Gen. Pike is now in Richmond. I am engaged in building winter-quarters for his Brigade. The General will probably return about the 10th of December.
I hope you will honour my requisitions for forage for the animals of the expedition for the blankets at Mr. Shirley’s. The trip will be a hard one, and I fear a long one.
There is no news of import from my quarter. There was something of an occurrance in the Ho-poieth-le Yohola imbroglio the other day. Mr. Scrimpsher can give you the current particulars....
Fort Smith, Dec 4, 1861.
Dr. Sir:—We have no late news of importance. The Federal troops 30000 strong came as far as Springfield and fearing to advance further returned to St. Louis & Kansas; the Kansas party took from the vicinity of Springfield 600 negroes from Union men as well as Secessionists.
A heavy battle was fought in Mo. opposite Columbus a few days since. Pillow commanded the Confederate forces 2500 strong, the Federals came down in their gun-boats 7000 strong & landed. The fight lasted 4 hours with heavy losses on both sides. Pillow was then reinforced and drove the Federals back to their boats making a perfect slaughter of the Yankees. Our victory was complete and a very important one it was. Price has gone back to the Mo. River, McCulloch is bringing his army down here to go into winter quarters on the Arks. River.
Hardin is marching on Louisville, Ky., with from 80 to 100,000 Confederate troops. We are expecting to hear of his having possession of that city soon.
McClellan is said to be advancing slowly and continuously on Johnson and Boregard. They are anxious for him to pay them a visit.
Our legislature has elected Bob Johnson & Chas. Mitchell Senators, the Washington County District elected Batson over Thomason to Congress. G. D. Royston is elected in this District and Judge Hanley in the Helena District.
Can’t think of anything else that would interest you. Your friend in haste,