John A. McClernand to J. C. Kelton, July 12, 1862

Assistant Adjutant-General:

In obedience to my instructions Colonel Leggett, commanding the third subdivision of my district, has exercised his usual vigilance in the discharge of duty. He reports that one of his most reliable scouts, who returned on the 10th instant, rode with 60 of Jacksors cavalry one whole day, and that he visited several of the enemy’s camps, the relations of which to Grand Junction, as also the force occupying them, are illustrated by the accompanying diagram.*

The scout also learned that the rebel cavalry were under orders to make continual forays in the direction of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad for the purpose of harassing us, interrupting our communications, and seizing our supplies. I would add that the rebel cavalry

Not found.

frequently visit Davis’ Mill, south, Spring Hill, southeast, and Saulsbury, east of Grand Junction. For the space of 30 miles east of the

Junction the line of the road is unoceupied by us. These points are

within another district and beyond my military jurisdiction, as limited

and defined by Major-General Halleck; besides I have not the force

re to protect them in addition to the different points now guarded y me.

In order to prevent the enemy from crossing the railroad and disturbing the flanks and rear of my position at the Junction frequent reconnaissances should be made over the country indicated by the red dotted line appearing on the diagram. The addition of another regiment of infantry or two or three more companies of cavalry would enable Colonel Leggett to do this. Cannot you place one or both of these at my disposal for that purpose? There can be but little of anything for either the infantry or cavalry now at Humboldt to do. The force now under my command is disposed along the roads from the Junction to Humboldt and from here to Bethel, a regiment of infantry and most of my cavalry being at present at Brownsville.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,