John A. McClernand to Major-General CURTIS, January 14, 1863

Major-General CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri :

GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you of our entire success on January 11, 1863, at this post. After three and one-half hours’ fighting, the works of the enemy were stormed, and the entire garrison, 5,000 men (killed and wounded not included), fell into our hands, together with all the matériel of war, comprising large quantities of quartermaster’s, commissary’s, and ordnance stores. Most of the ordnance stores captured by the enemy on board the Blue Wing have been recaptured. This success, in itself, will serve as a diversion in favor of your columns, moving under Gorman, Schofield, and Davidson, and others of your commanders, upon the enemy’s positions upon and near the line of the Arkansas River. If the river will allow within two or three days, I will ascend with my command to Little Rock, and reduce se place. It is doubtful, however, whether the stage of water will allow it.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,