245 Series I Volume XLI-II Serial 84 - Price's Missouri Expedition Part II
Page 245 | Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. |
KANSAS CITY, July 18, 1864.
Major O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I am here and would like to hold a conversation with the general commanding relative to affairs in Platte and Clay Counties.
J. H. FORD,
Colonel, Commanding.
SAINT LOUIS, MO., July 18, 1864.
Colonel J. H. FORD,
Kansas City:
What is the present condition of affairs? What do you propose?
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
KANSAS CITY, July 18, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS:
If I had the troops I would send the whole command now lying at Liberty down into Ray County and force them through. If you think best, I will do so, and concentrate all the men I can possibly raise, and go down on this side of the river and try and force them into a fight. I am very scarce of available troops, but I can whip four to one. Just received dispatch from Major-General Curtis that bands of them in neighborhood of Platte City and Weston threatening vengeance against me and my forces and advises that I move a part of my force up there. I cannot divide my command. I think these small bands up the river are only trying to draw all our men in that direction. I await orders. Trouble on every side. Give your orders, and I will carry them out, or at least do the best I can. We need more troops. You will see more trouble in Missouri this year than ever before. I know what I say. I have been among the inhabitants. Have had spies out, and I tell you we will have it on all sides.
JAS. H. FORD,
Colonel, Commanding.
KANSAS CITY, July 18, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS:
Todd with 150 men threatening Independence; the station has less than thirty men. Todd's whole force amounts to over 200. I must have my mounted men back. I cannot take them into Ray County without leaving my sub-district unprotected. I shall leave Colonel Draper and his command of 190 men, Ninth Missouri, at Liberty, and withdraw my force, and I will take the field against Todd while his thieves are together.
J. H. FORD,
Colonel, Commanding.
Page 245 | Chapter LIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. |