SHREVEPORT, October 6, 1864.

Brigadier-General GREER,

Marshall:

Send the Reserve Corps home forthwith.

By command of General E. Kirby Smith:

W. R. BOGGS,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, October 6, 1864.

Major-General MAXEY:

GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to inclose you copies of dispatches* just received from General Magruder, and to instruct you to hurry the troops as much as possible. If there is not forage and subsistence [at] Paraclifta, you will concentrate as you originally intended at Laynesport. As soon as the troops reach their destination he wishes you to establish a line of couriers to Washington, and keep up close communication with General Magruder.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. H. THOMSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SHELBY'S DIVISION,
Camp Numbers 15, October 6, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel L. A. MACLEAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Missouri:

COLONEL: I arrived at this place (Westphalia) yesterday afternoon and found no enemy. Colonel Shanks got in last night from Osage bridge. He captured the guard of 80-odd men and burned the bridge and depot and other U. S. property. I learn that the river can be forded at two or three different places near here, at which there are guards of some strength. I shall move on to Prince's Ford this morning and ascertain their strength, and from there on to Jefferson City unless I receive further orders. Dispatch me as to what I shall do. Colonel Shanks brought in the arms and equipments of the captured guard. I find that this settlement is Catholic and composed of Southern sympathizer. I have done all in my power to protect them, and will leave one company here as a guard until your advance guard arrives.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JO. O. SHELBY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P. S.-I leave about 100 prisoners here for Colonel Shaler to parole.

JO. O. SHELBY,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SHELBY'S DIVISION,
October 6, 1864.

Colonel MACLEAN:

I have driven the enemy from Prince's Ford and have three regiments across. I would suggest that you cross here, and by sending some

---------------

* Not found.

---------------