to go to General Sherman, but am ready for duty in any field. I cannot see how Price can ever get north into Missouri with the force we have in arms to oppose him. I have been informed General Canby is sending troops north to meet him. If Price should get north, my starting point, I think, should be Saint Louis. I have heard nothing from General Sherman. I will await your orders.

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

CAIRO, ILL., September 10, 1864.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

General Halleck direct me to prepare my command to take the field west of the Mississippi River, and states that it the enemy is on White River I shall join Mower and operate in his (the enemy's) rear. I have not yet heard that the enemy is north of the Arkansas River in any force, but should they come, and I to be a portion of the opposing force, would not Saint Louis be a better starting point? I have not sufficient transportation for a long route.

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, September 10, 1864.

General A. J. SMITH,

Cairo, Ill.:

General Halleck telegraphs that you have General Grant's order to operate against Price, and will confer with me. Come up and bring all the information you can.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, September 10, 1864.

Major General A. J. SMITH,

Cairo, Ill.:

I have a six-gun battery (Napoleon) which I can send you. Do you want it?

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

CAIRO, ILL., September 10, 1864.

General W. S. ROSECRANS:

I am very well provided with artillery. Thank you.

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, September 10, 1864.

Major General A. J. SMITH,

Cairo, Ill.:

In the present uncertainty as to where Price is, it seems to move it would be best to take post at Cape Girardeau. Were his situation