Ken, long story short...General Canby, commander of Military Division of West Mississippi, ordered General Steele to evacuate Fort Smith. Steele was against this, beleiving he could keep the post properly supplied. Canby issued the order to begin the evacuation on Dec. 5. Canby had planned to replace Steele with JJ Reynolds, telling him of the plans to abandon that post. On Dec.28 Halleck, by direction of the President, sent papers (I think letters from civilians & the Arkansas Gov)to Grant for him to study regarding this matter. On Dec 30 Gen. Grant rescended the order. This is found in the O.R., Volume 41 part 4.