HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Camp at Gadfly, October 10, 1862.

Brig. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD:

The scouts from Cassville and from the direction of Keetsville have returned.  Cassville was evacuated by the enemy night before last.

The information, though rather indefinite, goes to show that the rebels retreated with the intention of going to Bentonville.

The scout sent into Cassville consisted of three companies of cavalry, under Captain Jenks, and the one toward Keetsville the same strength, under Captain Fuller.  Cassville might be occupied and telegraph established to that point.  Forage reported somewhat scarce in that vicinity.  Commissary train and parts of regimental trains still stuck in the mud.  Quite cold.

JAS. TOTTEN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Division

SOURCE:  OR, Series I, Volume 13, Page 724.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., October 11, 1862.

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS:

My advance under General Brown drove the enemy from Pineville yesterday, without loss on our side.  My forces are encamped a few miles south of Newtonia.  I intended to move toward Cassville to-day, but heavy rains render it impossible.  I shall open communication with Springfield by the Telegraph road as soon as the weather will permit.  The enemy is concentrating at Pea Ridge, I believe not more than 15,000 strong.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Brigadier-General

SOURCE:  OR, Series I, Volume 13, Page 725.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
In the Field, Gadfly, October 11, 1862.

Brigadier-General BLUNT,
Commanding Kansas Division:

You will please send one brigade of your division to Keetsville in the morning, starting not later than 7 o�clock, and concentrate the remainder of your division at your present position, leaving however a regiment of cavalry at Keetsville, as understood in our verbal arrangement this morning.  I will move to Cassville to-morrow with General Totten�s entire division.  The officer in command of the brigade sent to Keetsville will be instructed to fall back toward Cassville if pressed by a superior force and send intelligence to you and to me.  In such event you will move your entire command to Cassville.  Have a strong scouting party sent out in advance of the brigade to go down the Fayetteville road as far as Pea Ridge, unless the enemy is met sooner, and to return and report to-morrow evening.  Let the report be forwarded to you and to me immediately.

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

J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Brigadier-General

SOURCE:  OR, Series I, Volume 13, Page 725.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
In the Field, Gadfly, Mo., October 11, 1862.

Brigadier-General HERRON:

I am informed by a letter from Colonel Philips, at Crane Creek, that you will be at that place to-day.  I have heard nothing from you directly since my order for you to move.  I have received no mail for two days.  You will please move forward to Cassville as rapidly as you can without overtasking your men.  You will leave four companies of Colonel McClurg�s regiment at Crane Creek, under command of Major Eno, with instructions to scout the surrounding country, particularly east and southeast, and to furnish escorts for trains when necessary.  All other troops at Crane Creek will move with you.  I ordered a battery, of Captain Backof�s, I presume, which was en route from Rolla, to join you, which I hope it has done before now.  I will be at Cassville by 12 o�clock tomorrow, and will defer a general advance for you to come up.  Answer me at Cassville, and let me know when I may expect you.

Very respectfully,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Brigadier-General

SOURCE:  OR, Series I, Volume 13, Page 725.

CASSVILLE, Mo., October 12, 1862.

Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS:

I arrived at this place at 11 o�clock a. m. to-day with General Totten�s division.  My right rests at Keetsville to-night.  General Blunt�s division is 7 miles west, and General Herron is at Crane Creek, coming up.  We have driven the enemy from Missouri.  His force seems much demoralized and was retreating rapidly, according to last reports.  I doubt whether he will take a stand this side of Boston Mountains.  I cannot safely advance far beyond this point with my present force until I get more definite information as to re-enforcements, which may be coming up from the south or southeast.  I have sent down White River to ascertain if there is any movement from that direction.  Perhaps you may be able to give me information as to this matter.  My last reliable news says the Texas troops have gone to Little Rock.  If so, the force in front of me is only from 17,000 to 20,000, not all armed.  I can whip them whenever they may choose their ground.  My command is in good health and condition; but some of the Indian regiments are destitute of tents and blankets.  Can they not be supplied?

J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Brigadier-General

SOURCE:  OR, Series I, Volume 13, Page 729.

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