John A. McClernand to Henry W. Halleck, January 14, 1863

Post Arkansas, January 14, 1863.

Commanding Department of the Tennessee:

GENERAL: I have all the prisoners embarked for Saint Louis, Mo.

My reasons for sending them are these: 1st, I have received no orders to exchange them; 2d, the headquarters of the commissioner for the exchange of prisoners is there; 3d, it would seem to me criminal to send the prisoners to Vicksburg if they may be properly sent elsewhere. To send them there would be to re-enforce a place with several thousand prisoners at the moment we are trying to reduce it.

I would sail from here to Little Rock and reduce that place but for want of sufficient water in the channel of the Arkansas River.

This being the case I will proceed, as soon as I have completed the demolition of the enemy’s works here, to Napolecn, by which time I I hope to hear from you.

Your obedient servant,

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,
Major-General, Commanding.