Cyrus Bussey to Samuel R. Ourtis, January 18, 1863

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. OURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri :

GENERAL: General Gorman reached and captured Saint Charles on the 14th; the enemy evacuated on the day before, carrying their guns up the river on board the steamer Blue Wing. They had two large guns and four small ones. General Gorman proceeded toward Devall’s Bluff.

I have heard nothing from the cavalry expedition under Colonel Clayton. I presume they reached Clarendon, as they had not arrived at Saint Charles when General Gorman wrote me.

General Grant passed down yesterday. He advised me to repair the levee here as soon as possible. We have 1,000 sick men in hospital ; 200 of these will never be fit for duty, and should be discharged. i find much room for reform. In many respects the public business has been extravagantly managed.

I have issued, and will enforce, stringent orders to rid this post of a host of mule and horse thieves who infest it.

I would be glad to have this post designated the District of Helena. [ would then know the extent of my authority.

I have 50 men, paroled prisoners, captured before January 1, 1863. Are they exchanged; and will they be returned to duty without formal official order from department headquarters ?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,