HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., July 15, 1863.

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND,

Asst. Adjt. General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: I have received, from various sources, official and unofficial, reports of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Department and District of Kansas, while under the command of Major-General Blunt, which seem to demand official investigation. These reports are not sufficiently circumstantial as to details to enable me to frame specific charges against particular individuals. Hence a court of inquiry seems to be the only method of ascertaining the facts and bringing the guilty to punishment. I therefore respectfully recommend that a court of inquiry be appointed by the President, with full power to inquire into the whole matter.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, June 15, 1863.

Captain A. M. PENNOCK,

Fleet Captain and Station Commandant, Mississippi Squadron:

SIR: By direction of the Commander-in-Chief, I have instructed the commanding officer at New Madrid to call upon you for assistance in case of danger to that place, which I have reason to apprehend. I respectfully request that, in the event supposed, you will give him all the aid in your power, and inform me promptly what you are able to do.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

(Copies furnished commanding officers Cairo, Ill., Island Numbers 10, and Columbus, Ky.)

FORT LEAVENWORTH, June 15, 1863.

Major General JOHN M. SCHOFIELD,

Commanding Department of the Missouri:

The proposed regiment reliable for service indicated. Colonel Penick turned over arms at Kansas City, and took regiment to Saint Joseph by boat and landed. Three hundred guerrillas reported as threatening Independence, being 10 miles southeast of the town. General Blunt has ordered withdrawal of troops from border to re-enforce Independence. I will assume command at Kansas City to-morrow morning.

THOMAS EWING, Jr.,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. 1ST BRIGADE, 1ST DIVISION, 15TH ARMY CORPS,
June 15, 1863.

Major-General SCHOFIELD, Commanding:

GENERAL: On my arrival here I found that I was the senior colonel of this brigade, and, by the advice of General Blair, I reported to Gen-