much crippled for the want of the necessary funds. I hope you will see proper to have my requisitions filled at once.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

BEN. McCULLOCH,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

BENTONVILLE, ARK., July 15, 1861.

Major-General PRICE, Commanding Missouri Troops:

GENERAL: I find it impossible to occupy any point near the State line, owing to the scarcity of water and supplies; consequently, I will remain in this neighborhood until I learn more of the movements of the enemy. If I could be informed, at short notice, of the advance of the enemy from Neosho towards you, we could reach you in time to support you, in the event of your checking him on Buffal Creek. A day or two will develop his plans, and I may return to my former camp or one still nigher to you. If there were supplies to be had, I would at once occupy Pineville. As soon as I hear from you and the enemy, I intend making an examination of the road as far as Cassville in person, so as to be able, if necessary, to take a position near that point.

Please keep me well informed of the movements of the enemy, and oblige your obedient servant,

BEN. McCULLOCH,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[JULY 15, 1861.]

General Polk's memorandum.

Adjutant-General Little's estimate on the 15th July: McCulloch had 2,500, in there regiments, without the Texas regiment, which is understood to be, with extra companies, say, 1,500. Besides these there were going to McCulloch three companies;

In all, say............................................... 4,300

General Pearce, of Arkansas............................... 2,500

Price's returns were (and 4,500 arms, 8 pieces

of artillery.............................................. 7,000

In Bradley's command...................................... 1,500

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15,000

[Not explained]........................................... 16,000

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Total..................................................... 31,000

HEADQUARTERS RIPLEY COUNTY BATTALION,
Camp Burrows, July 16, 1861.

JOSEPH TUCKER, Esq.,

Editor of the State Journal, Saint Louis:

DEAR SIR: If there is any way to communicate with the governor through any person in Saint Louis, please let me know it. I am advancing, and General Yell will follow me in a few days with 5,000 men. He will take position between Rolla and Ironton, and act as circumstances