Fitz H. Warren to N. P. Chipman, January 16, 1863

Col. N. P. CHIPMAN, Chief of Staff, Saint Louis, Mo.:

COLONEL: I have communicated, by telegraph, with the general commanding, but am not yet quite prepared to give an official report of my operations for the last week. Lieutenant Brown, Third Iowa Cavalry, captured on a reconnaissance and paroled, came in lastnight. He was released on the North Fork of White River, near Indian Creek, 45 miles below Hartville. He reports the enemy over 6,000, without including losses. They marched several miles toward Houston, but, forsome reason, headed their column south, and moved on toward Arkansas. They are to rendezvous at Batesville, where they are to be joined by Hindman, and make another raid to Springfield. They buried an officer near Barnett’s farm, on Clark Creek, 10 miles below Hartville, whom he has no doubt was Porter. He saw him after he was brought from the field. He was then insensible, and said to be mortally wounded. Brown was captured early in the morning, about 7 miles west of Hartville, at the beginning of the first fight, and was with them all the time during the engagement. Marmaduke had several conversations with him, and expressed great admiration of the manner the men fought, repeating that they ” were perfect devils.” ay

My whole command are now with me and in fine condition. I shall send my official report to-morrow. J

Meantime, I am, colonel, very truly,

your obedient servant,