Brig. Gen. A. W. ELLET,
Washington, D.C.

The Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to organize a marine brigade for service on the Mississippi River, to consist of one regiment of infantry, two squadrons of cavalry, and one battery of light artillery. These will be called Mississippi volunteers, and the officers will be commissioned by the President of the United States. They will be organized in the same manner as is provided by law for other volunteers, and will act, under your command, in connection with the ram fleet and in co-operation with the Western gun-boats. It is believed that men best suited to this service can be recruited from the boatmen and river men on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. A mustering officer will be assigned by the War Department to assist you in mustering and organizing your brigade. You will select recruiting officers and submit their names for commission by the President. The brigade should be organized with all possible dispatch. From your known capacity and energy much will be expected of you in raising this brigade and its employment on the Western waters.

Very respectfully,
H.W. HALLECK
General-in-Chief

Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:

I telegraphed a week ago asking if I could be allowed to enlist men from the convalescents of the hospitals - men who cannot endure the marching and yet are good soldiers for moderate labor. Great labor might thus be done and the brigade soon got ready. Recruiting is very slow. I also want some one appointed to pay the advance and bounty to my recruits. Who is to do it? I am greatly embarrassed from not being able to meet these difficulties. Please inform me immediately.

A.W. ELLET,
Brigadier-General

Brig. Gen. A. W. ELLET,
St. Louis, Mo.:

The Secretary of War authorizes you to recruit from convalescents in hospital. General Curtis will muster out such as enlist in your brigade. An officer will be sent immediately to pay bounty, &c.

H.W. HALLECK
General-in-Chief

Hon. E.M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:

Six companies infantry organized, 527 men; four companies cavalry organized, 368 men; one company of artillery, 140 men; six guns light artillery. Two hundred recruits just received; will be organized by Friday. The whole force is now coming on the boats. Five boats are here receiving the command. Quartermaster and commissary's boat arrive to-morrow. Hospital boat is not yet finished.

Respectfully,
ALFRED W. ELLET
Brigadier-General