the Indian Territory west of Arkansas, and the Territories of Nebraska, Colorado, and Dakota; headquarters at Fort Leavenworth.

By order of the Secretary of War:

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, May 2, 1862.

General CURTIS, Vera Cruz:

You will more east as rapidly as position, sending such portion of your cavalry and artillery as you deem necessary to occupy Little Rock and Jacksonport. General Steele is subject to your orders. He was when last heard from at Reeves' Station.

By order of General Halleck:

W. SCOTT KETCHUM,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, May 2, 1862.

General STEELE, Reeves' Station:

General Halleck states that you will be subject to the orders of General Curtis.

General Curtis notified.

W. SCOTT KETCHUM,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE SOUTHWEST,
Camp at Batesville, Ark., May 5, 1862.

Brigadier General W. SCOTT KETCHUM,

Acting Inspector-General, Saint Louis, Mo.:

GENERAL: My forces are now located at convenient distances between this point and Jacksonport. Some of General Steele's commend had arrived there on the morning of the 4th, but I have no report as yet from General Steele, who must be near. I am erecting a rope ferry for crossing this river here, and have similar direction at Jacksonport, so the White and Black Rivers may be no inconvenience to our movements. I have sent a scout through to Memphis to ascertain the possibility of approaching the Mississippi by that direct route, but the flood is said to be unlimited and the way almost or altogether impassable. There are some Texas troops in and beyond Little Rock, but nothing important on this side. Your dispatch of the 2nd was no doubt a response to mine from vera Cruz.

I shall try to carry out the design, but must again be delayed for supplies, which I have run away from. I find the Union sentiment in the country strong and in town considerable. I have started the mills, and grinding all the corn and wheat I can. The people of Arkansas are much more ready to abandon a desperate and despicable cause than some I have had to contend with. They seem rather cheered by the arrival of their ancient and time-honored flag.

SAML. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

24 R R-VOL XIII