Francis J. Herron to Samuel R. Curtis, April 3, 1863

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri :

GENERAL: I arrived on Tuesday and assumed command Wednesday morning. The Third Division I found camped 13 miles from this place, on the Elk Creek road; the Second Division on Spring Creek, but under orders to move in this direction. The latter camped last evening about ing the First Division, to move in the direction of Forsyth, and, if necessary to procure forage, to cross White River. By a telegram received yesterday, it seems he has crossed, and is now at Carrollton. He was to leave his main force there, and, with cavalry, advance and attack a band of guerrillas on Crooked Creek. That county is inhabited by the most desperate villains on the face of the earth, and Weer can do good service by making their number less.

Should Marmaduke make a movement from Batesville to get in the rear of Weer, I can only relieve him by the troops at Springfield under Cloud, and for that it would require your order. It would be an utter impossibility to move the troops from here at the present time, over the desolate country intervening.

I am getting the Second and Third Divisions in condition for a new campaign by trimming everything down to the lowest extent. Ten wagons to the regiment is my order. General Vandever has been assigned to the Second Division, and, if Orme comes up, as I hope he will, I propose to give him the Third. There are, in the three divisions, about 10,000 effective men.

I should very much like to have your ideas about the new campaign of this spring, and know whether the Army of the Frontier is to occupy the Arkansas River as a new base of operations. General Halleck, I know, is somewhat opposed to it. but the movement can be made, and it would have a good effect.

Will you please write me in regard to matters ?

I am, very truly, yours, &c.,