1865 May 4

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO., May 4, 1865.

Brigadier-General WAGNER:

The infantry and one section of artillery still here. One section and 400 mounted men gone into Arkansas with two staff officers of General Dodge in search of Jeff. Thompson. The artillery and 100 men will halt at Chalk Bluff. Have move 130 mounted men from Pilot Knob toward Doniphan to attract attention and be ready in case Jeff. shows fight. All are instructed to make no war, only in self-defense.

JOH. L. BEVERIDGE,

Brevet Brigadier-General.