Today in History:

599 Series I Volume XLVIII-I Serial 101 - Powder River Expedition Part I

Page 599 Chapter LX. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.

WASHINGTON CITY, January 21, 1865.

Brigadier General J. A. RAWLINS,

Chief of Staff, City Point, Va.:

Send to General Halleck the reports of General Curtis and General Connor on the subject of requirements for protection of Overland Mail Route.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.


HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL,

New Orleans, La., January 21, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the information of the major-general commanding the following report of the Enrolled Militia at Memphis: On the 9th of December, 1864, this militia force numbered in the aggregate 2,445 men, of whom 1,319 were armed. On the 15th of December, 1864, a board of examiners was ordered, and all former exemptions and excuses revoked. This board has already added three new regiments to the previous forces and filled the old ones nearly to the maximum. The organization now is composed of seven regiments and two battalions of infantry and two squadrons of cavalry, numbering in the aggregate 6,941. Arrangements have been made to have them all armed by the 20th instant. The arms are in good condition, as in most regiments they employ hired armorers for the sole purpose of keeping the muskets in order. There is good prospect of bringing their militia force up to 7,000 men. General Diana has been earnest and active, and in this as in all else connected with affairs of his department he has displayed great energy and ability.

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

JOHN M. WILSON,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Inspector-General.


HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL,

New Orleans, La., January 21, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I have the honor to report for the information of the major-general commanding the condition of the Department of Arkansas as reported by the assistant inspector-general. In the vicinity of Little Rock Major Nelson states the camps to be in an excellent state of police and the men looking well, the troops nearly all hutted, and the building of the huts of a superior character. The prisons are reported as under good management, clean, and convenient. The hospitals re in tolerable condition. At Devall's Bluff affairs are generally in good order, the infantry regiments doing well, drilling, studying, &c. The batteries are also improving, except Battery D, Second Missouri, a special report in reference to which I have made. The duties of the quartermaster, commissary, and provost-marshal are reported as well done. The Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, are garrisoning this


Page 599 Chapter LX. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.