90 [ 2 ] 
that you may deem interesting connected with the command assigned 
you. 
With great respect, 
I have the honor to be, 
E P. GAINES, 
Maj, Gtn. by Brevet, Commanding, 
H. Atkinson, 
Brig. Gen, U. S. Jlrmy. 
A true copy. 49 
Charles J. Nourse, 
Mjutant General, Acting. 
Head Quarters, Western Department, 
Louisville, {Kentucky,) July 17, 18£S, 
Sir: Accompanying this, you will receive orders to repair, with six. 
companies of your regiment, to St. Louis, on board ol the steam boats 
the Favorite and Magnet, to report to General Atkinson. 
The recent hostility of the Ricaras, and otiier nations of Indians up 
the Missouri, has rendered it necessary to assemble a force on that 
river, to support the sixth infantry: the uisposable part of that regi- 
ment having marched, a month since, against the Ricaras. Should the 
spirit of hostility, as there is reason to apprehend, extend itself to 
some of the neighboring tribes, the i-emaining part of your regiment 
will, in that case, after receiving recruits for completing the regiment, 
be ordered to follow you. 
For the present, however, you will leave Lieut. Col. Taylor in 
command, who will probably be joined by two companies of the fourth 
infantry. 
General Atkinson will enclose to you the agreements made by him 
with the steam boats for your transportation, to wliirh you will re- 
quire particular attention on the part of the commanders, as well as 
on the part of the troops. 
I regret to find that the principal part of your subsistence has been 
hauied out to your summer cantonment. You will not, however, de- 
lay your movement so long as to bring back any part of that supply, 
as most of it will be wanted out there; and, as subsistence can be ob- 
tained on the lowest terms at St. Louis, it is not desirable that you 
should take with you the quantity mentioned in my order of yester- 
