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HDQRS. GREENE'S BRIGADE, MARMADUKE'S DIVISION,
TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY,
On the March, April 8, 1863.
Major E. G. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Powhatan:
MAJOR: I reported last night that I had halted at a point where the old military road crosses Spring River. I have not yet found a desirable place to camp permanently. It is now raining. I shall move as soon as it ceases, and ground and water are found. I will report when the change is made.
Captain Reves is on a scout in the direction of Doniphan. I have sent a courier with orders for him to report. I would request that he be ordered to report to me for instructions, for the reason that late movements of his are, in my opinion, calculated to conflict with the movements of this army. His train and a part of his men are now camped 2 miles east of old Jackson (5 miles from me), to which place they were ordered by Captain Reves in a dispatch, stating that the enemy had again crossed Current, and were coming to Eleven Points. The officer who brought me the information expressed the opinion that it was a party on a mill- burning expedition. I doubt the whole thing. This command seems to be infected with a mill burning scare.
If the rain continues, and is heavy, Spring River and Eleven Points will not be fordable. These streams rise rapidly, but fall again in three or four days.
I regret to be compelled to report that the Texas troops have taken 800 bushels of corn and 2,000 bundles of fodder brought for my command. T his practice must be stopped; o it will result in bad feelings and conflict between the troops. I have taken no notice of this offense, believing that Colonel Cater was ignorant of the matter, and would not tolerate the practice. My agents report corn in large quantities on Eleven Points; " roughness" scarce.
Lieutenant Clark has returned from the scout to Ironton. His information will be reported to Captain Moore.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
COLTON GREENE,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.