Charles F. Smith to Henry W. Halleck, January 27, 1862

SIR:

On the 25th instant I briefly reported my return on that day. The distance from Callaway to Aurora is by water about 3 miles, by – ` land 6. From the latter place to this it is 40 miles; a good road even atthis period of the year, but destitute of water, except in the rainy season. We aecomplished the march (46 miles) in three days, an avezage of 15 miles per day. This is the State road, but is not marked on any map I have seen. It is generally on a ridge of clay and gravel, and is called the Ridgeroad. Its course is nearly straight from Aurora to Paducah, at no point farther than 10 miles from the river.

My reports of the — and — instant* will give all the necessary information about the march, except on one point, outrages committed by the men in killing hogs and poultry; this, despite every precaution taken by myself and brigade and regimental commanders. Horseseven — were attempted to be carried off. Some men are in arrest for such — offenses, whom I shall bring before a proper tribunal for trial. Thereason for this is, in my belief, that the company officers have not done their duty. They will not see, if they do not in fact encourage, this – miseonduet. N^

The general will pardon me if I venture to make a suggestion in ref- M

EH d erence to the future. I know nothing about the course of operations to be pursued, but if Union City (which I have always thought to bea strong strategic point) is to be occupied, the most feasible means of supplying our troops there at this period of the year is from here by rail to the State line. Place good engines and wood cars on our road,

repair the road as we go, and guard the whole line with a strong force. The distance from the end of the railway to the Columbus road is but the terminus of the road. I speak of this on account of the extreme difficulty of sending wagon iratis for a large force at this period of the year.

I send herewith a rather meager itinerary of the manok.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,