November 19, 1863, Shreveport, La.,
E. Cunningham, Lieutenant and Aide.de. Camp, to Brigadier-General McCulloch

HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT,
Shreveport, La., November 19, 1863.

  Brigadier-General McCulloch Bonham,  Tex.:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say that Captain Quantrill leaves Shreveport to-day to join his command, and passes your headquarters en route. He is informed by this officer that several of his men, whom he regards as entirely reliable, went to the rendezvous of the deserters in your district, pretending that they also had deserted from their commands. They mixed among these outlaws freely, and they, thinking that Captain Quantrill himself was not loyal to our Government, fully disclosed their condition and plans. Captain Quantrill thinks that in giving themselves up to you it has been simply their purpose to get arms and ammunition, of which they were in need, so that in the spring they can go north. This they are resolved to do. It is the opinion of the commanding general that these men are unreliable and should be trusted in nothing. He disapproves of your agreement with them, and thereby relieves you from all responsibility as to its fulfillment. The concession to them of the privilege of serving where they are, would increase the number of deserters and greatly demoralize the troops in the commands from which they have deserted. He therefore directs that all those who have already given themselves up be sent to their commands immediately. The horses of such as do not belong to the cavalry will be purchased for the Government in accordance with General Orders. Nos. 37 and 53, from Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, Richmond. The horses of those who hereafter give themselves up, voluntarily, shall be similarly disposed of. The lieutenant-general commanding thinks that the only thing to be done now is to go vigorously to work and kill or capture all those who refuse to come in. The commanding general thinks the ringleaders should have no quarter.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 E. CUNNINGHAM,

 Lieutenant and Aide.de. Camp.

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