LITTLE ROCK, February 13, 1865.

Major-General REYNOLDS,

Commanding Department of Arkansas:

GENERAL: In obedience to your request for my opinion as to the probable number of troops required to hold the post of Fort Smith and its dependencies, I have the honor to state that if Forts Nos. 2 and 4 (Fort Smith) are remounted with the guns taken out under the previous order of evacuation of that post that the troops, consisting of the First and Second Regiments Arkansas Cavalry (either mounted or dismounted), First and Second Regiments Arkansans Infantry, and First Arkansas Battery, will be sufficient for the purpose of garrisoning the posts of Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Fayetteville; two companies stationed at Van Buren, and four at Fayetteville.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN EDWARDS,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, February 13, 1865- 11. 40 a. m.

(Received 3. 35 p. m.)

Honorable A. LINCOLN,

Washington, D. C.:

Dispatch received and attended to. Provost- marshal system in Missouri is oppressive and absurd. I am examining into and will correct the whole matter.

JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
February 13, 1865- 11. 15 a. m.

Brigadier-General THAYER,

Fort Smith, Ark:

Will you please keep my informed of all Price's movements. We must depend largely upon information obtained from Fort Smith and Little Rock. The people of this State are of course uneasy and excited about Price, and expect a raid from him this spring. Please give me your latest information.

JOHN POPE,

Major-General, Commanding Military Division of the Missouri.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Fort Leavenworth, February 13, 1865

(Received 11. 30 a. m. 14th.)

General HALLECK:

Opened communication with Denver yesterday. All military posts safe. no damage done west of Valley Station.

G. M. DODGE,

Major-General.