F, J. Herron to B. Gratz Brown, January 1, 1863

Washington, D. 0., Janvary 7, 1863—5.30 p. m.

Hon. B. GRATZ BROWN, Jefferson Oity, Mo. :

Yours of to-day just received.t The administration takes no part between its friends in Missouri, of whom I, at least, consider you one, and I have never before had an intimation that appointees there were interfering, or were inclined to interfere.

HpqQgs. THIRD DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Camp at Huntsviile, January 7, 1863.

GENERAL: Your communication of the 6th instant was received early this morning, but I had neither pen, ink, nor paper to return a written reply. In accordance with the instructions, I have the division at this place, with one brigade camped a short distance out on the road leading southeast, and the other camped a little northeast, both, however, within one-fourth of a mile of the village. There was no point between the head of Richland and this place where the division could be camped to secure the different objects you desired. Had I remained in Richland, it would have interfered with the foraging of the post of Fayetteville and the Second Division, but from this point we can forage east. The thoroughfares from south lead directly into Huntsville, and fror here can be well picketed. Major Anderson, whom I sent out from Fayetteville on Sunday night in command of a scout to look up a rebel force said to be on King’s River, has just returned. The only troops that have been in that section lately were a band of jayhawkers, under Jackman, and they left for the mountains several days ago.

The country about here is full of conscripts, and also many volunteers, who have deserted. They report Hindman as having told them to look out for themselves, and not objecting to their departure. The Texas troops left Hindman several days ago and started for Red River in a body. If their statements are true, he cannot have over 5,000 men left.

I would respectfully inquire what sort of summary punishment I can

*See Chipman to Blunt, January 15, 1863, p. 46. +t Not found.

24 M. O., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. iCsar. XXX1

adopt to stop the marauding and straggling sf soldiers of this command. Can I have some of them drummed out of service? Court-martialing is too slow.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,