of negroes, are being employed, apparently much to their satisfaction. I will make inquiry how they came here, and, if the fact has not been previously reported, ask instructions. A junction with General Prentiss is not reported.

No blank muster-rolls have ever been received here. I have ordered one copy for each company to be ruled out, and the balance to be copied when the blanks are received.

U. S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Captain J. C. KELTON, Saint Louis, Mo.

HEADQUARTERS,
Cape Girardeau, Mo., September 1, 1861.

SIR: Since my report of yesterday reliable information has come in to the effect that the enemy are deserting, or have deserted, all their positions north of the line from Bird's Point to Sikeston, and probably from there. This movement seems to have commenced on the 27th ultimo. Not hearing from General Prentiss, and learning the above facts, I have written to General McClernand, at Cairo, advising that Colonel Wallace proceed to Charleston, and reconnoiter from there, as directed to do, after a junction had been formed between this command and the one from Ironton. Should no instructions be received here different from any I now have, upon hearing of General Prentiss' arrival at Jackson I will order the column to move south under his command, and proceed myself to Bird's Point and take command there.

U. S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Captain J. C. KELTON,

Asst. Adjt. General, U. S. Army, Saint Louis, Mo.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Cape Girardeau, Mo., September 1, 1861.

Colonel M. L. SMITH, Commanding Eighth Missouri Volunteers:

SIR: The undersigned being instructed from the Western Department of the Army to take command of all the troops in Southeast Missouri, the command of this post will be relinquished in your favor. You will therefore take command of this post will be relinquished in your favor. You will therefore take command at once, making your reports to General Fremont, at Saint Louis, from my departure, until otherwise instructed. It has been enjoined upon me to see that the work of fortifying be pushed vigorously forward. You will see, therefore, that the officers in charge of this work have every facility given them that your command affords.

U. S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Cape Girardeau, Mo., September 1, 1861.

Brigadier General JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Cairo, Ill.:

I learn from information which is reliable that the enemy have left Commerce, Benton, and probably Sikeston, &c. They have taken all their artillery, and probably fallen back to New Madrid. I would ad-