CASSVILLE, MO., October 19, 1863.

Colonel BISHOP:

I have just returned from a reconnaissance from this post through by Gadfly and Keytesville. Shelby has crossed the Wire road, where he came on below Keytesville, at Cross Hollows, about 10 a.m., going in the direction of Huntsville, with about 800 men. Coffee was with him.

JOHN E. PHELPS,

Commanding Post.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Numbers 118.
Saint Louis, October 19, 1863.

I. Brigadier General J. B. Sanborn having reported at these headquarters, in compliance with orders from the General-in-Chief, will repair, without delay, to Springfield, Mo., and relieve Brigadier General John McNeil, in command of the District of Southwestern Missouri.

On being relieved, Brigadier-General McNeil will repair to Fort Smith, Ark., and relieve Major General James G. Blunt in command of the District of the Frontier.

On being relieved, Major-General Blunt will repair to Leavenworth City, Kans., and, on his arrival at that place, will report by letter to these headquarters for further orders.

II. The District of the Border is hereby extended so as to embrace the entire State of Kansas. Commanding officers at Fort Scott and other places in the southern portion of Kansas will report accordingly to Brigadier-General Ewing.

By order of Major-General Schofield:

OLIVER D. GREENE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, October 19, 1863.

Brigadier General JOHN B. SANBORN:

GENERAL: I inclose herewith an order assigning you to the command of the District of Southwestern Missouri; also a copy of letter of instructions received to-day from the President.*

I cannot do more or better than to commend these instructions to your careful consideration, as setting forth the principles by which you are to be guided in the discharge of the most delicate duties which will devolve upon you. General McNeil, whom you will relieve, will be able to give you full information relative to the condition of the district.

I shall be glad to hear from you often and fully regarding all matters connected with your command, and you may rely upon all the aid and support in my power to give.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, October 20, 1863.

The PRESIDENT, Washington, D. C.:

Mr. PRESIDENT: In compliance with so much of your instructions, dated October 1,as directs me to report my opinion upon the availability

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*See General Orders, Numbers 118, above, and President's letter of October 1, p. 585.

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