Thos. O. Selfridge to N. J.t. Dana, September 2, 1864

Maj. Gen. N. J.T. DANA, Commanding U. 8. Forces, Vicksburg and vicinity :

GENERAL: Three deserters came into one of our gun-boats yesterday, belonging to the engineer regiment of the Trans-Mississippi forces. They had been stationed at Kirk’s Ferry, on the Tensas River, where they had built a pontoon for the use of the troops about to cross the Mississippi. They represent that the orders for crossing had been countermanded; that a part of their pontoon train had been sent back to Alexandria; that all the troops had been ordered to assemble at Monroe. They understood the infantry were to operate in Arkansas, the cavalry to go to Missouri. This is important, if true, and looks like carrying the war back to its old boundaries and cutting off Steele. If you think it is necessary, will you inform General Steele? It may be also, assembling at Monroe, they intend to attack Milliken’s Bend and Goodrich’s Landing, and perhaps to cross the river above Vicksburg.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,