1863 Apr 4

CAMP EMMET MACDONALD,

April 4, 1863.

Major E. G. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant- General:

MAJOR: Captain [Timothy] Reves reported this morning that he had information of 200 cavalry on the march to burn Bollinger's Mills and destroy the records of Doniphan. He asked for re-enforcements. I wrote him that his force was sufficient to defend the mill, and ordered him to do it.

This mill has capacity for grinding for 5,000 men, and is the only one between Eleven Points and Current, south of Doniphan. Fifty men ought to defend it against 150. I know the situation.

Scouts report the enemy to have retired from Ripley and Butler Counties.

There are at Patterson 500 cavalry, without artillery; at Bloomfield 1,100 troops.

I have not gotten further particulars, but hope soon to have a report of all of the enemy's forces in Southeastern Missouri.

"Roughness" holds out here longer than I expected. I have four days' rations of fodder and oats, purchased on Spring River, and shall get more. My horses are doing finely. They will be in fair condition in ten days.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

COLTON GREENE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.