HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, Mo., August 27, 1864.

Major WILSON,

Commanding, Pilot Knob:

Order out scouting parties and ascertain what rebel force there is, if there be really a big force behind your outposts, and put yourself in shape for defense. General McCormick has a thousand stand of arms sent for his militia. If necessary get them to arm the recruits for the Forty-seventh Regiment. Telegraph me frequently and fully. If line breaks down send messenger by special train or mounted here.

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, Mo., August 27, 1864.

Brigadier-General McNEIL,

Commanding District, Rolla, Mo.:

I have a dispatch from Mineral Point saying Shelby and Freeman are within fourteen miles of that place marching toward it with 6,000 men. Commanding officer at Pilot Knob discredits the report. I learn nothing from my outposts at Centreville or Patterson on the subject. Have you any information of the presence in Missouri of such a force?

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., August 27, 1864.

Major JAMES WILSON,

Pilot Knob, Mo.:

Shelby, with 6,000 men, is reported near Potosi. What do you know of this? Answer immediately.

By order:

J. P. DROUILLARD,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

PILOT KNOB, August 27, 1864.

Captain J. P. DROUILLARD,

Aide-de-Camp:

I know nothing of Shelby and his 6,000 men. Scouts were sent in the direction that they are reported to-day. I have not heard from them yet.

JAMES WILSON,

Major Third Cav. Missouri State Mil., Commanding Third Sub-District.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., August 27, 1864.

Brigadier-General GRAY,

Saint Louis:

The Sixth and Seventh Provisional Regiments muster 2,100 men. Captain Quinn, assistant commissary of musters, will make his returns at once. You may expect to receive them by the 1st or 2nd proximo.