CAPE GIRARDEAU, January 5, 1865-10 a. m.

Major-General DORGE:

I would not think it best to withdraw the troops from Caruthersville and send them to Bloomfield, as they are all cavalry and it would be difficult to obtain forage for them and they can do good service where they are. If your desire it I can suggest what troops might be sent to Bloomfield with benefit to the service. One company of infantry stationed there to do garrison duty would enable the cavalry now there to do all the scouting necessary at present.

J. B. ROGERS,

Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, Mo., January 5, 1865.

Colonel ROGERS, Cape Girardeau:

What were the circumstances calling for troops at Caruthersville, on the Mississippi River; and do you consider it necessary that troops should remain there? The major-general commanding the department desires this information.

By order of Brigadier-General Ewing:

H. HANNAHS,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ROLLA,
Rolla, Mo., January 5, 1865.

Major J. W. BARNES,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Missouri:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place and that I have assumed the command of this district.

I am, very truly, your obedient servant,

E. B. BROWN,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ROLLA,

Numbers 1. Rolla, Mo., January 5, 1865.

In pursuance of General Orders, Numbers 246, of December 31, 1864, from headquarters Department of the Missouri, I hereby assume command of the District of Rolla.

E. B. BROWN,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, January 5, 1865.

Colonel PHILIPS, Warrensburg:

Order a company of cavalry to report to Colonel Harding at Kansas City immediately, to remain there until further orders. Their regular tri-monthly reports can be sent through you as usual, but for scouting purposes, &c., they will be subject to Colonel Harding's order.

G. M. DODGE,

Major-General.