M. La Rue Harrison to Joun A. Muclernand, January 24, 1863

Maj. Gen. Joun A. MUCLERNAND, Commanding Army of the Mississippi : GENERAL: I am in receipt of yours of the 14th instant. The move on the Old Post was not only successful and exceedingly creditable to you and the forces that participated, but in conformity with plans other “orces were engaged in carrying out. } suppose the primary matter of taking Vicksburg will defer further movements in Arkansas, but I hope you may be successful in the further progress of your arms. The Vicksburg matter must now be approached with caution. After a full knowledge of difficulties, and the best way to surmount them, it may be necessary to delay until you can combine your efforts with General Banks’. It is a matter of vast interest and great anxiety throughout the whole country. I am, general, very truly, your friend and obedient servant, SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General. CamP, Cross Timbers, Mo., January 24, 1863. Major-General CURTIS: We have crossed White River at last—the First Division on flat-boats and the Second on a bridge. Will be at Keytesville and Cassville tomorrow. I will wait there for further information or orders from you, and form preparation for a forward movement. I believe Hindman has crossed the river at Little Rock. If our troops have that place, and intend to hold it, I can start from Keytesville in a few days with supplies enough to carry me to Little Rock. If there is doubt about our troops being or remaining there, perhaps I had better go to Batesville, from which point I can operate with the river forces, and still draw my supplies from Rolla, if necessary. The Third Division is at Forsyth, and Colonel Cloud’s brigade, of the First Division, was in pursuit of Marmaduke, east of Springfield, several days ago. I have not heard from him since. I can get my command together sooner on the Batesville line than on this, and reach Little Rock about as soon. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Brigadier-General. FAYETTEVILLE, January 25, 1863, Governor Phelps says General Curtis thinks no militia should be en rolled. No arms can now be had. Thinks’I had better call all I can into the United States service for three years. There is already avery large list of names, and will be a great Union meeting here on Tuesday. I will do all I can to promote enlistments. Ask the general to let me use the six hundred stand of arms for some companies here, not allowing them to be taken away; and don’t stop urging the militia organization with General Schofieid and at Saint

M. LA RUE HARRISON,