enemy passing south. Take great care that none of the rebel wounded escape. Send them as fast as they are able to travel here, especially the officers. Answer.

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

PILOT KNOB, MO., October 24, 1864.

General EWING:

Telegraph in order to Cape Girardeau, Bloomfield, and New Madrid I want to go to Kansas, but will straighten up matters here and start soon as the cars run here. Patterson is the key to this country and should be garrisoned. I will put up the wire this week. Can't some of the troops that went to Rolla from here be sent there? I send scout to Ponder's Mill, Cook's Settlement, and Farmington to-morrow. Detachment of the Tenth has been reported, but many of them are yet in Saint Louis on detached service.

H. H. WILLIAMS,

Major, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, October 24, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Pilot Knob:

There is a report here that Major Wilson and six men were found murdered fifteen miles southwest of Washington, Mo., on the old State road, near Jeffrey's farm. Ascertain from Captain Dinger or some of his companions where it was they saw Wilson turned over to Tim Reves.

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, October 24, 1864.

General EWING:

Everything is quiet in this sub-district. I have all my cavalry out and cannot hear of any rebel forces in any direction.

H. M. HILLER,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, Mo., October 24, 1864.

Brigadier-General PIKE,

Franklin:

Move your headquarters at once to Franklin and assume command immediately of all the troops at that post, Hermann, Washington, and the detachments at work on the railroad bridge at the Meramec. Your orders will be sent you by mail. Assume the command pursuant to instructions from these headquarters.

By order of Brigadier-General Ewing:

H. HANNAHS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.