From his own official report,on the morning of FRIDAY,JANUARY 9th,General Churchill was informed by his pickets at the Cut-Off of arrival Gunboats and Transports and that their object obviously being to attack his positions at Arkansas Post.

It would appear that General Holmes would have been informed by General Churchill by telegraph sometime not later then early afternoon of this date,JANUARY 9th.

General Holmes does not order General Walker's Division,then camped a few miles west of Pine Bluff,until the night of SATURDAY,JANUARY 10th. to proceed with all haste to Arkansas Post.

General Walker departs Pine Bluff SUNDAY MORNING,JANUARY 11th and after a march of 25 miles camps near Nocottoa on the river still a long days march of 30 miiles from the Post.Meanwhile the garrison surrenders about the time General Walker camps for the night.

My question is; When did General Holmes receive that 1st.telegraphic communication from General Churchill and if indeed received on JANUARY 9th.,why did he hesitate 24 hours before ordering General Walker's Division to relieve the troops at the Post....

MWT