2. Brigadier General T. J. McKean, U. S. Volunteers, having been assigned to duty as chief of cavalry, Department of the Gulf, Lieutenant Colonel William S. Abert, assistant inspector-general, is relieved from the charge of the cavalry bureau.

* * * * *

By command of Major-General Banks:

C. S. SARGENT,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, September 18, 1864-4.45 p. m.

Captain C. H. DYER,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Little Rock:

A colored man, captured with Fifty-fourth Illinois, returned to-day. He left Shelby's force, eight days ago, three days' march above Pocahontas. He says they had two small steam-boats, which they took up as far as possible.

Very respectfully,

C. C. ANDREWS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

(Copy to Major-General Steele.)

PINE BLUFF, ARK., September 18, 1864.

Major-General STEELE:

My scouts have just returned from the vicinity of Monticello and Mount Elba. They bring the following information: Walker's division of infantry is at Monticello; also Parsons' division (three brigades) of cavalry. All of the infantry from Camden and Princeton are at Warren. Fagan's command is also at Monticello. A force of cavalry is at Mount Elba; probably a detachment from the cavalry at Monticello. This information they give as entirely reliable.

POWELL CLAYTON,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER,
Fort Smith, Ark., September 18, 1864-8 a. m.

Colonel STEPHEN H. WATTLES,

Commanding Indian Brigade, Fort Gibson, C. N.:

SIR: I have ordered the Twelfth Kansas Infantry to march as rapidly as possible for Fort Gibson. Send forward as many troops as you can possibly spare to re-enforce the train, or be within supporting distance of it. Make Gibson as strong as possible by throwing up rifle-pits and barricades. Send messengers to me often. Your dispatch of yesterday evening has just reached me.

Very respectfully,

JOHN M. THAYER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.