PAOLA, October 21, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel STARK:

About 600 effective militia detained here by order of General Curtis. Have already ordered them to get ready without waiting instructions. Have put them in good condition as to equipments. Will leave me but small force, but I appreciate the emergency.

S. A. DRAKE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, October 21, 1864-8 p. m.

Lieutenant Colonel S. A. DRAKE,

Paola:

I don't know whom you can communicate with, unless it be the commander of the post, but if you have men to spare send them to the front as soon as possible. If Kansas ever needed troops that time has now come. Let me know what you do.

W. H. STARK,

Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.

BIG BLUE, October 21, 1864.

Brigadier-General DAVIES,

Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:

Prince's whole army at the Little Blue, nine miles east of Independence. Our forces falling back on this steam. Hurry forward all available troops in Northern Kansas at once. The danger is very great. General Curtis at the front.

THOS. CARNEY,

Governor.

GEO. W. DEITZLER,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS INDIAN BRIGADE, Fort Gibson, C. N., October 21, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,
Fort Scott, Kans.:

SIR: I have the honor to inform you that all is quiet in the vicinity of Fort Smith and here. Dispatches just in from Fort Smith, which I forward. Cooper is still encamped on the Canadian. We are anxiously looking for a messenger from you. Let us know immediately where Price is. We have a report that he is returning via Springfield and Fayetteville. Keep us posted if possible. I sent three messengers through to your place two days ago. Please acknowledge the receipt of all the messengers' arrival. Scouts just in from up the Arkansas forty miles. They find no enemy nor sign.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

STEPHEN H. WATTLES,

Colonel, Commanding.