red by General
Asboth.

"HEAD-QUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION WESTERN DEPARTMENT.

"_Springfield, November 3d, 1861._

"To MAJOR-GENERAL J.C. FREMONT, _Commanding Western
Department._

"GENERAL:--The captain commanding the company of Major Wright's
battalion, which was sent out on a scouting party to Wilson's
Creek, has just sent in his report by a runner. He says, last
night the enemy's advanced guard, some two thousand strong,
camped at Wilson's Creek. Price's forces are at Terrill's Creek
on the Marionsville road, nine miles behind Wilson's Creek, and
McCulloch's forces are at Dug Springs.

"Both these forces were expected to concentrate at Wilson's
Creek to-night, and offer battle there.

"The scout depicts every road and path covered with moving
troops, estimating them at forty thousand men.

"Very respectfully,

"Your obedient serv't,

"ASBOTH,

"Act. Maj.-Gen'l Com'd'g 4th Div."

According to this report, the whole of Price's army is within twenty
miles of us, and probably nearer. Hunter has not been heard from,
and it is impossible to discover his whereabouts. This afternoon
General McKinstry designed to make a reconnaissance in force with
his whole division towards Wilson's Creek; but yielding to the
solicitations of the chief officers, and in view of the imminence of
battle, to-day General Fremont resumed the command, and ordered
McKinstry not to make his reconnoissance,--not wishing to bring on a
general engagement during the absence of Hunter.

All day long officers have visited General Fremont and urged him to
give battle, representing, that, if this opportunity were permitted
to pass, Price, after ascertaining our force, would retire, and it
would be impossible to catch him again. This evening one hundred and
ten officers called upon him in a body. They ranged themselves in
semicircular array in front of the house, and one of their number
presented an address to the General full of sympathy and respect,
and earnestly requesting him to lead them against the enemy. At the
close of the interview, the General said, that, under all the
circumstances, he felt it to be his duty not to decline the battle
which our foe offers us,--and that, if General Hunter did not arrive
before midnight, he would lead the army forward to-morrow morning at
daybreak; and that they might so inform their several commands. This
announcement was rece