John A. McClernand to Samuel R. Curtis, January 8, 1863

Steamer Tigress, January 8, 1863.

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, ~ Oommanding Department of the Frontier, Saint Louis, Mo. : GENERAL: Upon the retirement of the forces under Major-General Sherman’s command from the vicinity of Vicksburg to Milliken’s Bend I assumed command of them on the 4th instant.

Learning from the instructions and other papers turned over to me by General Sherman that you had promptly and generously co-operated to insure the success of the Mississippi River Expedition, and would be pleased, under favorable circumstances, to have his co-operation in turn, I immediately determined to sail with my whole army to the Post of Arkansas via the mouth of the White River, the cut-off, and the Arkansas River, for the purpose of reducing it. athe

The reduction of that place will free the navigation of the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the mouths of the White and Arkansas Rivers from the molestation inflicted by hostile parties sent from the Post.

Whether I will advance beyond the Post to Brownsville and Little Rock, or to either, will depend upon circumstances yet undeveloped.

If, as I understand, your columns are moving in the direction of the last-named places, a favorable conjuncture may conspire to give our arms early, if not immediate, control of the State of Arkansas.

Hoping to hear from you fully and frankly upon all matters of public interest, I have the honor to conclude by assuring you of my high regard for you, both personally and officially.

Your obedient servant,

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,
Major-General, Commanding.