Annotation
[1] ALS, RPB. Curtis' reply received at 6 P.M. is as follows: ``Only 2 skeleton Regts united States troops north of River the Governor is absent. Some Enrolled Militia not so reliable Will write you'' (DLC-RTL). On December 20, he wrote:
``In regard to your telegraphic inquiry as to the propriety of relying entirely on the Enrolled Militia . . . I proceed to enlarge on my telegraphic reply.
``We have just driven the rebels out of Missouri, and hold them south by a force almost continuous along the southern border. . . . Their anxiety exists to return . . . where the wealthy secessionists in many neighborhoods are ready