Today in History:

221 Series I Volume XXXIV-IV Serial 64 - Red River Campaign Part IV

Page 221 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE,ETC.-UNION.

WARRENSBURG, June 4, 1864.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Commanding Department of the Missouri:

Philips' movement is to the southeast. The guerrillas are directly opposite, course northwest. Philips moving at this time does not leave force enough to occupy the country. Our troops are moving night and day constantly, and daily fight the guerrillas. The guerrillas have no lines of retreat to cut off. They scatter when attacked, each man taking a separate route, meeting at some agreed point 20 miles off in four hours. Our troops understand this warfare, are full of zeal, are brave and energetic, but it is an intangible warfare. If there is not urgent reason, I respectfully ask that the order to move the Seventh Regiment be suspended until we see what the guerrillas intend, and I can thoroughly scour the country.

E. B. BROWN,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

SAINT LOUIS, June 4, 1864.

Brigadier General E. B. BROWN,

Warensburg:

You ask a very serious thing. Why not let Philips move on the guerrillas and go to Springfield at the same time? What if the route be a little circuitous; can't you combine other force with his and clean the country out? What is wanted seems to me to be to know the country and whereabouts of all this vague cloud of guerrillas, and have a rapid night and day movement to surprise them, so directing the forces as to intercept their probable routed of entreat. Let me know if this can be done. Now is the time for brains and energy, and there must be no halting or flinching by the officers or men, and no fear of night or day movements.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

WARRENSBURG, MO., June 4, 1864.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Commanding:

In consequence of the large number of guerrillas in this district and their movements, showing they are concentrating for mischief, I respectfully ask that the order for the movement of the Seventh Regiment be countermanded and suspended for the present.

E. B. BROWN,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

WARRENSBURG, MO., June 4, 1864.

Major O. D. GREENE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The First Battalion of Seventh Missouri State Militia moved from here this morning via Osceola; the Second this afternoon by way of Warsaw and Springfield.

E. B. BROWN,

Brigadier-General.


Page 221 Chapter XLVI. CORRESPONDENCE,ETC.-UNION.