T. Ewing, J. R to O. D. Greene, September 2, 1864

Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Missouri:

In compliance with instructions of August 5, from department headquarters, have the honor to transmit the following report and estimate of the enemy within and near the border of the Saint Louis District:

Lieutenant-Colonel Hiller, commanding Second Sub-District, reports on the 25th ultimo that he is not aware of a single camp either of guerrillas or Confederates in his sub-district. Has information that he deems reliable of a force of about 6,000 at Jacksonport and along the State line, near Black and White Rivers, under command of Shelby, Freeman, and Reves. Of this force about one-half are Confederates, the remainder guerrillas and conscripts. There are a few unorganized guerrillas in Mississippi and Greene Counties, Ark., that make raids occasionally into this State. Bowlin, with his band of guerrillas, has been ordered to Jacksonport to report to Shelby.

of ten guerrillas in Saint Francois County on the 15th ultimo, name of commander not known; a band of ten or twelve guerrillas in western

Cuar. “LII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

part of Iron County on the 18th, commander not known. On the 23d a band of fifty guerrillas entered Webster and plundered it; returned in southwestern direction. Reports Freeman’s brigade stationed at Evening Shade, Ark., on the 16th ultimo, about 2,000 strong, about 500 or 600 armed. This information was obtained from a citizen of Lawrence County, Ark., who has a brother in Freeman’s command, and confirmed by a paroled prisoner named Meyers, a loyal resident of this city, who was sent to our lines by Shelby; and also last saw Freeman’s command north of Evening Shade, and eighteen miles south of the Missouri line on the 19th. Freeman was then marching north. A small band of guerrillas reported at Point Rock Creek, Carter County, Mo. A notorious band of robbers, under one Reed, has been committing depredations in Bollinger County, about fifteen men in all.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,