him, and returned with his command as far as they marched, and continued on to this place with dispatches from General Blunt to General Curtis, arriving here at 5.30 this morning; distance marched, eighty-one miles.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. WEST,

Captain Company F, Second Colorado Cavalry.

KANSAS CITY, MO., October 20, 1864.

Major CHARLOT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Captain Rafety, with Leavenworth Battalion, is here. One or two companies of Iron Clad Cavalry are here. When shall they be ordered to move? I have directed those at Shawnee to report to Colonel Blair, and told Captain Rafety to march same place, but he says he shall go to Independence. The captain is not disposed to recognize my orders. Will you please give me positive directions?

R. J. HINTON,

Captain.

INDEPENDENCE, MO., October 20, 1864.

Captain HINTON,

Kansas City:

Captain Rafety has been directed to remain at Kansas City till morning. The Iron Clads better move to Big Blue in the morning.

C. S. CHARLOT,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

KANSAS CITY, October 20, 1864.

Major-General CURTIS:

SIR: I arrived in Kansas City this evening on the steamer Benton, with 300 men. I tried to get to Independence, but the boat had to unload Government freight. I will be there early in the morning. Captain hinton says I am not to go there, but I will go unless I receive further orders from you.

J. L. RAFETY,

Captain, Commanding Colored Troops.

INDEPENDENCE, MO., October 20, 1864.

Captain RAFETY,

Kansas City:

Remain till morning. Get your equipments and five days' rations in haversacks ready to move to the Big Blue. Captain Hinton is authorized to give instructions.

C. S. CHARLOT,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.