Samuel R. Curtis to James G. Blunt, April 16, 1863

Maj. Gen. JAMES G. BLUNT, Commanding District of Kansas : GENERAL: Yours of the 11th instant, concerning the disposition of the First Kansas, is duly received. All our forces must be held ready CHar. XXXIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION. to act in reference to the progress of affairs on the M.ssissippi and Arkansas Rivers. At present the troops are well located at Saint Joseph, where our Union people fear trouble from surrounding traitors. I fear the troops in Northwestern Arkansas are tov far from supporting forces ; they must not be so far from reserves as to be caught. Price and Kirby Smith are active in their efforts to strike a blow somewhere. Colonel Harrison has fears that he may be caught at Fayetteville. No such point should be regarded as worth the hazard of a siege or battle against superior numbers, but be ready to fall back, if necessary. Very truly, yours,

SAML. R. CURTIS,