These are the only posts I would recommend along the river. I would not advise any reduction in the present development of Fort McPherson. The above arrangements would free for field service from the eastern part of this district the following troops:

Fifty-eighth U. S. Colored Infantry (in good condition for the field), effective strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 820

Seventieth U. S. Colored Infantry (in good condition for the field), effective strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575

Twenty-sixth Ohio Battery (well horses and in good condition), 6 guns, effective strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Eighth Ohio Battery (no horses; otherwise good condition), 4 guns, effective strength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Tenth Tennessee Cavalry (in miserable condition-no horses-and I recommend it be mustered out of service), effective strength. . . 250

---Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,866

The necessity for the cavalry garrisons-200 at the post of Natchez, 200 at Rodney, and 200 at Fort Adams-I consider imperative.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

J. W. DAVIDSON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

WASHINGTON, May 18, 1865-2. 30 p. m.

Major-General POPE,

Saint Louis, Mo.:

Orders have been made braking up Canby's division and assigning Sheridan to general command west of the Mississippi, south of the Arkansas. You will please direct Reynolds to receive orders from Sheridan for the disposition of all troops that can be spared from Arkansas, recollecting that the troops taken, with many others, are to operate against the enemy south of him. If Reynolds can be replaced I would like him to go in command of the troops taken.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., May 18, 1865. (Received 2. 55 p. m.)

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

I have eighteen companies of cavalry and four of infantry in Minnesota. I consider this force ample, if proper disposed and handled. I do not anticipate any serious Indian disturbances in that State. There will probably be occasional small raids to steal horses. Have written you fully to-day concerning Indian affairs.

JOHN POPE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., May 18, 1865.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: General Connor reports from Denver City the surrender of 2,000 Sioux and Arapahoes, and that he expects the surrender of