Little Rock [Arkansas] July 6th 1862
Genl. [Albert] Rust,
Des Arc,
If Col [William H.] Parson is not a fit man do not put him in command of the Texas Brigade. Take that Col who is best qualified where superior in rank or not. What is [Archibald J.] McNeill strength with you. Is [Charles H.] Matlock likely to get the balance of his command together again? Have no haversacks, no material to make them of. It is very astonishing that you cannot get a man to reconnoiter the river, and that you have remained so long in time in ignorance while the enemy has crossed in force north of Little Red or nor, order this reconnaissance immediately cavalry on both sides of river and Tom Sugg following. T. [Thomas] C. Hindman Maj Genl Comdg

Little Rock, July 5th 1862 Col. F.A. [Francis Asbury] Shoup, Des Arc, Inform Genl Rust of rumor if it is true. Let the Tom Sugg be moved up to stop the further crossing of the enemy. Rust's cavalry ought to destroy those on this side Chisman sending me no such news I don't believe it. He was put there to watch all the crossing. Matlocks command being dispersed the plan for filling up Harts Company is a failure. Where is he with the guns? T.C. Hindman Maj. Genl. Comdg Operator send also to Genl Rust & Col. [Allison] Nelson T.C.H.