Fitz H. Warren to H. Z. Curtis, January 9, 1863

Maj. H. Z. CURTIS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo. :

MaJsor: The telegram of the general commanding was received late last night, apprisivg me of the approach of a force toward Springtield. I immediately took my supply train (40 wagons), and ordered 500 infantry, with 200 cavalry and a section of artillery, to proceed with all dispatch to report to General Brown. They were transported, all of the foot soldiers, and by this time are at Hartville, and will be in Springfield early Sunday morning. The condition of my health would not permit me to go in command. Three hundred of my cavalry were out in scouting parties and guarding trains, and the remainder are not mounted.

This evening an Arkansas refugee came in from Izard County, and reports that Burbridge crossed Eleven Point River Saturday last with 1,790 men, all mounted, and passed through Salem to the west. The men said they were going to attack Houston; but this, it seems, was a blind to their real movement toward Ozark and Springfield. They had no artillery. He reports that his (Burbridge’s) infantry and artillery had crossed White River at Batesville, and were pushing toward Little Rock. My belief is that it is this force which is reported to be 6,000, and that the purpose of it is an attack on trains, rather than upon any

ost. Captain [John H.] Reed, Third Missouri Cavalry, came in to-night from a reconnaissance tu Van Buren. He reports the country hard and forage very scarce, with a bad condition of roads.

I have not given you accounts of the capture of stock and encounters with small parties of rebels, as I supposed them of small consequence.

I am, major, very truly,

your obedient servant,