PINE BLUFF, ARK., May 16, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel JOHN LEVERING,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have just received the order relieving me from command here. Please inform me whether I shall turn over the command to the next officer in rank, and proceed at once to Little Rock, or shall I await the arrival of General Edwards?

POWELL CLAYTON.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock., Ark., May 16, 1865.

Brigadier General C. BUSSEY,

Fort Smith:

A scout returned this morning reports that a small force under Brooks moved northward from Washington some days ago, and rumor gave the Arkansas River as their object or destination. This is given for your information.

By command of Major-General Reynolds:

JOHN LEVERING,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS,
Fort Gibson, C. N., May 16, 1865,.

Major General J. J. REYNOLDS,

Commanding Department of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark.:

GENERAL: The last boats to this point went below yesterday. They were unable to bring but a small quantity of freight above Fort Smith. They will not be able to come above Webber's Falls again until there is more water in the river. We are having a heavy rain here now, which appears to be general, and may effect the river to our advantage. If not, I think we can rely upon the usual June rise benefitting us some. I would suggest that the troops, horses, transportation, and forage (enough for the animals) be sent together as far as boats can run; thence come through by land.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. G. BLUNT,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTH KANSAS,
Fort Gibson, May 16, 1865.

Major General J. J. REYNOLDS,

Commanding Department of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark.:

GENERAL: Two Texans, deserters from the rebel command, arrived here last night, having left Fort Arbuckle on the 10th instant. They appear intelligence and truthful men, and I think their statements can be relied on. They report that General Cooper was moving his headquarters to Fort Washita when they left. Did not know the extent of his command, only that he had one six-gun battery of 6-pounder guns-brass. Stand Watie was at Boggy Depot with 2,000 Cherokees, Creeks, and Choctaws, well mounted, and two pieces of light artillery. General Henry McCulloch was at Bonham with but few troops. Colonel Bour-