and the begin a fruitless pursuit. They ought to be scouting the country all the time, and you had best send every man you can spare to meet and head off these gangs of outlaws.

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

JOHN POPE,

Major-General, Commanding.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO., April 24, 1865.

Lieutenant Colonel F. M. MALONE:

You must hold the Knob. Send all the force you spare to aid Captain Wall. Organize and arm the citizens. Keep scouts out on all the roads.

JOHN L. BEVERIDGE,

Brigadier-General.

PATTERSON, MO., April 24, 1865. -1. 45 p. m.

Colonel F. M. MALONE,

Pilot Knob, Mo.:

I have sent one of Farris' men to the Knob to-day. You can get some information from him. He was arrested and brought to this place by citizens. No charges against him more than a rebel soldier. I am out of forage and I think it would be a good time to make a raid.

What say you?

JAMES SMITH,

Captain, Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ROLLA,
Rolla, April 24, 1865.

Major TURLEY, Waynesville:

Use your dismounted men for escort and guards at the post as far as possible. What mounted men can be spared me to intercept the rebels? They must be cleared out of the country. I will send you horses as soon as possible.

JOHN MORRILL,

Colonel, Commanding.

WARRENSBURG, April 24, 1865.

Captain HAMILTON, Sedalia;

Have your company ready to march to-day with three days' cooked rations and no wagons. Colonel Harding will give you your orders.

McNEILL,

Brigadier-General.

WARRENSBURG, April 24, 1865.

Major J. W. BARNES,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis:

I have the honor to report that I arrived here yesterday and shall assume command of the district to-day.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr.,

Colonel, &c.