FORT LEAVENWORTH, October 21, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Lawrence, Kans.:

Information has been received that a number of negroes have deserted from the battery and are making their way to Lawrence. You will cause them to be arrested and returned to Wyandotte. You will also send all the organized negroes forward to Wyandotte. On their arrival at that place they will report to Captain R. J. Hinton, who is organizing the negroes. Report at once how many you can send, and when they can start.

By order of Major-General Curtis:

JOHN WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Similar dispatch to commanding officer at Atchison.)

LAWRENCE, October 21, 1864.

Captain JOHN WILLANS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have heard of no negroes coming from the colored battery at Leavenworth. There is a company of colored militia on service here. Do you want them sent to Wyandotte?

R. D. MOBLEY,

Captain, Commanding Post.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, October 21, 1864.

Captain R. D. MOBLEY,

Lawrence:

Send company of colored militia to Wyandotte to report to Captain Hinton at that place.

By order of Major-General Curtis:

JOHN WILLANS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

LAWRENCE, October 21, 1864.

Captain JOHN WILLANS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have been and examined the colored militia command at this place, and find them not in a condition to proceed to Wyandotte, they being over ago, invalids, &c. They are engaged at work on the fortifications at this place.

R. D. MOBLEY,

Captain, Commanding Post.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, October 21, 1864.

Captain R. D. MOBLEY,

Lawrence:

What force have you at Lawrence besides the negroes?

JOHN WILLANS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.