HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., May 30, 1864.

Colonel POWELL CLAYTON,

Commanding Post of Pine Bluff:

COLONEL: In recent orders from headquarters District of Little Rock, I am charged with the duty and responsibility of scouting and observing the country from the Benton road on the right to the Arkansas River (including either bank) on the left, and it has occurred to me that co-operation and simultaneous movements from your command and my own would be desirable. This, therefore, is to suggest that on certain days, to be hereafter agreed upon, scouting parties be sent out from Pine Bluff and Little Rock, instructed to communicate each with the other at designated points on the different roads. Should this suggestion meet your approval, the details as to days, roads, &c., could be arranged by telegraph. Will you be kind enough to advise me at your earliest convenience as to you opinions concerning the plan above indicated?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. SALOMON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

DEVALL'S BLUFF, May 30, 1864-12.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General CARR,

Commanding District;

I am ordered to report to Brigadier-General Carr, commanding District of Little Rock, for orders. My command consists of First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry, Eleventh Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Fourth Regiment Arkansas Mounted Infantry, and a section of Battery D, Second Missouri Artillery. I am now camped at Devall's Bluff. Can muster 850. Cavalry horses are in poor condition, but if there is active service anywhere I beg to have it.

R. R. LIVINGSTON,

Colonel First Nebraska Cavalry, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Helena, Ark., May 30, 1864

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. STIBBS,

Commanding Batt. Twelfth Iowa, Mouth of White River:

SIR: I have just received the following order:

HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,

May 25, 1864.

Brigadier General N. B. BUFORD,

Commanding,&c. Helena, Ark.:

SIR: The major-general commanding requests that you will reduce the force now stationed at the mouth of White River to 50 men.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. S. MELVILLE,

First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

In compliance with it you will detail the captain most fitted to be left in a separate command with delicate duties to perform with one or more lieutenants and 50 men, with rations up to the 16th of June, camp and garrison equipage, and 100 rounds of ammunition to the man, and embark in the first steam-boat you can obtain with all the