87].
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI St.Louis, December 23, 1861 [EXTRACT.] Brigadier-General W.T.Sherman, United States Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the camp of instruction and post of Benton Barracks.

He will have every armed regiment and company in his command ready for service at a moment's warning, and will notify all concerned that, when marching orders are received, it is expected that they will be instantly obeyed; no excuses for delay will be admitted.

General Sherman will immediately report to these headquarters what regiments and companies, at Benton Barracks, are ready for the field.
By order of Major-General Halleck, J.C.KELTEN, Assistant Adjutant-General.
I immediately assumed command, and found, in the building constructed for the commanding officer, Brigadier-General Strong, and the family of a captain of Iowa cavalry, with whom we boarded.
Major Curtis, son of General Curtis, was the adjutant-general, but was soon relieved by Captain J.H.Hammond, who was appointed assistant adjutant-general, and assigned to duty with me.
Brigadier-General Hurlbut was also there, and about a dozen regiments of infantry and cavalry.

I at once gave all matters pertaining to the post my personal attention, got the regiments in as good order as possible, kept up communication with General Halleck's headquarters by telegraph, and, when orders came for the movement of any regiment or detachment, it moved instantly.

The winter was very wet, and the ground badly drained.