inadequate guard, for these times, to take him to Salem (of twenty-five men) I have not mounted men for picket duty. Respectfully asking that this state of things may be remedied and a force to act with the sent here as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

JOHN MCNEIL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SAINT LOUIS, August 31, 1864.

Major-General PLEASONTON:

Found your letter on my return home. Your views are approved. What is your present condition? Could you arrange for a co-operating expedition to cross the river near Jefferson City into Boone County? If you can, secretly prepare and advise me how soon it can be done with, say, 300 or 400 men, partly or all armed and mounted.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

WARRENSBURG, MO., August 31, 1864.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

Your dispatch of this date received. My available force is all in the field in Cass, Jackson, and La Fayette Counties after guerrillas, and observing a considerable force near Olathe, Kans., to prevent a raid into this district. Can use the 100 men (seventy-five foot and twenty-five mounted) now on the Fanny Ogden, also one company from Boonville and one from Lexington, for the service you propose. The mounted force at Jefferson City might also be taken. It is small. Will write by mail.

A. PLEASONTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., August 31, 1864.

Major-General PLEASONTON,

Warrensburg, Mo.:

Hold them in readiness to operate from Boonville or Lexington when called upon.

By order:

FRANK ENO,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WARRENSBURG, August 31, 1864.

Major General W. S. ROSECRANS,

Commanding Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis:

The dispatch from Lieutenant Colonel P. B. Plumb, from Olathe, Kans., is confirmed by special messenger from Oxford to Kansas City. Colonel Ford is moving on them; also Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear.

A. PLEASONTON,

Major-General.