HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
July 17, 1864.

Colonel JAMES STUART,

Commanding Tenth Illinois Cavalry, via Brownsville:

I propose to move a force against Shelby. Do not come into Little Rock. Send for what you need; also send report, giving minute account of where the enemy is, if he has artillery, and everything of the slightest interest. State where Gum Spring is, and in what direction from there you found the enemy; also whether you saw his forces.

E. A. CARR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P. S.-Send this by Colonel Stuart's messenger.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., July 17, 1864.

Colonel JAMES STUART,

Brownsville:

Remain at Brownsville for further orders. Where is Gum Spring?

By order of Brigadier General E. A. Carr:

C. H. DYER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., July 17, 1864.

Colonel A. H. RYAN,

Lewisburg:

The Tenth Illinois Cavalry had a fight with a portion of Shelby's men at Bayou De Arc on the 14th instant. Most of the Tenth have got in. Shelby's force supposed to be 800.

C. H. DYER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

LITTLE ROCK, July 17, 1864.

Colonel A. H. RYAN,

Lewisburg:

You can retain the Second Arkansas Infantry until you have made the scouts mentioned in dispatch just received as contemplated. No news since sinking of Alabama.

By order of Major General F. Steele:

[CHARLES T. SCAMMON,]

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., July 17, 1864.

Colonel RYAN,

Lewisburg:

The general commanding the district directs that you will keep a sharp lookout to the east and north of your post.

By order of Brigadier General E. A. Carr:

CHAS. W. MINER,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.