I have found something else that reveals a little more to this story. It indeed does seem thaat Steele was planning a move to the south of Little Rock to change his base of operations.

MEMPHIS, TENN., September 9, 1863-11.30 a. m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:

I have just heard from General Steele, date September 2. He was then at Brownsville; had pushed a party to Austin, 15 miles from Little Rock. He will either turn the works at Bayou Meto, on the north and west, or move rapidly across to Pine Bluff, on the Arkansas, crossing the river, and advancing on Little Rock from the south side, which is wholly undefended. In the latter case his base of supplies will be Napoleon, with a good road, plenty of water, and through a rich country.

I approved the movement from Napoleon, and have written General Grant, recommending that a division be sent from below to Napoleon to co-operate with Steele. This movement will open the cotton-growing plantation country, and therefore the disloyal part of Arkansas, hitherto unpunished in this war. The enemy will unquestionably abandon Little Rock and break for Texas, and with Davidson's cavalry will be broken up. The railroad from Devall's Bluff to Little Rock is in working order, and I am now sending two engines around, to be used after taking Little Rock, and until the Arkansas rises that command can be supplied by White River and the railroad. I duplicate this to Major-General Schofield.

S. A. HURLBUT,
Major-General.

O.R. Seies 1, Vol. 22, part 2, page 518-519