92 [ 2 ] 
The whole are now encamped a short distance ahove the city, where 
they will remain for three days more, when they will take up their 
movement for Council Bluffs. 
I have not heard of Colonel Leavenworth since I addressed you on 
the 19th ult. enclosing copies of letters from him and fiom Mr. PiU 
cher to Major O'Fallon. I calculate, however, on hearing, in less 
than a week, the result of his enterprise against the Arickara Indians, 
•which will determine me with regard to pushing Col. Chamhers's de- 
tachments through by land. In the mean time, 1 have prepared trans- 
port boats, and shall send off the detachment, with their provision and 
stores, by water, as 1 shall have it in my power to detach, at any time, 
a command from the boats, to be pushed on by land, should circum- 
stances above render it necessary. I have adopted tiiis mode, be- 
cause, if the troops transport their own supplies, it will save to the 
United States some §6,000 ; and the fact of their setting out by water 
will retard their araival at the Bluffs but a little, should the state of 
affairs in the upper country make it necessary that they should ulti- 
mately go by land, as all the progress by water w ill so much shorten 
the distance. 
The detachment, as you will sep by the enclosed report, is weaker 
than you anticipated — forty -five are reported sick, but none are seri- 
ously indisposed, except the Adjutant, All the men will be able to 
move with the detachment. 
The detachment is deficient in many articles of clothing, particu- 
larly shoes, a supply of which, I fear, must be purchased here, as the 
men cannot ascend the river barefooted. 
Every tiling justifies a belief that Colonel Chambers's movement 
will be as prompt and successful as you anticipated. Late advices 
from the Upper Mississippi represent every thing to be tranquil in that 
quarter. 
Some letters and returns from thence, addressed to me, are sent to 
you, under cover, by Lieut. Russell, who will deliver this communi- 
cation. 
I will avail myself of every opportunity to keep you advised of eve- 
ry circumstance of interest within my command. 
With very great respect, sir, I have the honor to be, your obedient 
servant, 
H. ATKINSON, 
£r. Gen. U. S. Jirmy. 
Maj. Gen. E. P. Gaines, 
U, S. .irmy, Louisville. 
A true copy ; 
Chs. J. NouRSE, M'f. Gen. Acting. 
