contained in the latter), as it contains information which may perhaps be useful in determining action upon the policy I suggest for Arkansas civil affairs.

I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN POPE,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,
April 23, 1865.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

T. S. BOWERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., April 19, 1865-11 a. m.

Admiral LEE,

Commanding, &c., Cairo Ill.:

I shall leave this evening at 5 o'clock in the Belle Saint Louis for Cairo.

J. T. SPRAGUE,

Colonel, U. S. Army, and Chief of Staff.

STATE OF MISSOURI, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

City of Jefferson, April 19, 1865.

Major General G. M. DODGE,

Commanding Department of the Missouri:

GENERAL: After due deliberation and careful investigation of the condition of things in Cavalry and Boone Counties, I propose to try the experiment of turning over those counties to the civil authorities. The people promise fair, and I have in each county a reliable man for sheriff. If you will withdraw the provost-marshals from each of those counties, and all troops except the companies organized under Order Numbers 3, and the militia companies, I will try and impress the people with the responsibility devolved upon them to keep out bushwhackers, and I think they will did it. If they fail me in this I want to take some loyal militia among them for a few days, after which those counties will be to let to new-comers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. C. FLETCHER.

HEADQUARTERS STATION,
Pleasant Hill, Mo., April 19, 1865.

Colonel HARDING,

Lexington, Mo.:

Three companies of troops have arrived here: Company A, Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Company M, consolidated detachment, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and Company B, consolidated detachment, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia. My scouts have just arrived from Sni Hill. One guerrilla killed. They bring six horses and cavalry equipments captured.

H. F. PEERY,

Captain Company B, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia.