Weekly Gazette
Elgin, Illinois
November 6, 1861

From the 36th

The Mo. Democrat says:

At Franklin, Mr. Elliot on Saturday learned from an army officer that word had reached Rolla on Friday, that Jeff Thompson with a straggling force of about fifteen hundred men was marching across the southern part of the State to make a junction with Price and McCulloch. On Friday evening Col. Greusel, of the 36th Illinois, started to intercept the aforesaid Jeff, taking with him nine hundred picked men of the Rolla Brigade, and a batter of six mountain howitzers, and fifteen days rations. The expedition promises well.

Lieut. Smith of the Elgin company rites Capt. Baldwin:

Camp Rolla, Oct. 31st, '61

DEAR CAPTAIN: - this has been a very busy day with us, and some cold. We were mustered for "PAY" and an inspection. - Our pay rolls go to St. Louis to-morrow morning-will get our pay next week. Our cavalry are now here, and they do look fine and drill very well. A train of supplies left here Monday for Springfield without an escort; got as for as the Gasconade river and have stopped. Are on the defense with an expectation of an attack from the enemy. Their messenger can in last night for help. Seventy-five men out of A and B. cavalry were detailed to escort them through to Lebenon, (70 miles) they left this morning with five day's rations, and no forage. Col. Joslyn, Judge and the negro are with them. Its is not expected they will meet with much "secesh," still they may have a fight. It is not known what force the enemy have in that direction. They may be gone ten days and may not be.

Major Barry is quite unwell-is a little on the mend. Our boys are in the best of condition. Aldrich in the Hospital. Nothing of interest at last accounts.