with all the troops you can spare for the field, and with such supplies as he may require. You will have nothing to do but guard the posts and keep open communication.

J. V. DU BOIS,

Colonel and Chief of Staff.

MEXICO, MO., October 17, 1864.

Brigadier-General EWING;

I would like to have two small pieces of artillery at this post. Can I get them? Rebels have full possession of the country. I am powerless without the help of cavalry. Cannot drive the rebels out with infantry.

J. B. DOUGLASS,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, MO., October 17, 1864.

Brigadier-General DOUGLASS,

Mexico, Mo.:

There is not a company here to send you. I have telegraphed General Rosecrans whether I shall send you a section of artillery or not. I have ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Hequembourg to report with his whole command to you.

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

MEXICO, MO., October 17, 1864.

General EWING:

Arrived here at 11 o'clock last night. The road between here and Saint Charles is now in good order. Telegraph wires were down in two places; all right now. When near High Hill on Saturday killed 15, wounded several, captured 15 horses.

A. G. HEQUEMBOURG,

Fortieth Missouri Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, MO., October 17, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel HEQUEMBOURG,

Mexico:

Report to Brigadier-General Douglass for orders with your whole command. If you have not already started the 200 colored troops to Saint Louis, do not send them.

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

MACON, October 17, 1864-4.40 p.m.

Colonel DU BOIS,

Chief of Staff:

Just reported from Brookfield a large force coming from Brunswick toward the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad. Have sent heavy