who was then in command, and asked to be sent here. He put us in close confinement, where he kept us until yesterday, 19th instant.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. D. JOHNSTON,

Captain Commanding Company A, 82nd Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia.

CHILLICOTHE, July 20, 1864.

General FISK:

Have sent about 150 men from Chillicothe and Utica in pursuit of Thornton and his fiends, with instructions to form a junction with Major James, formerly of the Sixth Missouri State Militia, and Captain Chapman, who are in pursuit. Rumors in regard to Thornton are vague and conflicting. I have issued to the citizens all the arms I have, ammunition to suit. Thornton says he is going to Howard County; this reliable. My information is, he s aiming to cross the Missouri now the first opportunity. I will keep you informed as to Thornton's movements as often as possible.

A. J. SWAIN,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

SAINT JOSEPH, July 20, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel SWAIN,

Chillicothe, Mo.:

I cannot send troops from this post, as I have none here. Call out the militia en masse with whatever arms they may have,and organize a chase after Thornton. We have no troops, and must do the best we can. Will there by any response to my appeal in your section. The guerrillas are increasing. Colonel McFerran telegraphs me from Lexington that Thornton is aiming for Chillicothe, but I think not. How much force can you concentrate after him?

CLINTON B. FISK,

Brigadier-General.

CHILLICOTHE, July 20, 1864.

General FISK:

I have just started 120 men in pursuit of Thornton, or to meet him. Have called out every man in the city for its defense; have also issued a call under [sic]; will soon have plenty of men. Will need about 500 or 600 more stand of arms with ammunition to suit.

WM. McILWRATH,

Provost-Marshal and Acting Post Commander.

CHILLICOTHE, July 20, 1864.

General FISK:

Have just had a dispatch form scout which left here. They have been joined by about 150 others, making about 290 or 300, who are after Thornton,who was on Muddy Creek at 12 a.m. about twelve miles south of Utica. We have plenty of force. The citizens are all turning out nobly,of all parties. I have 200 citizens under arms for defense of the city.

WM. McILWRATH,

Provost-Marshal and Acting Post Commander.