OTTERVILLE, MO., December 24, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK:

My spies just in. Price has retreated to Humansville with his whole force. Part of his command going farther still. Will have full information to-night or to-morrow.

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 25, 1861.

Brigadier-General SIGEL, Rolla, Mo.:

Get all your troops ready for the field. The cavalry as soon as possible.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
Rolla, Mo., December 25, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK:

I have received your dispatch dated 25th, and will make the necessary preparations.

F. SIGEL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 25, 1861.

Major A. KREKEL, Warrenton, Mo.:

Two pieces of artillery and a regiment of infantry will be sent up the road to-day. There is a regiment of infantry and squadron of horse at Fulton. Eight hundred men from Hermann should join you this morning.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

WARRENTON, MO., December 25, 1861.

General HALLECK:

General Henderson and myself will move up the railroad, so as to have possession of it up to Wellsville by Friday evening. We have not heard from the troops that crossed at Hermann and other points. We need 200 or 300 infantry, to protect the road as we pass on. Four hundred cavalry have arrived.

A. KREKEL,

Major, Commanding.

OTTERVILLE, MO, December 25, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.:

Price in full retreat for Arkansas; says it is by order from Richmond. Passed Humansville on Saturday.

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General.