Chas. H. Fox to Joun Houau, August 23, 1863

Capt. Joun Houau, Assistant Adjutant-General :

CapTaIn Having assumed command (by seniority), upon the departure of Col. George E. Waring, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, I deem it my duty to report my situation, Iam, as you are aware, encamped at this point. Of the force under my control you doubtless are informed. Uponassuming my command, I found the force very much scattered, to wit, the battery entirely detached from some portion of the infantry, and in a position that it would have been almost impossible to have made it available had any emergency required; also the cavalry in the same condition. I immediately selected a location where I could concentrate all my force, and if required could, in my judgment, if necessary, hold my position against a superior force, of which at the present I apprehend no danger, although I am daily in receipt of information of a large force

here and there being concentrated at various points to march upon us, and soon thereatter receive information directly to the contrary. My judgment is that there is no considerable force concentrated in this section but occasional bands of guerrillas and conscripting parties, whose numbers are quite small.

Colonel Waring, upon his departure, did not give me instructions concerning my duties at this post; consequently, I am at a loss to know what course to pursue, except to protect my camp from surprise, and be ready for action at any moment. I would be pieased to hear from you, and receive from you such instructions as the general may see proper to give, and endeavor to the best of my abilities to obey them, If you have leisure would be much pleased to havea visit from the general and yourself, and receive such instructions from you in reference to my camp and my future operations as you deem proper.

Respectfully submitted.