1865 Feb 14
PATTERSON, February 14, 1865.
Colonel BEVERIDGE,
Pilot Knob:
The Freer guerrilla band is in Butler County killing and robbing, and I think it best to send twenty men after them, if you do not want fifty men to go to Ripley County. I have not got men enough for both scouts.
JAS. SMITH,
Captain, Commanding.