LAWRENCE, October 8, 1864-12 p. m.

Major-General CURTIS:

Pickets have been firing about twenty shots in a southern and south direction. Drums have been beating and citizens turning out. Troops are marching by. I will go out and see and let you know. We expect to be attacked to-night.

OPERATOR,

Lawrence.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA, Numbers 101.
Omaha, Nebr. Ter., October 8, 1864.

I. Lieutenant Colonel William Baumer, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, is assigned to the command of the post of Omaha, Nebr. Ter., relieving Captain H. F. C. Krumme, Company D, First Battalion Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, who will turn over all post records and property to Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer, and return to duty with his company.

By command of Brigadier General Robert B. Mitchell:

JNO. PRATT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLORADO,

Denver, October 8, 1864.

POSTMASTER-GENERAL,

Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have no hesitancy in stating that there has existed such a state of Indian hostilities on the route from here to Atchison, Kans., during the last two months, as to render it utterly impossible for the Overland Mail Line to continue its trips; and while I in common with this entire country have suffered great inconvenience by reason of the suspension of the mails, I cannot as a just man say that any blame whatever attaches to the carrier. I have lived in this country from its settlement; have been now two years in command of this military district, and consequently I feel competent to judge in this matter, and I do it the more freely because over 200 miles of the line has been all the time under my protection, and most of the time twice as much as that named above.

I am, sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant,

J. M. CHIVINGTON,

Colonel First Cavalry of Colorado, Commanding District.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Numbers 38.
Santa Fe, N. Mex., October 8, 1864.

* * * * * *

V. The march of the expedition against Apache Indians, ordered to go under Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, and then under Colonel Brown, if it has not already commenced, is suspended until further orders. Captain Cooke's company (F) First Infantry New Mexico Volunteers, complete, will proceed without delay via the San Diego Crossing to Fort Cummings, N. Mex., and there take post. On the arrival of this com-