W. M. Weer to Oommanding Army of the Frontier, March 31, 1863

Maj. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Oommanding Army of the Frontier, Saint Louis, Mo., or where his headquarters may be:

I reached here yesterday, and found the rebel force farther from here than I expected, say some 30 miles toward Yellville. I have sent an expedition after thei, who will make a night march, and come upon them from the south to-morrow at daybreak. The Union people here are in a deplorable condition, robbed of everything, and the men secreted in the thickets to save their lives. The guerrillas who traverse the country shoot every Union man they see mercilessly. A proposition is made to me to countenance the raising an independent organization of citizens (Union men). They feel confident that if I will sustain them a few days, until they are collected, they can hold the country; otherwise they must all abandon it. They cannot bear the idea of entering the service generally, and thus, perhaps, be carried from their homes, leaving their families at the mercy of these murderous bushwhackers. The operations of the enemy’s guerrillas in Arkansas are far more vindictive and remorseless than anywhere else under my observation. These independent organizations could ask no further aid from you than ammunition and, perhaps, guns, if possible; everything else they will provide themselves, and ask no pay. If the department would authorize them, and afford the slight aid I mention, I believe they would effectually hold Missouri and Arkansas, as they would rise up in every county. Ihave thought the matter of sufficient importance to telegraph to you, as I cannot remain here very long, and if the above suggestion is not adopted, I will be compelled to take with me every Union family.

‘Hap. XXXIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

My trains are procuring forajre in abundance at present. To-morrow you since your dispatch of the 25th.

Your obedient servant,