1863 Mar 21

BARNESVILLE, March 21, 1863.

Brigadier-General DAVIDSON:

James H. McChord, a painter by trade, and originally from Indiana, coming from Pocahontas, Ark., has just entered our lines. He left Pocahontas on the 16th instant, and crossed Current River some 10 miles above Van Buren. He reports Reves' and Carter's band to be about 250 strong, combined. They are now infesting the country lying between Doniphan, Greenville, and Martinsburg, and are principally engaged in enforcing the conscript law. Reves' men are all dressed in Federal cavalry coats. Colonel Greene, with 400 or 500 men (conscripts) stationed at Pocahontas.

Marmaduke's force, including Colonel Burbridge's regiment, is estimated to be 2,000 strong. His headquarters are now at Alton, Oregon County, Missouri, and his command is scattered along Spring River down to Batesville, Ark. Marmaduke is said to have six pieces of artillery.

Will send McChord, under guard, to Pilot Knob.

THEO. HARTMAN,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Post.