HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Warrensburg, September 4, 1864.

Lieutenant WILLIAM ARGO, Sedalia:

Why did you give up the pursuit of Todd's band? Why did you not follow and harass them? An immediate report is desired.

By order of Brigadier-General Brown:

J. H. STEGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

SEDALIA, September 4, 1864

Captain STEGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The reason of my not following up was simply because I could not secure the co-operation of Lieutenant Stephens, commander of the scouts. I had no authority to take command unless we got in a fight. In that case I was to assume the responsibility. This was private. However, I will send a complete report this evening.*

W. ARGO.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Warrensburg, September 4, 1864.

Colonel JOHN S. WOLFE,

Jefferson City:

Order 100 mounted men of your command to move at once into Moniteau County. The officer in command will be instructed to scout thoroughly the eastern portion of that county. Five companies of the Fourth Missouri State Militia, under Major Kelly, are now moving from the west into Cooper. They were in Saline yesterday. Two of these companies of the Fourth will be stationed in Cooper.

By order of Brigadier-General Brown:

J. H. STEGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., September 4, 1864.

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI:

COLONEL: In compliance with circular order from headquarters Department of the Missouri, dated August 5, 1864, I have the honor to submit the following report for the month of August, 1864, for the information of the general commanding:

First, there are no organized forces of the enemy within the district. Second that portion of Arkansas north of the Arkansas River is known as the District of Northern Arkansas, and is commanded by Brigadier General Joseph Shelby, with headquarters in the field at and south of Batesville, Ark. From the best information I can obtain General Shelby bears upon his reports and claims to have an aggregate force of 10,000 men including one battery of four guns. I am unable to ascertain the whereabouts of more than 7,000, taking their own statements as to numbers, and these are disposed as follows; At and south of Batesville, Brigadier General Joseph Shelby commanding-Adams, commanding post of Jacksonport, McCray and Jackman (recently promoted from colonel), and Colonels Nichols, Schnable, Greene, Dobbin, Vaughan, Bond, and

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*See Part I, p. 738.

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