OR, Series 1, Vol 22, Part 2, P.772
HDQRS. 1ST DIV., 1ST CORPS, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY,
Fort Smith, Ark., January 14, 1863.
Colonel R. C. NEWTON, Chief of Staff:
COLONEL: Colonel Speight reports this morning the capture of 20 men of his rear guard last evening, some 15 miles from here, on the Louisiana Railroad, by a company of the enemy, some 30 strong, said to be under the command of a Captain Martin D. Hart, a renegade Texan. Steps will be taken the pursue and punish this party, if possible. This bold step, and the fact of there being many sympathizers scattered through the country, must necessarily endanger, if not cut off, communication with your headquarters. The general commanding respectfully suggests that, if possible, a vigilant and constant patrol should be kept up along this line of communication.
By direction of Brigadier-General Steele:
J. F. CROSBY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
P. S.--The absence of any forage at this post renders the cavalry here of little service.