Saml. R. Curtis, January 15, 1863

Provost-Marshal’s Orders, No. 35, is mainly a compilation of old orders. Where we have no troops, provost-marshals guard public property, arrest spies, and give immediate notice of guerrilla forces. _ The system was inaugurated over a year ago, and is the only way of keeping the jeace in Northern Missouri, especially in border counties. I have no serious complaints coming to my knowledge. The rebels that attempted to capture Springfield are retreating, hotly pursued. Things every day grow more quiet. I am constantly curtailing restrictions regarding trade as safety seems to permit, and I fear the change required by your dispatch of the 14th will give new trouble. May I suspend action until

I can confer by letter ? SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Missouri, Saint Louis, January 15, 1863. His Excellency President ABRAHAM LINCOLN:

I had the honor to see a letter addressed to me, but sent to Governor Gamble, of the 5th instant,* in relation to affairs in Missouri, and very properly urging a conference .between us in regard to several matters relating to the administration of affairs in this State, which you say are giving you much trouble. In reply to this last idea, I have great solicitude. I have seen lately a determination to oppress you with matters that certainly ought first to come before me. For the good of discipline, as well as justice to you, matters should, as far as possible, be adjusted by your subordinates. I regret that 1 published the suspension of assessments in this city as your order. 1 did so because I thought it would show your anxiety to be just and generous. But the effect has been to carry everything to you, even before seeking proper redress elsewhere. If Dr. McPheeters had presented his case to me, as he did to you, both you and I would have been spared much trouble.

In my interview with Governor Gamble, and in reference to persons charging him with selfish and ambitious motives, and doubts as to his fidelity, the Governor expressed his regrets, and evinced generous sentiments of loyalty. He said, what is true there is too much disposition now to impeach everybody. I think with you that Governor Gamble is loyal, and I do not see any occasion for us to differ, except it may be as to some measures, But even upon these I do not think difficulty will arise between us. He goes for you and our country and some of your measures. I go for all. In regard to county assessments, he withdrew his Enrolled Militia publicly. I am checking them quietly Our Union men are much opposed to restraint in their pursuit of rebels, especially in the country where our friends have been persecuted, and where the assessments inure to the benefit of the widows and orphans of men killed by the rebels. There may be frauds, such as you name, but I doubt it. Ishould have had news of it. No assessment committee could commit such a fraud as you name with impunity. The calculation, I presume, is based on the supposition that men are assessed on the value of their property, whereas the assessments are made on a compound ratio of property and disloyalty. These assessments on persons for crimes committed in a neighborhood are considered a great

Chae XXXIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

restraint on rebels who have encouraged bands of rebels, and our friends fear that they will suffer if such restraints are taken off. I am implored not to remove them. I have earnest petitions and letters innumerable coming in, urging me to allow assessments to proceed. The county assessments are all made by local commanders, who claim that they understand their local difficulties better than I can. I therefore move cautiously and quietly, so as to avoid any new inspiration of rebel courage. On matters concerning the degree and direction of force against rebels, I am appealed to as the supposed head of military power in this vicinity. On complaints of too much severity, the Governor and Your Excellency are appealed to, and we do not, therefore, either of us, always see bofh sides. As to banishments, the Governor goes further than I do on that subject, although we might differ as to particular cases. Most of the banishments have been made as a commutation for imprisonments determined by military commissions or local commanders, and in all instances where the community seem to think it safe, I try to procure arelease. As to the cases named by Mr. Rollins, I will examine, and write to him. They must stand on their own merits, not on his; but I shall have due deference to his opinion as to the safety of the release. As I intimated in a former letter, I only fear some conflict with the Governor in regard to Enrolled Militia and regular volunteers. I command the volunteers, but the Enrolled Militia, it is claimed, can only be commanded by the Governor. As the theory is, we feed and forage while he commands this force, and the Governor seems anxious to preserve all his rights in this behalf. I hope, however, no difficulty will grow out of this. So far I have got along well with the Enrolled Militia. As things improve, rebels become more active and officious in their demands for release and relinquishment from restraints, which are the only cause of our success. We must not be over-hasty in withdrawing these restraints, but gradually, I hope, peace will be restored and military power relinquished.

I have now commanded this department over a quarter of a year. I have so far great reason to rejoice in the success of our arms and the progress of our principles. The recent raid to Springfield has been repulsed without the loss of a single wagon or a pound of stores, and my forces are in rapid pursuit of Marmaduke and his 5,000 men. They got nothing but one gun without wheels, and a good thrashing at Springfield and Hartville. While General Grant is preparing to collect his re-enforcements, General McClernand as an episode is assisting me in pressing the rebels up the Arkansas. Meantime other forces in pursuit of Marmaduke must capture him or drive him below that river. All this I have made secondary to the move on Vicksburg, where I have tendered nearly all my force, and which I hope will, in due time, be made with more unity of action and ultimate success.

I have the honor to remain, Mr. President, Your Excellency's obedient