John Monheil to James Craig, March 4, 1863

Brig. Gen. JAMES CRAIG, Oommanding District of Nebraska:

GENERAL: I am in receipt of two letters from you of the 23d ultimo * in relation to the Indians, one proposing a spring campaign and the other mentioning a pursuit of the Utes and the fight of Captain Allen.

The order of General Halleck moves the Nebraska regiment to Sioux City, and renders it quite useless to consider the matter of the first letter. I do not know the object of the Sioux City move, but suppose there is danger of an attack from the north by the Sioux Indians. Pope probably- wants the regiment in his department, and secures it by this order. Great prudence with the Indians must be practiced. I am bringing most of the troops away from Colorado, and you will, therefore, have but a slender force to depend upon. The great effort is to crush out the rebellion as the first thing. Meantime we must make the best possible use of what we have to keep the overland route safe. Every year renders it more important.

I telegraphed General Halleck, asking that you might retain two or three companies to take care of settlements in the Northwest, but have not yet received a reply. I think he will consent, but you must hire teams and push the remainder over. Let them go where grain and other forage can be had most abundant. It will probably be best to move over into Iowa, at Omaha, and pass through the settlements, but you will exercise your discretion as to this. It is not necessary that the detachments should be united before reaching their destination, as they can probably get better accommodations by going in separate commands.

I am, general, very truly, yours, SAML. R,. CURTIS, Major-General.

Camp OF 2D REGT. Missouri STATE MILITIA OAVALRY, Bloomfield, Mo., March 4, 1863. Brigadier-General DAvipson, Commanding District of Saint Louis :

GENERAL: I havethe honor to report a cursory reconnaissance of the surroundings of this place, and respectfully to make such suggestions as occur to me for the fortifying it for permanent occupation.

This ridge of firm earth between the swamps varies in breadth from 4 to 10 miles, being widest at this place. The town is situated on the comb of the ridge, with only two or three hills, within range of cannon, that command it, but these could be occupied by outworks. Neither of these hills would do for the location of a principal work, on account of water. The public square of the town could be fortified with an earthwork, so as to include water for stock and men, either in the work or in its rear within musket range. For armament, at least from six to ten heavy guns should be sent to this place via Cape Girardeau. Theaddition of aninfantry regiment and an artillery battery to this command would, on the completion of these works, make this great gateway of the southeast secure against any probable attempt. A work might be constructed and a garrison posted at or about Chalk Bluff, and another near the Arkansas line, to render the matter entirely secure. The infantry regiment could be immediately employed in the consfruction of works, thus relieving so much of the cavalry as will be required for scouring the several counties, suppressing guerrillas and protecting the few Union people now left here, as well as returning fugitives.

The disloyal, who have property, will have to be put under oath and bond, and when arule of exacting the extreme penalty for the violation of parole shall have been adopted by our Government, we may hope that this class of disturbers will be effectually disposed of. But few examples will be needed to point and emphasize the meaning and extent of parole obligation. Humanity and sound policy alike demand them.

Ihave required of the quartermaster at Cape Girardeau shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows. As soon as they are received, I shall begin the work on the public square. To render it as permanent as possible, I shall endeavor to revet it all with sod. A few houses will have to be removed, but they are in a ruined condition from a former attack on the town, when it was surrounded by Captain Hyde. Some trees will have to be felled in front of our outworks; the timber will be required for fuel, stockades, &c.

I intended to move last night against Thompson, who, I am informed, is at Clarkston with from 300 to 500 men. Hehasa lot of dug-outs, from which I hope to cut him off and bag his command. My command will move to-night if my scouts and spies report in time.

There is an unaccountable detention of my howitzers, which I left Captain McOlanahan, with one company at the Knob, tobringup. This has embarrassed and delayed me. At Ohalk Bluff, even against 20 men on the bluff, I must have them to enable me to seize the boat, the opposite bluff commanding all approach from this direction.

I have the honor to inclose report of Lieutenant Poole, of operations in taking possession of this place and breaking up a small camp yesterday.* Weare scouring the country in every direction.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,