The system of roving or independent scouts he regards as detrimental, and should be abandoned.

Headquarters Military Division of the West¹
Tuscumbia, November 15, 1864.

General Forrest,
……………..Commanding Cavalry, & c.:
General: It is the direction of General Beauregard that you make to these headquarters, as early as practicable, a report of the number of scouts you have employed, where operating, how employed and organized and supplied with provisions, how often they report, and whether under charge of a special officer. He desires that all independent scouts shall forthwith report to some responsible officer, and that all scouts operating in rear of front line of the army, cavalry included, shall at once report to their proper commands, as only regularly organized companies should be kept in rear of such lines to collect information and maintain order. They should be supplied with rations and forage in some legitimate way to prevent depredations on private property. The system of roving or independent scouts he regards as detrimental, and should be abandoned.
……………..Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE WM. BRENT,
Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

1. War of the Rebellion: Serial 093 Page 1212 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. Chapter LVII.