2, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. A. MCCLERNAND: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you ad- vance with your infantry on the Bayou Rapides road, and drive the enemy from your front. You are at liberty to use both sides of the bayou if you see fit. The commanding general desires that you will use as little artillery as possible, and that you lose as little time as possible in skirmishing. He desires that you will drive the enemy beyond the 12-mile bridge. Those of the enemy who are driven to your left should be captured. Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith is (lii~ected to support you with his command, and for that purpose will move at the same time with you by the Opelousas road and cross-road into the B you Rapides road. Please state the earliest hour at which you will be ready to move, and move promptly at the hour, so that there may be no confusion in regard to General Smith. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant W. DWIGHT, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. Copy respectfully furnished for the information and guidance of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith. General Smith will move at an early hour, which will be indicated, with his whole command, with the exce Page 392 392 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI. tion of the advanced brigade, which will remain in its present posi- tion. A guide will be furnished. Copies to General Arnold and Admiral Porter. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 2, 1864. GENERAL COMMANDING U. S. FORCES, Bayou Rapides Road: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that when this communication reaches you you halt your command and establish your line and pickets in an advantageous position, and, further, that General Mower be directed to return with his command to his former position. He further directs that you will make no disposition which will interfere with the withdrawal of your whole force within the line of defenses if you shall be attacked at any time by a superior force of the enemy. This is essential, even to the point of your withdrawing your whole command to a point nearer our lines than you now occupy. Very respectfully, & c., W. DWIGHT Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRD DIV., 13TH ARMY CORPS, No. 36. Alexandria, La., May 2, 1864. This command will move at the hour indicated, 1 p. m. this day, to attack the enemy on the Shreveport road, in the following order, viz: First, Second Brigade; second, Second Ohio Battery; third, First Missouri Battery; * fourth, First Brigade. No wagons but those containing ammunition will be taken along, and officers as well as the men will carry two days rations in haver- sacks, and only such blankets upon their persons as will be necessary for one nights bivouac. Sixty rounds of ammunition will be car- ried by the men upon their persons. The camps will be left under guard of convalescents until our return. By order of Brigadier-General Cameron: OSCAR MOHR, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 2, 1864. The troops of this command will move forward on the Bayou Rapides road at 1 oclock this p. in., and drive the enemy from the front and beyond 12-mile bridge. General Smith is to move by the Opelousas road at the same time. The men will carry two days rations of bread and coffee. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: M. K. L