W. M. A. Phillips to Last night Ireceived the following from Independence, February 14, 1863

General OuRTIS, Saint Louis: Last night I received the following from Independence: McFerran’s order for five companies is here. I have discovered that the men of each company have passed resolutions to resist. I wil do my best. I sent a reply, which will keep them quiet for the present. I propose being in Saint Louis to-morrow night, if no instructions to the contrary are received. BEN. LOAN, Brigadier-General, Missouri State Militia. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., February 14, 1863—8.20 p. m. Major [H. Z.] Curtis, Saint Louis: I suppose Colonel McFerran has issued orders on his own motion. By telegraph I have corrected existing errors, I hope. Serious danger apprehended at Kansas City on account of the assumption of the command there by Colonel Kersey Coates, Enrolled Missouri Militia. Union citizens are opposing him, and have telegraphed for assistance, which has been ordered. BEN. LOAN, Brigadier-General, Missouri State Militia. HpQks. 8TH AND 9TH DIs1’s., DEPT. OF THE Missouri, In the Field, Camp John Ross, February 15, 1863. Major-General CURTIS, Commanding Department of the Missouri : Sir: I have just received instructions that a force of the enemy is on Arkansas River, at Clarksville, and a cavalry force at Ozark. Both of these points were occupied by my scouts a few days ago, but a rebel force of some size, with steamboats (eight reported going up), have moved up this way. A Mr. Powell, living 45 miles southeast of Fayetteville, reports to 112 M. O., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. (Cuar. XXXIV. Colonel Harrison that the force of General Hindman is approaching. I learned from Van Buren that a rebel force was expected at Clarksville the day before it got there. t It may be possible that the enemy intends to try and drive me out of Arkansas this winter, although such a movement on his part would be difficult. The roads in all Northwestern Arkansas are nearly impassable—deep mud; no subsistence, or very little, for man or beast. I am glad to report the hospital removed (except a small number that could not be moved) from Fayetteville. Part of my supply train and ambulances took the wounded and sick of the First Division, Army of the Frontier; the rest went to Springfield. Colonel Harrison is intrepching. The half of my command is out, and I have sent to recall it. I shall move as soon as possible in close supporting distance of Fayetteville. If the enemy moves on Fayetteville, I shall move my command to meet him. I am inclined to believe that the movement is an attempt, under cover of a heavy cavalry force, to send the eight boats, loaded with corn, to Fort Smith and Van Buren; if so, I shall endeavor to cut them off. I immediately sent to Colonel Harrison to send light scouts and spies to ascertain whether such was the fact. I also sent reliable scouts and spies from my own camp. I learn positively that greatest distress exists at Fort Smith and Van Buren among citizens and rebel soldiers. As my scouts, in force, have touched Arkansas River every few days, from Olarksville to Fort Gibson, the enemy can send up no boats, save under a cover of a heavy force, and these, with other circumstances, have led me to suspect such a movement, rather than an attack in front from Little Rock, or on my flank from White River. Military movements look almost impossible in the present condition of the roads, but we can moveif the rebels can. Besides the earthworks being thrown up at Fayetteville, I have a party fortifying on the Line road (between the Nation and Arkansas). The latter, from the Third Brigade, is merely for the protection of an outpost until I can support it. Of course, I do not expect to depend much on any fortifications I could erect or continue to occupy now. If the army of Hindman moves this way, it is extremely probable that its forage necessities may detach it from his infantry, which might afford an opportunity to attack him in detail. I still cannot believe it more than a movement up the river. My sending supplies to the Indian Nation has exercised the rebels very much, and is rapidly destroying all their influence in that country. As they threatened to take my subsistence train, twelve wagons of flour that went down a few days ago, I sent a strong force with it, with howitzers. I have a scout over to Canadian River. A communication was sent to some of my Indian captains by some of the officers with Colonels Watie and Bryan, proposing to take or destroy the leaders who were ruining the country, and who held them (the parties corresponding) in fear, as they were suspected of a desire to turn over. I sent a command a the Canadian River, as I deemed the matter of considerable imporNCE. The Indian council or congress is still in session, and when I move forward I shall have to leave a command to guard it. All my wagons are out with parties getting breadstuffs and forage, and I shall have to recall them before I move in force. With profound respect, I remain,

W. M. A. PHILLIPS,