within. But if the major-general commanding desires me to do so, I can instruct the provost-guard to keep advised of the arrival of troops en route, and not of my command, and thus obtain the desired information.

THOMAS EWING, JR.,

Brigadier-General.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, December 15, 1864.

Respectfully returned.

The commanding general desires that General Ewing furnish the desired information.

By order of Major-General Dodge:

J. F. BENNETT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WARRENSBURG, December 13, 1864- 8.40 a. m.

Colonel C. W. DAVIS,

Acting Provost-Marshal-General:

Your telegram received. Have just heard of the removal of troops from Tipton. Colonel J. F. Philips, commanding district, returned this evening. I will urge the necessity of placing at least one squadron at Tipton to aid Lieutenant Gavin. Will report to you as soon as I can see the district commander.

R. L. FERGUSON,

Captain and District Provost-Marshal.

WARRENSBURG, December 13, 1864-2.10 p. m.

Colonel C. W. DAVIS,

Acting Provost-Marshal-General, Dept. of the Missouri:

Colonel Philips, commanding District of Central Missouri, declines sending troops to Tipton unless so ordered from department headquarters. There is an urgent necessity for at least one squadron at that place.

R. L. FERGUSON,

Captain and District Provost-Marshal.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Numbers 249.
Warrensburg, Mo., December 13, 1864.

During the temporary absence of Lieutenant Colonel B. F. Lazear, Major A. W. Mullins, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, will assume command of that regiment.

By order of Colonel John F. Philips, commanding:

J. H. STEGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General