Hd qrs &c Oct 23d - 1862 Col Lieut Green [Joseph O.] Shelbys brigade just in reports he saw the force of the enemy marching on Huntsville [Arkansas] – composed of Cavl Arty & Infy – at least 7,000 – The troops a full 3 ½ hours passing a given point. The arty at different places in the Column – A large wagon train was passing when he left (dark) – Camp of advance was about 2 miles from Huntsville – not 4 or 5 miles from H – His report is reliable – a cout of last night, in to day, report a federal camp 1 ½ miles north of H - Scouts pan the west, having crossed the F & H road 10 miles west of H report no federals moving in that direction that they can learn - A man, sent back from Scout towards Fayetteville [Arkansas], reports, “nothing of importance”, - Have head not a word from [William B.] Bradfutes command except what you sent – Have assigned Colr [Jordan E.] Cravens to that command - Col Shelby has forces out north west & North East – He will receive additional information by midnight - which I will report Have established a line of Couriers to your Camp. Very Resly J. [John] S. Marmaduke Bg Gnl Comdg To Col R. [Robert] C. Newton A A Gnl }