On 7th instant I ordered Captain Breeden to take 50 of his company, with Lieutenant Worley, with part of my Rangers, and proceed to Neosho, and ascertain the condition of the country, its resources, &c. The force consisted of 103 men, rank and file. The expedition marched to Neosho by Jollification, Newtonia, and Granby, taking several prisoners on the way, all of whom were released on their promise to appear at Mount Vernon on the 11th instant. At Jollification, William Walker, a rebel desperado, was killed; he was well armed, having 50 rounds of ammunition on his person. At Granby, Captain Jennings, of the rebel bushwhackers, was severely wounded. The rebels were not anticipating the approach of the expedition at Neosho until it arrived within a mile of the place. The most of the men left town---all the leaders save one.
     The country around Neosho is scarce of provisions and forage, but there is plenty within from 10 to 15 miles.  No information can be had of Union men in Newton, so complete is the reign of terror exercised over them by a hundred or so desperadoes, who carry on the depredations in the name of the Southern Confederacy. The leading rich and influential secessionists of that county could stop the operations of these men if they would.  These leading men are protected by our Government, and they should be held responsible for the conduct of the rabble, whom they can control.
     My troops returned through the prairie south of Jasper County, to stop all wagons transporting provisions to the insurgents in Arkansas and at Seneca Mills.
     On the morning of the 11th instant, the expedition lying in camp at the Linn place up Centre Creek, 3 miles from Sarcoxie, about daybreak 6 men approached to within 20 feet of our picket, fired on it, wounding James W. Hoover severely, though not dangerously. The picket returned the fire, killing 1 man and wounding another. Hoover had deserted his post and was asleep; fortunately he was the only one of the picket injured. The command returned to Mount Vernon on the evening of the 11th instant.
     My Rangers are now in the vicinity of Sarcoxie, keeping a close watch over Jasper County, with orders to prevent the transporting of provisions south and to guard closely the great thoroughfare passing through Sarcoxie north and south, to take up all parties of men going south. These Rallgers are located there, having no tents or camp equipage. There being no troops at Carthage, I deemed it advisable to locate the camp at Mount Vernon. Their task is a hard one, but they will execute it in full.
     I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,