Head Quarters, Post of Little Rock, Arkansas,
March 12th 1864.
Dear Sir:
You will doubtless have heard before this reaches you of the combined movement of troops of Sherman, Banks and Steele upon the enemy in Red River Vally.
I understand 27000 troops are to be at Alexandria on the 17th instant.
Gen. Steele proposes to leave here with about 8.000 men on the 14th & 15th instant. He will go out through Arkadelphia and be joined by Gen. Thayer with 2000 infantry and 1500 cavalry, I believe the enemy will try to get out of the way as fast as possible.
Four companies of my regiment are absent on veteran furlough and as no news of my confirmation has yet arrived circumstances conspire to keep me here. On some accounts I am sorry. It is some compensation however to be able to see the election and civil organization through. The success of that I consider of the greatest importance.
The men that Gen. Steele will take along are first rate troops and will be willing to endure many privations in order to drive the rebels out of the State.
With great respect
Your friend
C. C. Andrews.
Col Comdg.
