Today in History:

628 Series I Volume VIII- Serial 8 - Pea Ridge

Page 628 OPERATIONS IN MO., ARK., KANS., AND IND. T. Chapter XVIII.

and sent to New Mexico, if you approve it. This will compel me to re-enforce General Curtis from this place with troops intended for Tennessee.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, March 20, 1862.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Saint Louis, Mo.:

Your suggestion is approved. Re-enforce Canby by all means. We have felt great anxiety about him.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, March 20, 1862.

Major PRINCE, Fort Leavenworth, Kans:

Send dispatch to Colonel Mitchell, Second Kansas Cavalry, at Lawrence, to prepare immediately for orders to move to New Mexico; also Hollister's battery of the Second Ohio Cavalry. Quartermaster's department will supply them with transportation; also will be prepared to fit out other regiments for same destination. An agent should be sent immediately along the line of the railroad to Hannibal and Quincy to hurry forward all Government freight for Fort Leavenworth. This must have the preference of all other freight.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, March 20, 1862.

COMMANDING OFFICER, Rolla:

Send forward immediately to General Curtis all troops that can be spared from your post.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OR THE SOUTHWEST,
Head of Cross Timber Hollow, March 20, 1862.

Captain N. H. MCLEAN:

My cavalry movement forward has not yet returned, but at last accounts was driving back the advance of the enemy. It is cavalry and Indians. Meantime I have a much better position, commanding roads and nearer our supplies. The enemy has received five regiments from Texas and three from below Van Buren. They are also recruiting from surrounding country. Two regiments, Benton's and Hill's, disbanded after the battle, and 5,000 or 6,000 of his forces have been killed, wounded, and dispersed. He had from 35,000 to 40,000 when he marched against me, and now hopes to secure a larger force for another onset. Van Dorn has gone to Pocahontas, taking no troops from Western Arkansas. Price commands in Western Arkansas. I


Page 628 OPERATIONS IN MO., ARK., KANS., AND IND. T. Chapter XVIII.