...amden was to be held, supplies must be procured overland from Pine Bluff, or by steamers up the Washita. The prospect was not good for receiving them by the latter route; but it was known that only Shelby 's forces was north of the Washita, and Colonel Drake's force was fully competent to manage him. If reinforcements were sent to him, General Steele relied upon being advised thereof by his cavalry in ...