County, on Crooked River, and killed at least six of them, perhaps more. I have not heard from them since. So far as I am advised or believe, there has been no violence or outrage upon the persons or property of citizens since I have joined the command.

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

JAMES McFERRAN,

Colonel First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Commanding.

SEDALIA, September 20, 1864.

Captain J. H. STEGER:

In compliance with your orders, I have dispatched messenger to Major Kelly, Cole Camp,and Warsaw. In addition I sent the engine down the road to California, sending messengers literally right and left to the various citizen guards, also have instructed the company at the brigade to be on the lookout.

T. A. SWITZLER,

Colonel.

SEDALIA, September 20, 1864.

Captain STEGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The following from Major Kelly:

I will move my entire command in the direction of Bell Air and Tipton, and picket the country from near Syracuse to below Tipton. I will to-day three or four miles north of the railroad. Messenger from Otterville will reach me. Just received a dispatch from Lieutenant Kerr,at Boonville, stating that rebels are crossing south below Boonville some thirteen miles. Did not give full credit to it.

T. A. SWITZLER,

Colonel.

WARRENSBURG, September 20, 1864.

Lieutenant J. T. KERR,

Boonville:

Send expresses to the troops in Cooper County and to Major Kelly, who is near the mouth of the Blackwater, informing them of the movement of the guerrillas below Boonville.

E. B. BROWN,

Brigadier-General.

BOONVILLE, September 20, 1864.

General BROWN:

Information has been received this morning that the guerrillas are scattered in squads, stealing horses. I sent express to Major Kelly. The direction of these movements not known. I sent Lieutenant Davis in that course this morning to learn the particulars.

J. T. KERR,

First Lieutenant, Commanding.