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JACKSONPORT, ARK., July 21, 1863
Major-General PRICE, Commanding, &c:
GENERAL: Dr. Pearson (of Des Arc) has sent me, by courier, from Wittsburg the dispatch for you and paper. Dr. Pearson wrote this at 8 a.m. on 20th; was in Memphis on 18th or 19th.
Colonel Kitchen writes, July 20, 2 p.m., that the advance of the enemy, in force, were crossing at Chalk Bluff. Colonel Burbridge writes, July 20, from Pocahontas, that his pickets near Doniphan were driven in on the 19th; thinks a Federal scout did this. It seems to me that all indicates an actual advance into this State of a strong Federal force. Pearson thinks there will be a co-operating force by water. The supposition is reasonable to say the least of it.
I hear that General Holmes is very ill. I have no specific instructions, and no idea of the plan of operations. The question is one of so serious importance that I have deemed it advisable to write to you, inasmuch as General Holmes may be so ill as to be unable to attend to business.
Considering the high water, the admirable means of operating in the Federal hands, and their possible combined movement by land and water, concentration is absolutely necessary in order to give decided resistance at some point, and to do this requires prompt action.
Very respectfully,
J. S. MARMADUKE,
Brigadier-General.
P. S. - I do not know where the infantry force, is nor do I know where your headquarters are. White River is rising, and within 4 feet of high-water mark in the late flood.