W. F. Cloud to Samuel R. Curtis, January 10, 1863

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri:

GENERAL: Arrived here last evening. General Grant arrived here from Holly Springs this morning. Have just had along conference with him. Heis now preparing dispatches for me to bear to General Sherman. We are very much in thé woods as to definite information touching movements down theriver. General Grant will immediately add to the Vicksburg column all the force that can be safely withdrawn from his department. The march southward, via Grenada, will be abandoned, and all the forces concentrated against the enemy on the river.

General McClernand is to command the down stream force. This arrangement causes much bitterness among us generals, who are all ambitious of doing brave deeds in opening the Mississippi. Iam quite discouraged. General, I wish you would put on your war harness again and come down this way to help us out. Harmony of action and hearty co-operation on the part of our double stars must be produced in some way. I have made up my mind to obey all orders without a whimper; go where I am sent, if I can get there, and fight as well as I know how. I will cheerfully work in any harness, single or double, breast collar or hames. May the good Lord deliver me from falling into the great maelstrom of fault-finding and criticism of every other man or officer. I have been hammering knuckles all the way down; have requested several shoulder-straps to become better advised before they undertook to balance your accounts. I am after the rascals.

Sant Louis, Mo., January 11, 1863.

His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States:

Dispatch received. Hear of no negro troubles. Rebel raid on Springfield some trouble. My forces are coming ou them from two directions.

SAML. R. CURTIS, Major-General.

STATION ELKHORN TAVERN, January 11, 1863. Commanding Officer, Springfield, Mo.:

In accordance with orders from General Schofield, I am moving with my brigade to the relief of Springfield. Any communication you wish to make to me of the position of movements of the enemy will be of great importance. I will leave Keytesville at 4 p. m. this day, and will make your post as soon as possible.

respectfully,