Francis J. Herron to John M. Schofield, January 9, 1863

General JoHN M. SCHOFIELD, Commanding :

GENERAL: I received your dispatch an hour since, and will move my division at an early hour in the morning toward Carrollton, acting as circumstances may determine upon wy arriva) there. Marmaduke is undoubtedly at the head of this movement, as I informed you this afternoon, and I heartily co-operate in any movement to catch him. It will probably be necessary for me to go beysond Carrollton to acvomplish the object, and I think, if he attempts to pass me, somebody will get hurt. The query is, where did he cross the river, and will be not attempt to go back on the east side ?

If Warren could move rapidly to Vera Cruz, I think he could be cornered. I will operate according to your instructions.

We have on hand ten days’ rations of everything except breadstuffs, and of that have only three days’. This was caused by the men consuming more bread on the march to help Blunt, and for a day or two after the fight, than the allowance, no meat being distributed. General Blunt informed my commissary that he would furnish us one-half ration of flour from Rhea’s Mills, to make up the deficiency, but we have never received it. A train is now on the way for the Third Division, having left Springfield on the 30th ultimo. It is probably at Fayetteville. If it could be sent to me, under charge of a strong cavalry escort, that would relieve the whole matter. Will keep you fully informed.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,