O.R. Ser. 1, Vol. 41, Pt. 3, pp. 277, 289, 290
39th Missouri Infantry said to be in readiness for active service on Sept. 20.
On Sept. 20 General Fisk would like for Col. Kutzner of the 39th Missouri Infantry to move his troops to Macon and Paris.
On Sept. 21 General Rosecrans (through his A.A.G. Oliver D. Greene) authorizes General Fisk to have Kutzner move his troops to Macon and Paris.
General Fisk advises General Rosecrans on Sept. 21 that Kutzner will be operating from Macon and Paris.
O.R. Ser. 1, Vol. 41, Pt. 1, pp. 761-763; Annual Report of the Adjutant General of Missouri for 1864, p. 134
Johnston proceeds to Paris with two companies of the 39th Missouri Infantry on September 14 and begins sending out patrols.
On September 22 two more companies of the 39th Missouri Infantry are sent to Paris.
O.R., Ser. 1, Vol. 41, Pt. 3, pp. 394, 457; see also Edgar T. Rodemyer, "History of Centralia Missouri" (1938), p. 34
Todd, Thrailkill & Co. crossed North Missouri Railroad on Sept. 26, General Fisk orders Col. Kutzner to send a messenger to Paris with this information, Johnston to rendezvous with King at Renick. "Let the boys get after them. Make their presence and power felt...."
Johnston correspondance to Thomas Tripler (Col. Kutzner's adjutant), A.V.E. Johnston Military Service File, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; O.R., Ser. 1, Vol. 41, Pt. 1, p. 443; Annual Report of the Adjutant General of Missouri for 1864, p. 134;
Johnston receives his orders in Paris late in the day on Sept. 26. Sends response to Kutzner's adjutant advising that he has mounts for his men, and is proceeding as per orders.
O.R., Ser. 1, Vol. 41, Pt. 3, p. 457; Canton Press, 6 Oct. 1864, p. 2; John B. Draper, "Ambush of the 39th Missouri Infantry," Cyrus A. Peterson Papers, Missouri Historical Society
Leaves Paris at 10 p.m., marches all night, runs across the trail of Anderson's guerrillas at 7 a.m. on Sept. 27. Deviates from orders, follows trail to Centralia.