LEXINGTON, MO., October 22, 1864-8.15 p.m.

Major General A. J. SMITH,

Chapel Hill:

Dispatches from Pleasonton up to 1.30 p. m. His headquarters were three miles beyond the Little Blue. Heavy skirmishing in front. Lost several men and one major wounded. Cannonading heard on Big Blue; ceased at 4.30 p. m. Woman from Independence 12 m. reports Price's train passed through Independence yesterday and to-day. The general thinks Price is going into Kansas For forage and will move south through or near Olathe. Pleasonton has been ordered to conform to the movements of enemy and also with reference to your position and a junction with Blunt. Go to Lone Jack to-morrow and if you can to Pleasant Hill. Send cavalry out in front to see what is going on. Send a noncommissioned officer to Warrensburg with four men to get a provision train and conduct it to you. Ammunition also if yo want it. We will go to Pleasant Hill to-morrow or to your headquarters. Send back reply telling us where we will find you.

Yours, respectfully,

JOHN V. DU BOIS,

Colonel, &c.

LEXINGTON, MO., October 22, 1864.

Major General A. J. SMITH,

Chapel Hill:

I send you inclosed dispatch.* You will see the importance of moving at once of Independence. Take the shortest practicable route. Move your batteries between the two leading brigades. I send you one guide, seize more. You know how to make them reliable. Tell your men we think we have got Price. Make one big effort and no straggling.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, October 22, 1864.

Colonel J. J. WOOD,
Commanding First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that you will have your division in readiness to move to-morrow morning, 23rd instant, at 7 a. m., taking the advance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. HOUGH,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

J. HOUGH,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS RIGHT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, October 22, 1864.

Colonel J. J. WOODS,
Commanding First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that you will have your divisions in readiness to move to-morrow morning, 23rd instant, at 7 a. m., taking the advance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. HOUGH,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General-General.

[OCTOBER 22, 1864.]

Colonel WILLIAM T. SHAW,

Commanding Third Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps:

COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you have your command in readiness to move at 8 a. m. 23rd instant, in rear of First Division and supply train.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. HOUGH,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See Pleasonton to Rosecrans of 4 p. m., p. 183.

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