JEFFERSON CITY, MO., October 15, 1864-8 p. m.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Springfield, Mo.:

Gather in plenty of corn do it quickly. You had fifty days' rations for your command on the 15th ultimo. Reduce to half rations at once. Get in plenty of beef. You must hold that place or die, and you must show that you have pluck and brains enough to do it.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., October 15, 1864.

Major COSGROVE,

Lebanon,

No force reported. A scout returned last night.

J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., October 15, 1864.

Major COSGROVE,

Lebanon:

I have sent Major Fyan with 200 men after Rains. They will be at Marshfield to-night. If you can send a good scout in that direction do so. Answer immediately.

J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., October 15, 1864.

Major COSGROVE:

General Rosecrans orders me to concentrate and hold this place or die. Have ordered Major Fyan to return, and the troops at Marshfield to Springfield. Your order Captain Cassairt to Lebanon, also the home guards at Hartville. If you are attacked by an overwhelming force, and feel satisfied you cannot hold Lebanon, fall back on Linn Creek. The enemy are ar Sedalia moving south.

J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., October 15, 1864.

Major MELTON,

Cassville:

You are hereby ordered to proceed with your entire command, with camp and garrison equipage and all Government property, to Springfield, Mo., at once by force marches. No train is to be sent as the enemy are moving south. The home guards had better come with you.

J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.