[Copy]
Head Quarters Camp of Instruction
Benton Barracks Oct 17th 1861
Captain
The street order from the Commanding Genl Fremont, sending back my patrolls, which with much trouble I had found means to equip, was, in the face of surrounding circumstances, more than a surprise, but your explanation to me of the pendency of an order for the regiment, will prevent further notice of the matter at present.
Of course direct orders to Pickets Patroll & Batteries, not only superscede my command but confound it and dis-parage me. But the enemy is in front ; let it pass. The Battallion is saddled and ready to move West as ordered.
Very Respectfully
S R Curtis
Brig Gen’l Comdg Post
To Capt. Chauncey McKeever1
A A G St. Louis Mo.
1. Chauncey McKeever, U. S. Military Academy, 1849, was brvt capt. and asst. adjt. gen. July 1861, on Fremont’s staff; he rose to maj. and lt. col. a. a. g. assigned. 1862.