H. M. Hiller to Wilson, September 4, 1864

Major WILSON, Commanding Pilot Knob, Mo.: Send five best companies of cavalry to Cape Girardeau at once. If you think you cannot spare so many send four companies. I think the garrison at Patterson may be reduced to one company, if it is not already done. As to this, however, use your own judgment. Send the section of howitzers. Let them get there day atter to-morrow. Answer. THOMAS EWING, J. R., Brigadier-General. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., September 4, 1864. General EWING: Captain Edwards, commanding at New Madrid, informs me that he learns through rebel sources that some 4,000 of Shelby’s men are at Hornersville, Dunklin County. I place but little reliance in the report. Have sent spies in Dunklin and have sent a force from Bloomfield and New Madrid toward Kennett.

H. M. HILLER,