Cavalry, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Fifth Illinois Cavalry, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry (8 companies).

I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAML. R. CURTIS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, May 17, 1862.

Colonel J. C. KELTON, Monterey, Tenn.:

General Curtis reports that one gunboat came up the river as far as Vicksburg and turned back; that the people in Memphis and Des Are are burning their cotton, and that Colonel Tevis, of Saint Louis, passed Little Rock on the 10th instant, carrying information as a spy. Colonel Boyd reports at attack was expected to be made by Coleman, with 400 men, upon our troops escorting a train to General Curtis. We have 200 men and a piece of artillery, and Colonel boyd thinks our troops are safe. The Second Wisconsin Cavalry gone to Jefferson City. The seven companies Fifth Minnesota infantry arrived this morning en route to Hamburg, Tenn.

W. SCOTT KETCHUM,

Brigadier-General.

ROLLA, May 18, 1862.

General KETCHUM:

Coleman, with 400 men, passed 1 mile west of Houston night before last. He captured 4 men, 1 wagon and team, and messenger with dispatches. Released the men last night. He passed by Waynesville, camped, and left northwardly this morning. He troubled nothing. I sent after him 100 men. Major Perry sends 50. General Totten should send cavalry force, march to Tuscumbia, and I think we will get him.

S. H. BOYD,

Colonel Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, May 18, 1862.

General TOTTEN, Jefferson City:

Coleman, with 400 rebels, passed west of Houston night before last. He passed Waynesville and went northwesterly this morning. Colonel Boyd has sent 100 men and Major Perry 50. If you will send a suitable cavalry force toward Tuscumbia, Colonel Boyd thinks the rebels may be caught.

W. SCOTT KETCHUM,

Brigadier-General.

SAINT LOUIS, May 19, 1862.

J. C. Kelton, Assistant Adjutant-General.

General Curtis recommends that Pilot knob and surrounding country in Missouri be placed under General Schofield. General Curtis reports General Steele and command will be required south of Pocahontas, as there are lines to be defended, viz, one from Rolla and one from