will supply him with such a quantity as you can spare for any part of your command. The number he will be able to transport is about three thousand.

I further beg that you will afford him every facility for the transportation of such arms as he may obtain to the Mississippi River, and, should circumstances demand, give him an escort sufficient to insure their safety. It is eminently important that these arms should be procured as near the Mississippi River as possible, in order that the least delay may be had in getting them here.

I would be glad if you would give Colonel Duncan the benefit of your views as to the best method of crossing the river, and at what point; and if I can be informed beforehand where you will send a force to protect the crossing on the Mississippi River, I will endeavor to have a cavalry force to meet them on this side.

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

E. KIRBY SMITH,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

Abstract from monthly return of Marmaduke's division Volunteer Cavalry, commanded by Brigadier General J. S. Marmaduke, October 31, 1863.

Present for duty.

Command. Officers Men Horses

serviceabl

e

Marmaduke's brigade 139 1,269 1,751

Shelby's brigade 35 271 1,624

Cabell's brigade 91 779 963

Dobbin's brigade 33 416 563

Texas brigade 26 297 1,110

Temporary dismounted 12 144 217

cavalry regiment

Wood's battalion cavalry 14 205 222

and artillery

Total 350 3,381 6,450

Pieces of

artillery.

Command. Field Moun Aggregat Aggregate

tain e present

present and absent

Marmaduke's brigade 4 4 1,751 2,725

Shelby's brigade --- -- 523 1,955

Cabell's brigade 4 -- 1,115 3,162

Dobbin's brigade --- -- 587 1,587

Texas brigade 6 -- 587 1,150

Temporary dismounted --- -- 221 361

cavalry regiment

Wood's battalion cavalry --- -- 276 414

and artillery

Total 14 4 5,060 11,354

[HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,]

Shreveport, La., November 1, 1863.

Lieutenant General T. H. HOLMES:

You must oppose the enemy with all the means at your disposal. If his superiority is too great for you to risk a general engagement, fall back, contesting every defensible point, and destroying as far as possible all supplies that might be made available by him. He must move slowly, and cannot advance far. Is it not practicable for your cavalry to operate on his communication and trains of supplies? Keep me constantly informed of the enemy's movements.

E. KIRBY SMITH,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, La., November 1, 1863.

Lieutenant General T. H. HOLMES,

Commanding District of Arkansas:

GENERAL: Your telegram announcing the occupation of Arkadelphia was received last night. I hardly think the enemy can be operating