Unknown to N. P. CHIpMAN, Chief of Staff, January 16, 1863

Col. N. P. CHIpMAN, Chief of Staff:

My DEAR COLONEL: You will see by the date of this that my letter of the 7th instant* is yet in my hands. I send it, as it contains all the facts of which I wished to write. The cartridges have come to hand all safe and very opportune, as my last loads were in the guns. Many thanks for your trouble and kindness. I will use them well.

I preceded the advance of our brigade from Elm Springs to this place in command of 500 mounted men. The distance of 25 miles I made during the night, and surprised a party of Livingston’s gang. I killed

Fort Scott. The country is full of these marauding devils, but we are clearing them out rapidly. This light snow for the past two days enables us to track them toacharm. They have turned their heads south,

and are making for the river. We are hauling them in and putting them under eyery day. This country is in a terrible condition. Families, both Union and secesh, are fleeing for safety to our lines. Union, however, are scarce in these parts. One of the devils that I took had the scalp of one of our soldiers in his pocket.

This brigade, well equipped and filled, will hold the Indian counties, and I am of the firm opinion that the Indians can be used in no other locality to so good an advantage; in fact, I believe that to divert them vo any other fielG of operations than the Indian counties will tend to demoralize them to dissolution. Lieutenant-Colonel Wattles’ resignation is returned as informal. Although serious charges are preferred against him, he is yet incommand. I think that a plenty of forage can be had to sustain this brigade during the winter between here and Neosho and in the vicinity of Cowskin Prairie.

I should still like to raise a battalion of sharpshooters and have the Henry rifle. can make it equal to two regiments, and a terror to the enemy, yet I am here and cannot figure for the thing. The weather is cold and freezing very hard; real winter has come at last. Please use the petition inclosed as best you may, and gum it together, as I have not these little conveniences. I send it simply to show you the feeling amongst the Indian officers, not that I imagine it will have a feather’s weight with the Secretary of War. ‘There must be a friend in court.”

Well, excuse me for my tedious letter, and the next will be short and to the point.

I have the honor to be, your friend,