you. Another leaves in the morning with instructions to stop at Fredericktown if it is safe to do so, and, if not then go to Pilot Knob. The last company will catch up with the others before they reach Fredericktown. I think it would be well for you to reoccupy Fort Davidson.

THOMAS EWING, Jr.,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, Mo., October 15, 1864.

Major H. H. WILLIAM, Pilot Knob:

The four companies named in my last dispatch left Cape Girardeau at 1 o'clock yesterday, and the last company left this morning.

THOMAS EWING, Jr.,

Brigadier-General.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO., October 15, 1864.

General EWING:

General McCormick has relieve Colonel McLane from active duty on the ground, as stated, of the regiment having too few men at present to justify placing a colonel on duty. Colonel McLane is the most efficient officer of Enrolled Missouri Militia service in my sub-district; is of more benefit than all the rest of the field officers that have reported. Will you please have him returned to duty and notify me by telegraph.

H. M. HILLER.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., October 15, 1864.

Brigadier-General EWING:

Four companies of the Missouri State Militia leave here to-day at 1 p. m. for Pilot Knob. I send the howitzers with them. I will send a company to Fredericktown, and as much of a force as I can spare to Bloomfield to-morrow. I have ordered one company from New Madrid. Captain Edwards is doing efficient scouting there now, reports killing two guerrillas Wednesday and wounding the notorious Budge Powell. I think he needs at least two companies of cavalry. I will endeavor to send some more of my regiment to the Knob, as I can replace them with Enrolled Missouri Militia with the exception of Colonel McLane's regiment; the Enrolled Missouri Militia reports slowly.

H. M. HILLER.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO., October 15, 1864.

General EWING:

Four companies left here for Pilot Knob this afternoon. One company will leave for Fredericktown early to-morrow morning. I have requested General McCormick to organize all the available Enrolled Missouri Militia in this sub-district. I will endeavor to have them collected as fast as possible.

H. M. HILLER.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO., October 15, 1864.

Brigadier-General EWING:

Citizens report to me to-day that there is a force of some 600 rebels in Fredericktown, partly unarmed. I do not place much reliance on the