Cadwallader C. Washburn to William S. Rosecrans, September 2, 1864

Maj. Gen. W. 8. ROSECRANS,

GENERAL: Advices from Devall’s Bluff, under date of the 25th ultimo,* represent that Shelby had cut the railroad between there and Little Rock, and captured 450 men who were guarding it. It was also reported that the enemy in force was about to cross the Arkansas River, while another force would attack Little Rock. Yesterday the commander at Helena sent me dispatches that he had reports from rebel sources that the enemy had captured the posts at Pine Bluff and Saint Charles and were about to attack Devall’s Bluff. I immediately ordered MajorGeneral Mower, who had just returned here with his division, to pro-

*See Part I, p. 281.

nap. LI] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

ceed to White River to the relief of our forces, and have thrown 2,000 cavalry across the river here to proceed to White River and operate with General Mower. I have just received advices from two different sources, both of which I deem reliable, that a big raid is on foot for Missouri, led by Price and Shelby. An escaped citizen from near Batesville, who left five days ago, says that they were preparing ten days’ rations there for 12,000 men when he left, and it was understood that Price, with Marmaduke and other forces, had crossed the Arkansas River, and were moving toward Missouri, and would be joined at Batesville by Shelby’s forces, about 4,000 strong. The other citizen, well known to me, was in Shelby’s camp ten days ago, just before he raided on the railroad, and he informs me that there is no doubt about the intention to invade Missouri at once. I shall send A. J. Smith’s division up river just as soon as transports arrive to carry him, which I hope will be in a day or two. He goes to Sherman, unless some emergency should require him elsewhere. He will have 6,000 men. I am, general,

your obedient servant