hurt on our side. Rebels coming in and giving bonds. I leave nothing for man or brute in the country passed over by my army, except a little saving to feed the poor, which will hardly save them from suffering. I am sure no rebel army will subsistence in Southern Missouri or Norther Arkansas.

My teams are much dilapidated. Not a horse, mule, or wagon, or set of harness has yet arrived to answer requisition made immediately after the battle of Pea Ridge. I asked for 800 horses, 400 sets of harness (artillery), 1,000 cavalry horses, and fresh and increased transportation. Major Allen promised to help me. Tell him I heard some ox teams crossed the osage some days ago. That is all I can hear of, and they must have been over a month moving to the Osage., If so, they are nearly worn-out, give the major my respects, and beg him to remember me in his prayers. Long marches wear out machinery, and constant supplies must be furnished to fill natural depletions.

SAML. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

Abstract from Return of the District of Southern Missouri, Brigadier General Frederick Steele commanding, for April 20, 1862.

Present for duty.

Troops. Offic Men. Aggreg

ers. ate

presen

t and

absent

.

Infantry:

21st Illinois, Colonel J. W. S.

Alexander.

33rd Illinois, Colonel Charles E.

Hovey. 139 3,209 3,641

38th Illinois, Colonel William P.

Carlin.

11th Wisconsin, Colonel Charles L.

Harris.

Total infantry............

Cavalry:

5th Illinois, Colonel Hall Wilson.

9th Illinois, Colonel Albert G.

Brackett.*

13th Illinois Squadron, Captain

Christian B. Dodson.

68 1,507 1,809

1st Indiana, Colonel Conrad Baker.

Total cavalry...............

Artillery:

1st Missouri, Battery A, Captain Francis

H. Manter.

16th Ohio Battery, Captain James A.

Mitchell. 8 144 272

Total artillery...............

Total......................... 216 4,860 5,722

---------------

* Strength not reported on original return.

---------------

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, April 21, 1862.

General CURTIS, Headquarters Army of the Southwest:

Brigadier-General Denver commands an expedition of which Second Ohio Cavalry form a part. This expedition will move in a few days down the borders of Arkansas into the Indian country.

J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.