SAINT LOUIS, October 1, 1864-11.40 p. m.

Colonel L. MERRILL, Franklin, Mo.:

You will select the most eligible point in the vicinity of your camp and protect, if necessary, your infantry force by throwing up some earth-works. I will march in the morning to Kirkwood with all our transportation, and may remain at that point for a few days. Keep me well advised of the movements off the enemy in your neighborhood. I will establish a telegraph office on my arrival.

A. J. SMITH,

Major-General.

SAINT LOUIS, October 1, 1864-11.50 p. m.

Colonel LEWIS MERRILL:

The general wishes scouts sent to the valley of Big River. We want to know if Shelby is there. If you an hire the right kind of men we will pay well. Send your own men also. What kind of a place is Eureka? Find out the condition of the roads, and what are the general features of the country about Eureka.

J. V. DU BOIS,

Colonel, &c.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, Numbers 44.
Saint Louis, Mo., October 1, 1864.

I. In compliance with orders from department headquarters, I assume command temporarily of the Saint Louis District.

* * * *

A. PLEASONTON,

Major-General.

CARONDELET, Mo., October 1, 1864.

Lieutenant C. THOMSON, Aide-de-Camp:

Colonel Smith, with his regiment, moved last night to support Colonel Fenn at Fenton ferry, I desire, if you do not object, to make a reconnaissance of the entire line of my command. Any order transmitted to these headquarters during my absence will be duly forwarded. I have 400 men at Meramec bridge-350 without arms and all without provisions. Can I get the arms and an order for a train to take them down? Please answer.

M. MILLER,

Brigadier-General.

CARONDELET, Mo., October 1, 1864.

Lieutenant C. THOMSON, Aide-de-Camp:

I have the honor to state that I have about 1,500 men-900 stationed at the line of the Meramec River, and one regiment of them on the Larney's Ferry or Rock road, and another, Colonel Fenn, at the Meramec Station, on the Pacific Railroad. Colonel Smith's regiment is at this place. Another regiment is organized, with headquarters at the railroad bridge of Iron Mountain Railroad.

MADISON MILLER Brigadier-General, Commanding.