as commissioner to raise the Eleventh Regiment Colored Troops. He asked my aid in that capacity. Desirous to facilitate the service, and with respect to his rank, I have assigned him an office and such assistance as his duty requires. By General Blunt's train we received 100,000 rations, without flour and little hard bread. By the coming train we will have as much more, with 20,000 rations of hard bread. The supply by each train is badly wanted.

JOHN MCNEIL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

WASHINGTON, D. C., December 2, 1863.

Major General JOHN POPE, Milwaukee:

By direction of the Secretary of War, Brigadier General B. S. Roberts is relieved from all command in the Department of the Northwest.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., December 2, 1863.

Brigadier-General SANBORN, Springfield, Mo.:

General McNeil telegraphs that the enemy, in force, are apparently approaching Fort Smith. McNeil needs re-enforcements, especially artillery. If you can possibly spare any troops, move them in that direction, with orders to communicate with General McNeil, and to join him if he requires them. He also needs ammunition for small-arms See if you can supply him from Springfield.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., December 2, 1863.

Colonel CATHERWOOD,

Sixth Missouri State Militia, Commanding Arkansas Expedition:

COLONEL: I desire to send some forces to or toward Fort Smith at once. You will, therefore, return to this point with as little delay as possible, unless you have a prospect of accomplishing a good deal in a very short time by remaining out. You will communicate by the bearer where you are and what information you have, and when and by what route I may expect you into Springfield. Nothing of importance here.

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,

JOHN B. SANBORN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., December 2, 1863.

Colonel HARRISON,

Commanding at Fayetteville:

COLONEL: General McNeil telegraphs that the enemy, in force, is apparently approaching Fort Smith, and that he needs re-enforcements.