[Indorsement.]

MAY 18, 1864.

Direct General West not to allow the force on the north side of the river to entertain the idea of abandoning their position or destroying the railroad property and stores, in any event whatever, without positive and special orders from himself or higher authority. That force will be re-enforced from this side or from other points on the railroad to any extent that may be necessary.

E. A. CARR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

LITTLE ROCK, May 17, 1864.

Colonel POWELL CLAYTON,

Commanding, Pine Bluff:

It is reported that a battery of 18 guns is planted on the bank of the Arkansas River above Arkansas Post. What news have you from that point? Please answer at once and give all the news you have.

By order of Major General F. Steele:

W. D. GREEN,

Major, Assistant Adjutant-General.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 17, 1864.

Colonel POWELL CLAYTON,

Pine Bluff:

Dardanelle was taken to-day by Shelby, with four pieces of artillery. Keep a good lookout to the south and east.

E. A. CARR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER,

Numbers 48.
Fort Smith, Ark., May 17, 1864.

* * * * * *

VI. Major Hunt, commanding battalion Fourth Arkansas Infantry, will march with his command to-morrow morning, May 18, at 8 a. m., to Fayetteville, Ark., and report to Colonel Harrison, First Arkansas Cavalry, for duty.

* * * * * *

By command of Colonel W. R. Judson:

T. J. ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., May 17, 1864.

Colonel M. L. HARRISON,

Commanding, Fayetteville, Ark.:

I have been compelled to order my troops out of Arkansas for want of forage and grazing in that section. There is no large force of the enemy in there now. I have sent Major Moore, of the Seventh