I was the officer who had been selected for this purpose.

Cairo was to become my headquarters when the expedition terminated.
In pursuance of my orders I established my temporary headquarters at Cape Girardeau and sent instructions to the commanding officer at Jackson, to inform me of the approach of General Prentiss from Ironton.
Hired wagons were kept moving night and day to take additional rations to Jackson, to supply the troops when they started from there.

Neither General Prentiss nor Colonel Marsh, who commanded at Jackson, knew their destination.

I drew up all the instructions for the contemplated move, and kept them in my pocket until I should hear of the junction of our troops at Jackson.

Two or three days after my arrival at Cape Girardeau, word came that General Prentiss was approaching that place (Jackson).