F. J. Herron, April 7, 1863

General HERRON, Rolla : Colonel Cloud cannot leave Springfield, and I do not think much of Weer’s standing to fight anybody. It is not best to risk a battle by a single division ; such a force is only fit for a reconnaissance or foraging expedition. Weer should avoid a battle, and so should the troops at Forsyth, as all reports place Marmaduke’s forces at 4,000 to 7,000, with several pieces of artillery. SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General. ROLLA, April 7, 1863. Major-General CurTIS, Saint Louis, Mo. : My idea was not for Cloud to leave Springfield, but to co-operate with Weer to such extent that he will not have to abandon Forsyth without it is absolutely necessary. Should they leave Forsyth our troops at Fayetteville would have to abandon that point. Had Weer retained the whole division with him all would have been well. My accounts represent Marmaduke’s force at from 2,500 to 3,000 cavalry and five pieces of artillery. This is corroborated every day. Colonel Cloud telegraphs to-day that Marmaduke is not on the north side of the river. I will bring Weer back to Forsyth at once. What is to be done about the First Division? Colonel Ewing will explain the condition of affairs to you.

F. J. HERRON,