the rascally guerrillas, who are infesting nearly every four corners in the district. The pickets at this post, on Patterson road, were driven in at 2 o'clock this morning. The attacking part were repulsed, and are now being pursued.

CLINTON B. FISK,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., August 10, 1863.

Brigadier General CLINTON B. FISK, Pilot Knob:

Bloomfield should be held, if possible; but it will probably be necessary to give the commanding officer at that place discretionary authority abandon the place, if threatened by overwhelming force. Instruct him to keep on hand only a small of supplies, and avoid unnecessary loss or destruction of property. You are authorized to act according to your judgment as to the necessity of drawing in your lines.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., August 10, 1863.

Brigadier-General McNEIL, Springfield, Mo.:

Reports indicate a concentration of the enemy near Fort Smith, with intention to attack General Blunt at Fort Gibson. The latter may need re-enforcements soon. I desire all your available force of infantry, artillery, and cavalry that can be spared from your district to move into Northeastern Arkansas as far as Bentonville or Maysville,and open communication with General Blunt, and march to his support,if he be driven back from Fort Gibson. Please report what force you can send, and keep me advised of his movements.

What progress has Colonel Cloud made, and what force has he?

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., August 10, 1863.

Major H. Z. CURTIS, Fort Scott, Kans.:

I have ordered General McNeil's troops to move to Bentonville or Maysville, Ark., and open communication with General Blunt, so as to aid him incase he is driven back from Fort Gibson. It will not do to send them to Fort Gibson, as this would leave Southwestern Missouri exposed.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI, Springfield, Mo., August 10, 1863.

Major-General SCHOFIELD,

Commanding Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:

Colonel Cloud's forces consist of eight small companies of the Second Kansas Cavalry, five companies of the First Arkansas Cavalry, ten companies of the First Arkansas Infantry, with four guns of Rabb's