sent to De Soto to await Ewing's orders. Let a non-commissioned officer come with them, with order to see them deposited at the railroad depot and report in person to Brigadier General E. Anson More, State headquarters. What news from the front? Please have all preparations made for a move. Three thousand Illinoisians will arrive to-day.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, September 29, 1864-1.50 p. m.

Major-General SMITH,

Jefferson Barracks:

The following dispatch just received from Colonel Merrill:

Scouting parties of last night in. New news of the enemy. Have sent large scouting parties to go as far south as possible. Will have report from them probably by 5 p. m. to-day.

Colonel Merrill dispatches from camp near Kirkwood. Have you any news?

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

JEFFERSON BARRACKS, September 29, 1864-3.10 p. m.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

I left De Soto about 7 a. m. No news of the enemy during the night. I have here two brigades and left one at Meramec bridge. The cavalry will be at the crossing of the Meramec to-night to protect that point. At the present stage of the river cavalry can cross at many points. I will be ready for the field as soon as I can get the brigade from the bridge, but I hope never again to be sent prospecting on the railroad. Can I come to Saint Louis?

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, September 29, 1864-3.30 p. m.

Major General A. J. SMITH:

The general says come up. Keep an operator at the Benton Barracks all night, and aides to receive and execute any order sent there. How about maps and the knowledge of your aides about this country?

J. V. DU BOIS,

Colonel, &c.

SAINT LOUIS, September 29, 1864-3.20 p. m.

Major General A. J. SMITH,

Jefferson Barracks:

The Illinois troops are at last arriving. Will have another brigade for you soon. What news from the front? Did you send up the 1,000 stand of arms?

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

31 R R-VOL XLI, PT III