No. 2.-reports of Brig. Gen. Lewis Wallace, U. S. Army.
headquarters, Linton's Farm, March 13, 1862.
Sir: Say to the general that all is right with my division so far. A person this p. m. says Cheatham is on my left, with from 15,000 to 18,000 men, who were marched from Bethel yesterday to occupy Crump's Landing, where we disembarked.
He is encamped across a creek now very full from backwater, and last night or this morning destroyed the bridge.
I think he is more afraid of me with exaggerated numbers than I am of him. His force, however, must be large, as there was back of Pittsburg about 6,000 troops, who, as stated, were re-enforced from Bethel.
It is now 4.30 p. m. and nothing from my cavalry.
I feel a little uneasy about them, and if I have to wait much longer would beg pardon for suggesting the sending up another regiment to occupy the landing, as the enemy can, I am told, throw a bridge across the creek in three hours, and by good roads get into my rear; as another reason, also, the landing is not good — in fact, it is very difficult-and the gunboat may not be here when wanted.
Colonel Thayer's brigade is at Adamsville, about 2 miles from me, watching the enemy at Purdy.
I am here with Smith's brigade to check any advance by the road from Pittsburg, namely, at the junction of the Pittsburg and Purdy roads. Both of us are in good position to cover our cavalry.
According to information Cheatham is only distant about 4 miles.
Very respectfully,
headquarters Third Division, Crump's Landing, March 13, 1862.
Sir: Say to the general that my entire command has returned safely and successfully.
Major Hayes has extended his orders by cutting
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away about half a mile of trestle-work over a swamp, now impassable, on the north side of Purdy.
While at work a train ran up the road.
A rebel regiment of cavalry was encamped about 2 miles from the place of his labor, and must have known his object, as his guides lost him in the night and through a great part of his outward march in the day-time.
Altogether, he deserves great credit for the energy, courage, and perseverance he manifested.
General Cheatham is still at his camp, mentioned in my first dispatch of this date.
Ten thousand I think a fair computation of his force.
He has not yet intrenched himself, nor can I ascertain whether that is his intention.
As I will have to remain until morning, a reconnoitering party from Major Hayes' cavalry might well employ the time until noon. Shall I order it!
Very respectfully,
