HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Madison, Wis., December 6, 1862.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Washington, D. C.:

General Sibley reports that, on the 4th, the guard around the Indian prisoners at South Bend were assaulted by about 200 citizens, with intent to murder the Indians. The citizens were taken prisoners, but subsequently released; that a large number of citizens are assembling, and a seriously collision is feared. I have ordered strong re-enforcements to the guard over the prisoners.

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

DECEMBER 7, 1862.

Brigadier-General BLUNT,

Cane Hill., Ark.:

All my report go to show there are about 20,000 troops about Little Rock, mostly at Austin. There is no special move on Little Rock. Everything looks down-river. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into ambush. Have been very anxious. Hope you have been re-enforced.

Herron is a true man. Success to you.

SAML. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Little Rock, Ark., December 7, 1862.

Major General SAMUEL R. CURTIS,

Or Officer Commanding, &c., Dept. of Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:

GENERAL: Inclosed you will find a slip from the Memphis Daily Appeal, of the 3rd ultimo, containing an account, purporting to be derived from the Palmyra (Missouri) Courier, of the murder of ten Confederate citizens of Missouri, by order of General McNeil, of the U. S. Army. This slip was transmitted to me by the President of the Confederate States, who instructs me to ascertain from you whether the facts are as stated.

In accordance with the instruction, I have respectfully to request that you will give me full information in regard to the circumstances related, and at the earliest practicable day.*

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

TH. H. HOLMES,

Major-General, Commanding.

HORRIBLE FEDERAL OUTRAGE-TEN CONFEDERATE MURDERED-THE FULL PARTICULARS OF THE SCENE.

[From the Palmyra (Missouri) Courier.]

Saturday last, the 18th instant, witnessed the performance of a tragedy in this once quiet and beautiful city of Palmyra, which, in ordinary and peaceful times, would have created a profound sensation throughout the entire country, but which now scarcely produces a distinct ripple upon the surface of our turbulent social tide.

It will be remembered by our readers that on the occasion of Porter's descent upon Palmyra, he captured, among other persons, an old highly respected resident of this city, by name Andrew Allsman. This person formerly belonged to the Third

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* See Curtis to Holmes, December 27, 1862, p. 879; Smith to Curtis, June 3, 1863. Part II, p. 807.

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