W. A. Gorman to Ulysses S. Grant, January 24, 1863
Helena, January 24, 1863.
Maj. Gen. U. 8S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee, Memphis :
GENERAL: I have returned from my White River expedition and am actively engaged in sending off troops to join your forces at Vicksburg. Iam also sending forward to Memphis as rapidly as possible all surplus transportation for your use.
tage the White River as high as Des Arc, 217 miles from the mouth.
At Saint Charles I captured a considerable quantity of forage and some prisoners. I blew up their magazine and destroyed their fortifications, which were somewhat formidable.
At Clarendon I captured a few more prisoners. At Devallâs Bluff I captured two 8-inch columbiads and carriages in complete order, one company of infantry, and about 100 new Enfield rifles. I destroyed one railroad bridge 200 feet long and one 90 feet long, and 3 platform cars, and burnt up the railroad depot.
At Des Are I captured 100 prisoners, a large rebel mail, over 100 stand of arms, several hundred rounds of fixed 6.pounder ammunition, and destroyed the Little Rock telegraph.
The entire Arkansas force of the enemy retreated rapidly across to the west side of the Arkansas River.
I learn that Jeff. Thompson, Jeffers, and Marmaduke, aid also Cabell and Audersonâs commands, and part of Hawesâ forces are concentrating on Crowleyâs Ridge and are moving in the direction of this place. Ido pot know their strength, and will not until I hear from General Curtis, unless my scouts bring me information.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier.General, Commanding.