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PATTERSON, MO., March 22, 1863.
Brigadier-General DAVIDSON:
This a.m. my vedettes, on the Doniphan road, reported rumors of rebel cavalry, in large force, advancing from below Doniphan on that place. Report is confirmed by the statement of one Penny, a British subject, refugee from White County, Arkansas. Substance is, he passed, March 20, with three battalions and three pieces of artillery, under Burbridge, on the Pocahontas road, en route for Doniphan. There are two companies west of Van Buren, at Eleven Points, 10 miles from Van Buren; does not know if it is part of Burbridge's force; thinks not. He could learn nothing of the point Burbridge wished to strike. This is the force I telegraphed General Gray was at Pocahontas. My couriers, 28 miles south and 15 miles on the Van Buren road, all report rumors of large force advancing; they are in now, but start in a few moments. Enemy will strike either at Rolla or this point; doubtless here, as the other country has no forage. I have 200 mounted infantry and 18 cavalry. I can rely on them. I will have three hours' notice of their advance, and will obstruct the roads. I have everything ready, and, if pressed, will retreat to Strong Battery. I have every confidence in the command. On a false alarm to-day, they formed, mounted, in three minutes. They will sleep on their arms, which are good. I have dispatched Colonel Glover. The town, 1 mile from here, is encircled on the approaches by a cordon of sentries. Owing to last night's heavy rain, I deem it impossible for artillery to be brought over the Saint Francis. I cannot learn their force. I will dispatch you at 12 m.
H. L. McCONNEL,
Major, Commanding Post.