HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., October 24, 1864.

Colonel J. DARR, Jr.,

Acting Provost-Marshal-General Saint Louis:

I have just received the following dispatch:

CASSVILLE, October 24, 1864.

Colonel BRUTSCHE:

Messengers arrived here at 3 a. m. from Fayetteville. Official dispatches from Fort Smith say General Cooper has crossed Arkansas River at mouth of Mulberry, directly south of Fayetteville, with 6,000, and is approaching that place. Major Hunt's scouts confirm the intelligence.

M. LA RUE HARRISON,

Colonel, Commanding.

J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., October 24, 1864.

Major MELTON,

Cassville:

Have you any news concerning Cooper's force? Keep out scouts. No news from Price.

J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., October 24, 1864.

Major COSGROVE,

Lebanon:

Price has been whipped near Kansas City; is probably moving south. Cooper with 6,000 is moving on Fayetteville.

J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

NEOSHO, MO., October 24, 1864.

Colonel J. D. BRUTSCHE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 23rd instant. In regard to sending out scouts in the direction of Fort Scott, it is a very dangerous undertaking, from the fact that Piercy has some 250 men between here and Fort Scott. Piercey's men are on Spring River below Carthage. I have not force to drive him and hold the post. I will do the best I can in getting information from northwest. If you cold send me 150 men I could clean out Piercy and open up communication with Fort Scott. It is certain that Piercey is in Jasper County, and has not less than 250 men, and some reports say 500. I would like very well to get a lick at Piercey. If you can send me any aid, send them immediately. I have a