C. C. Andrews, September 2, 1864

General West was pushing for Grand Glaize when last heard from. He expected to meet Graves there and pursue Shelby, who was to cross the river at that point. I desire yau to re-enforce Graves from the Saint Charlescommand. Send complete organizations if possible. I leave it to your discretion how large a force of that command shall be sent. I want West to have sufficient force to make a sure thing of Shelby if he can catch him. Rations should be taken so that some might be issued to the troops already up the river, if transportation can be provided. Mr. Yeakle, hay contractor, got in, having beenreleased. He says the rebels are really starved, and if West pushes them it will be hard with them. Please answer.

F. STEELE, Major-General.

Hpqgrs. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Deval’s Bluff, September 2, 1864—6.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Little Rock:

Just received your dispatch about re-enforcing Graves and suppose it was written before you received mine reporting Graves’ return. The only thing I could now propose would be to send troops as far up as possible, to Peach Orchard Bluff, if no farther; there land and push on against Shelby if heis at Augusta. Disembark a scout on west side of river to notify West of affairs. We mustnotunderrate Shelby. I have boats enough to take 2,000 men to Peach Orchard Bluff, but I have not that force to send. Taking Graves’ and the two regiments already arrived from Saint Charles would make only about 1,200 effective men. I think the gun-boat and Graves should have gone till they saw something of the enemy at least.

Very respectfully,