Head-Quarters Camp of Instruction,
Benton Barracks, (near St. Louis, Mo.,) Oct 16 1861
Brig Genl L. Thomas
Sir
I am exceedingly embarrassed in the matter of Staff officers. I am entitled to 2 Aids and you know I need them. Yet I have none.
I now ask that Geo S. Pierce distinguished in the fight at Springfield, and educated at West Point, of Dubuque Iowa, be appointed a Captain or Lieutenant in the Regular Army and be ordered to my Command.
I again ask that young Elbert be detailed as another Aid. I beg for immediate response to this letter. I study only the good of the Service. Things look worse and worse here. The enemy in force within 30 or 40 miles and I do not know who Commands our forces. I think probable Ironton is take by Genl Thomson. I have sent out almost every gun (small arms) within my command which is limited to this county
Truly yours
Saml R. Curtis
Brig Geni Cdg
Oct 27
I send this back to the Secy of War. Since I wrote we have whipped Thompson and drove out of the region but it was done by using force that was ordered away and by my taking the responsibility to neglect the order to withdraw the force. But I hope the Hon Secy will perceive the delicacy and danger of my position and relieve me [of] such occasion. I have served many years and was never arrested and never reproached until my connection with this command.