Oyrus Bussey to Samuel R. Ourtis, January 13, 1863

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. OURTIS,

Oommanding Department of the Missouri : GENERAL: Mr. Brooks will deliver to you the papers and the persons of G. W. Baker and officers of the steamer Alhambra. I was left here with 1,000 cavalry and the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, numbering 600men. The Thirty-third Missouri Infantry was also ordered to remain here when Colonel Colburn left for Saint Louis. General Fisk on his arrival here ordered the Thirty-third Missouri to go with the expedition, and left an order for the Twenty-first Missouri to remain here. The Thirty-third Iowa arrived last night, and report the Twentyfirst Missouri not on the way. Colonel Rice thinks they are not ordered down the river. I cannot hold this post with the force left, and have detained the Thirty-third Iowa until the Twenty-first Missouri arrives.

There are 5,000 horses and mules, several large warehouses filled with Government property, and other valuable stores here to be guarded. The force now here is too small for the duty.

Lieutenant Bradford, of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, was sent back from Big Creek yesterday by Colonel Clayton, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, who, with 1,200 men, was ordered to Saint Charles. Lieutenant Bradford, with 25 men, was attacked at Lick Creek, 12 miles from here, and lost 20 men. The lieutenant and 4 men arrived about 7 p. m. last night. They report 200 rebels.

There are a great many negro men, women, and children coming into our lines since the proclamation; many are leaving their homes. I am at a loss to know what to do with them, and would be pleased to receive some instructions from you. I am also ata loss to know how much authority I have here. Can I appoint courts of inquiry to examine absent officers, general courts-martial, grant leaves of absence on surgeon’s certificate, &c.; have I the power conferred on a division commander? Iam left without any instructions, and have not had time, owing to a great press of business, to examine the orders I have.

I have information direct from Saint Charles there were only 600 men there on Sunday. General Gorman will find the town evacuated. I will comply with any instructions you may give me.

Mr. Yeatman, the agent of the Treasury Department, claims the exclusive control of the commerce below Memphis. He desires me to deliver to him certain lots of cotton left in wharf-boat by General Gorman, belonging to parties now up the river. I have declined to do so, on the ground that Mr. Yeatman has no power to take property in charge of the military authorities.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant