Today in History:

611 Series I Volume VIII- Serial 8 - Pea Ridge

Page 611 Chapter XVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

I desire to secure an early junction of our forces, if your orders are consistent with such a movement.

I have the honor to be, sir, &c.,

SAML. R. CURTIS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Army of the Southwest.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, March 13, 1862.

Major-General CURTIS,

In the Field, via Springfield:

The Department of Kansas having been added to this, you will assume command of all Kansas troops in your vicinity.

You will see that they are kept under discipline and will punish any attempt at jayhawking.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, March 13, 1862.

Major-General CURTIS,

In the Field, Arkansas:

Be careful to keep your main force together and well in hand. Ascertain the enemy's movements by throwing out cavalry. Be careful of Van Dorn. He is a vigilant and energetic officer, and will be certain to strike any exposed point. Keep me well advised of the enemy's movements, as I must be prepared for him on other points. This is important.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 1.
Saint Louis, March 13, 1862.

I. In compliance with the orders of the President of the United States the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Department of the Mississippi, which includes the present Department of Kansas and the Missouri and the Department of the Ohio and country west of a north and south line drawn through Knoxville, Tenn., and east of the western boundaries of the States of Missouri and Arkansas. Headquarters of the Department of the Mississippi will remain, until further orders, at Saint Louis, Mo.

II. commanding officers not in the Department of the Missouri will immediately report to these headquarters the strength and positions of their several commands.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 2.
Saint Louis, March 13, 1862.

I. Martial law has never been legally declared in Missouri, except in the city of Saint Louis and on and in the immediate vicinity of the rail.


Page 611 Chapter XVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.