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PILOT KNOB, MO., March 19, 1862.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Commanding Department:
GENERAL: We have reliable information from Pocahontas. There are 2,000 State troops and Jeff. Thompson with 100 of his men there.
They have also seven or eight pieces of artillery, not all serviceable. The roads are in such a state that the supply train sent to Carlin could not make over 6 miles a day. Carlin has succeeded in getting some flour, meal, pork, and bacon, and considerable forage in the neighborhood where he now is; thinks he can get all the forage he wants. It is his opinion that we can safely calculate upon getting half rations of meat and flour anywhere in this State or in Arkansas. If the marauding bands should be broken up and the people feel assured of our protection they will bring in everything we want that they can spare for the money. As I supposed, the rebels have removed all the ferries on Current River. Carlin is building a bridge across Black River. I will direct him to move forward to Doniphan or Pitman's Ferry and establish a depot there. Supplies of forage, &c., will be more easily procured from the country at either of those points. I sent a man down who is well acquainted with the people, and who assured me that he could get a plenty of corn. The roads south of Rives' Station are reported good. The mules we have are all so small that I sent my wagon-master to Saint Louis to get some larger ones for wheel mules. It is reported at Pocahontas that at the battle of Pea Ridge McCulloch was dangerously wounded, Price wounded, and McIntosh killed.
Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
FRED'K STEELE,
Brigadier-General