PALMYRA, MO., December 24, 1861.

General HALLECK:

I leave here with 400 cavalry for Paris to-morrow; from thence to Sturgeon. Two companies will leave Hudson for Renick and will communicate with me. Snow 6 inches deep. Secessionists must feed us on this trip.

B. M. PRENTISS.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., December 24, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK:

I have no troops over the river now. Will have four companies of cavalry and five of infantry by to-morrow morning. The ice has prevented crossing since Major Caldwell returned yesterday morning with powder.

THOS. J. McKEAN,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Hermann, Mo., December 24, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK,

Commanding Department of the Missouri:

Colonel Todd effected a crossing with the last of his men about 4 o'clock this morning. He has between 700 and 800 men now on the way to Warrenton, but they cannot have reached there yet.

J. HUNDHAUSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Post.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., December 24, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK:

I cannot get any troops across the river yet on account of the ice.

THOS. J. McKEAN,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, December 24, 1861.

Brigadier-General POPE, Otterville, Mo.:

Have detachment of 1,000 men ready to move to Jefferson City if required. Three thousand insurgents reported in arms in Montgomery County.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 24, 1861.

Brigadier-General SIGEL, Rolla, Mo.:

You will assume command of all the troops at Rolla and vicinity, including the Fourth Division.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.