John A. McClernand to W. W. Lowk, June 21, 1862

Col. W. W. Lowk, Fort Henry: Act of Congress prevents officers from returning slaves to owners, loyal or disloyal. General Orders, No. 3, compels you to turn the negro out of your camp as you would any other vagrant. Negroes who have given you important information concerning the enemy will be protected. Negroes who have worked for the Confederate Government are free by act of Congress. J. O. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. JACKSON, June 21, 1862. Major-General HALLEOK: General Wallace reports that Captain Burbridge made a cavalry reconnaissance from Union Depot, 13 miles, to Germantown on the 16th instant; that as the advance cavalry entered the rebel pickets left the town, and that a large force of the cavalry were reported to be near, supported by a heavy body of troops from Holly Springs; that Colonel Slack, at Memphis, corroborates the report, and that, both hearing that Memphis was to be attacked, he had moved with his detachment from Union Depot to Memphis. I have no corroboration of this report from an officer from Grand Junction, Moscow, La Grange, or Holly Springs; it may be you are more fully advised. Shall I not let General Wallace remain in Memphis for the present, under instructions to continue to guard the roads, and if necessary to take command of post ?

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,