Unknown to Henry W. Halleck, December 19, 1862

Washington, December 19, 1862.

General ROBERT ALLEN, Saint Louis, Mo. : Give General Grant the locomotives he requires. H. W. HALLEOK, General-in- Chief.

Sarnt Louis, Mo., December 19, 1862—1 p. m. (Received 7 p. m.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief:

In answer to yours of yesterday I proposed to furnish all General Sherman calls for from Helena—12,000—leaving about 13,000 to operate in Arkansas. This last force I propose to move cautiously till the downriver move is accomplished. Blunt’s force in Arkansas—about 18,000— is still at north base of Boston Mountains, scouts extending near to Arkansas River. I wish to draw these forces toward each other as fast as circumstances will permit. A move from Helena will prevent Holmes and Hindman massing forces against Blunt if nothing more, and it can go cautiously, awaiting the move and return of down-river force. Will

this plan suit you? SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General.