William S. Rosecrans to E.D. Townsend, September 7, 1864

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

A fact proper to be known in connection with others previously reported to the Secretary of War is that an infernal machine exploded last night in the principal storehouse of quartermaster’s stores in this city, and but for the vigilance of the watchman in charge $1,500,000 of Government property would have been destroyed. It was contained in a valise filled with combustible materials, and exploded by clock-work, set to run till 12.30 o’clock at night.

W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

Washington, D. C., September 7, 1864. Major-General ROSECRANS:

In reply to your telegram,* addressed to the Secretary of War, and received last nightin relation to A. J. Smith’s division, I am instructed to inform you that orders have been sent by the chief of staff to Cairo to detain General Smith’s division there when he arrives until further orders.

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

GENERAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE Missouri, No, 162. Saint Lowis, Mo., September 7, 1864.

The organization of the Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry having been completed, anotherregiment will at once be organized under the same authority, and under the same general conditions governing in the organization of the Thirteenth (see General Orders 128, from these headquarters), which will be designated as the Fourteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. Officers will be detailed from these headquarters for recruiting for the regiment from the Missouri State Militia. Applications for permission to recruit will be forwarded to these headquarters through the ordinary channel. Officers receiving recruiting details will at once signify their wishes with regard to entering the new regiment; but, whether desiring commissions therein or not, will enter vigorously upon the duty, and continue thereupon until duly relieved. They will make frequent reports direct to these headquarters as to their success in

recruiting. Non-veterans of the Missouri State Militia are officially informed that no effort will be spared to make this one of the very best regiments raised in the State, and that no officers will be recommended for or appointed to positions in it who have not tried and approved qualifications for their respective grades. In addition to his present duties, Col. E.C. Catherwood, of the Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry, is temporarily assigned to the duty of organizing the regiment. Benton Barracks is designated as the regimental rendezvous, and to that point all veterans and re-enlisted non-veterans of the Missouri State Militia force not absorbed by the organization of the Thirteenth will be sent by district commanders without further orders. District, regimental, and post commanders are charged to exert themselves to give this order early promulgation to all under their command, and to facilitate all proper efforts of recruiting officers in securing men.

By command of Major-General Rosecrans: