the hands, and not allow small bands of robbers to drive off ten times their number of able-bodied men. This has been suggested to them but up this time I believe they have not deemed best to do it. It is evident that we cannot furnish troops to protect every workman on the road, strung along as they are for eighty miles, from strolling gangs of one or more robbers. I am confident that no other officer, under the circumstances, would have placed the large force in that part of the State that I have, when the calls upon me for troops are so urgent from other equally important points.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. M. DODGE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, April 18, 1865.

Governor FLETCHER,

Jefferson City:

I have thrown all the cavalry and infantry in North Missouri into the Central District. I now have twice as many troops in that sub-district as in any other. The citizen companies should organize and the railroad companies should arm their hands. All of Harding's Regiment is there. I have also sent two companies of cavalry from Fort Scott. Harding's headquarters are now at Lexington. General Fisk says the Regiment at Saint Joseph is not yet organized or fully officered. Will move in down as soon as possible. Please officer it.

G. M. DODGE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, April 18, 1865-4 p. m.

Governor FLETCHER,

Jefferson City:

I have consolidated the Forty-fifth with Forty-eighth and Fiftieth. The Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry-one battalion here, no horses; the other battalion in Springfield. There must be now 2,000 mounted troops in Central District and fourteen companies of infantry.

G. M. DODGE,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, Numbers 103. Saint Louis, Mo., April 18, 1865.

* * * * * * *

8. Colonel J. H. Kuhn, One hundred and forty-fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, is hereby assigned to duty in command of the post at Alton, III, to date from March 10 ultimo, since which date he has been in performance of such duty.

* * * * * * *

By command of Major-General Dodge:

J. W. BARNES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.