cotton near your lines, and any and all information obtained by you regarding the operations going on within the lines, as well as the movements of those outside, will be promptly reported to these headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. E. HOWE,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, Little Rock, Ark., April 1, 1865-11. 15 a. m.

Colonel A. H. RYAN,
Lewisburg, Ark.:

It is presumed that you are advised of movements of Norristown. Reports from there say that the force is Shelby's; but they are doubtless under command of Brooks. Can you send out a reliable scout to learn their strength and object? Their crossing the river indicates a purpose to effect something beyond you, or to concentrate.

By command of Major General J. J. Reynolds:

JOHN LEVERING,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, Little Rock, Ark., April 1, 1865-1. 15 p. m.

Colonel RYAN,
Commanding, Lewisburg, Ark.:

Have you anything further in relation to movements of Brooks? Can he be driven out? Please keep General Bussey advised as to condition of things. He will detain boats at Fort Smith until notified that the river is clear.

By command of Major General J. J. Reynolds:

JOHN LEVERING,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, Little Rock, Ark., April 1,
1865 - 11 a. m.

Brigadier-General BUSSEY,

Commanding Fort Smith:

As a rebel force is reported to be in vicinity of Norristown, be cautious in dispatching steamers for this place. It will be best to know that the river is clear before taking risk.

By command of Major General J. J. Reynolds:

JOHN LEVERING,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT SMITH, April 1, 1865.

(Received 10. 50 p. m.)

Major-General POPE,

Commanding Military Division of the Missouri:

A rebel force has been reported on north side of Arkansas River near Dardenelle, but I am satisfied it amounts to nothing. The forces, with