this winter. Should they do so, all possible force will be required very soon. I hear nothing of arms, though our wants in that respect have been represented to General Smith. I shall be pleased to hear from you, with any suggestions you may make with reference to the defense of this district.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. STEELE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding District of the Indian Territory.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE INDIAN TERRITORY,
Doaksville, November 30, 1863.

Colonel S. S. ANDERSON,

Adjutant-General, Trans-Mississippi Department:

COLONEL: The accumulating force of the enemy at Fort Smith gives me much uneasiness. He is pushing his scouts southward, and some of his infantry have moved toward Red River. It will be necessary for you to exercise great vigilance, keep up a constant communication with the partisan companies, and employ, if possible, spies to learn the true state of affairs. If, as is stated, a depot of supplies is being made at Waldron, it can be ascertained; perhaps they are only foraging. Scrutinize closely every report you get. Let me hear from you frequently.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. STEELE,

Brigadier-General.

P. S.-Should Caddo Springs be too far for a courier to ride rapidly, leave a small party at an intermediate point.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE INDIAN TERRITORY,
Doaksville, November 30, 1863.

Brigadier-General GANO,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to direct, in pursuance of instructions from department headquarters, that Lieutenant-Colonel Showalter be