SAINT LOUIS, September 30, 1864-12 m.

Major-General SMITH:

Take troops to Franklin if you can get through.

W. S. ROSECRANS.

General Smith will send orders by telegraph to commanding officer on train in a few minutes.

DU BOIS.

SAINT LOUIS, September 30, 1864-2.10 p. m.

Major General A. J. SMITH:

The general wishes you to send some cavalry west of the city at or near Kirkwood to replace Merrill, who has been pushed on to Franklin. Merrill has about 800 men. A small brigade of infantry now in the city will be sent to Franklin to-day.

J. V. DU BOIS,

Colonel, &c.

JEFFERSON BARRACKS, September 30, 1864-3 p. m.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

All safe at De Soto. I have ordered what six-months' men now there to remain until further orders.

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

JEFFERSON BARRACKS, September 30, 1864-3.50 p. m.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

I am informed there is no communication with Kirkwood. I have telegraphed Colonel Merrill in obedience to your orders, but cannot reach him.

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, September 30, 1864-3.50 p. m.

Major-General SMITH, Jefferson Barracks:

I think the rebels will go toward Rolla. Prepare to move toward that point. Move two brigades to Kirkwood; start one this afternoon; the one whose regiments are now guarding the bridges at the Meramec may be the last to move, and will be replaced by militia.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

Can't you send a brigade by train at once?

W. S. R.

SAINT LOUIS, September 30, 1864.

Major General A. J. SMITH:

General R[osecrans] ordered a brigade of Illinois troops to Franklin. They can't move. Let your brigade (on train) come on. They will be sent by same train to Franklin.

By order:

J. V. DU BOIS.