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HDQRS. FIRST DIV., ARMY OF SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI,
Camp opposite Van Buren, December 25, 1862.
Brigadier-General DAVIDSON,
Commanding Army of Southeastern Missouri:
I have the honor to report that Boyd and Harding arrived here yesterday, and are now comfortable in camp.
The forage train of Colonel Harris was attacked yesterday about a miles below, at old man Carter's, 3 miles from our camp. The rebels captured 2 men and killed 1 horse. We chased them 9 miles, but failed to punish them in the least. I have reliable information that there is a rebel force, from 500 to 800, at Doniphan, and as many more at Pitman's Ferry, while in the vicinity of Pocahontas there are about 2,000; the former cavalry, and the latter infantry. We are in great need of 1,000 cavalry to protect our flanks.
I find it next to a physical impossibility to construct a boat of the dimensions indicated by you. I can and will build two 12 by 45, which will give more space and be much [more] easily handled in this swift current than one of the size specified. We need two ropes, and nails, and spikes, and calking material for the boats, and a half dozen adzes and as many broad axes would facilitate the construction.
At 8 o'clock yesterday morning, I started 100 wagons from the First Division. Forty more have started this morning from Boyd's, both under strong escorts.
Hearing that there was a rebel force, 600 strong, moving in our rear, I re-enforced the first train with two companies of infantry.
The telegraph is completed here, and I have an officer who is a good operator, but the lines will not work. Forage is scarce on this side of the river. I expect the other 50 wagons of the supply train, First Division, in to-day. If they come, I will put down the pontoon and collect all the forage I can get on the other side of the river.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
WM. P. BENTON,
Brigadier General, Commanding First Div., Army of the Southeastern Missouri.
CAMP OPPOSITE VAN BUREN,
December 25, 1862.
Brigadier-General DAVIDSON:
The First Division got here on the day before yesterday. Boyd and Harding got in yesterday. We are all right. Jeff. Thompson is at Doniphan. Twenty-five of his men attacked my train yesterday within 3 miles of camp, just below Carter's. They got 2 men and killed 1 horse. We chased them 9 miles, but failed to catch them. They are all around us. We need more cavalry to protect our flanks. The supply trains are on the road to Patterson.
BENTON.