W. M. Weer to John M. Schofield, April 6, 1863

I learn to-day for the first time from Colonel Ewing, who has just arrived, that Weer did not take his whole division with him. It seems he took two regiments and one battery, and sent Colonel Ewing with the balance to Fort Scott. I can find no authority in any of General Schofield’s orders or dispatches for such a movement, so he must have done it on his own responsibility. I have been acting on the presumption that he had his entire division with him. Yesterday I telegraphed him, and send with this a copy of my dispatch.* On learning to-day the truth, I ordered him back to Forsyth, where, with the Nineteenth Lowa, he can give Marmaduke fight. I cannot believe Marmaduke’s force is over 3,000, and five pieces of artillery. All accounts agree in this. I have instructed Cloud to support him, and have also ordered the First Division back to Springfield, from Fort Scott. Colonel Cloud is perfectly safe at Springfield. It is unfortunate the Second and Third Divisions are so far away from there, but it will be impossible to move them down now, without carrying forage from here. I have ordered Colonel Ewing back to his command. He will call at Saint Louis and explain the action of Weer in dividing the First Division. I am annoyed at being so far away from the scene of operations. The divisions here are rapidly getting into shape. I am giving the closest attention to matters, and will endeavor to keep things straight. General Vandever and myself inspected the Third Division to-day. He will assume command of the Second Division to-morrow.

Major-General, Commanding.

Hpgrs. First DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER, Camp on Long Oreek, Ark., April 6, 1863.

Your dispatch of 3d instant is received. It reached me while on the road from Carrollton to Forsyth. I had started because of the repre-

sentations of Lieutenant-Colonel Kent, that Forsyth was in danger ot attack by Marmaduke. Your order requiring me to take a position at Talt ot’s Crossing has caused me to change my programme. I will leave the Forsyth road at this point to-morrow morning, and endeavor to move down Bear Creek and establish a camp intermediate between Forsyth and Talbot’s Crossing. I notify Lieutenant-Colonel Kent of this change of march so that in case of danger he may promptly inform me. I have scoured the country thoroughly, but have no tidings from Mar. maduke, except through Lieutenant-Colonel Kent. He states to me that he is encamped in North Fork of White River, some 60 miles from Forsyth, with 7,000 men. I have had some 200 men toward Yellville for three days, whom I decided to march to Forsyth. I sent a party of killing some rebels. I have heard nothing from it directly. A small party previously sent to Dubuque, on White River, returned and report nothing special. My forage trains having been repeatedly fired into by bushwhackers at a certain locality on Osage Fork of King’s River, I have destroyed some forty buildings, including dwelling-houses. I offered the women and children wagons to move their effects and subsistence in my camp, all of which was very contemptuously refused. I have already notified General Schofield, and would here repeat that, in consequence of the reputed absence of forage in this country, I sent one of my brigades back from Crane Creek. It is now near Fort Scott, recruiting its animals and supplies which could not be obtained at Springfield. Forage, however, I find abundant and grass very forward. The Army of the Frontier could easily subsist on Crooked Creek. From all the signs in the country, I am of the opinion that the enemy will shortly make a demonstration in this direction. Allow me again to suggest that the Arkansas troops at Fayetteville be sent into this region; they would be invaluable here.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,