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About the 4th of Feb., 1862 Col. Bussey received ordered to proceed to Rolla, MO with the remaining eight companies of this command. On the 6th, the troops were all embarked on cars[?] and arrived at Rolla without accident. A pleasant camp was established a short distance from the town of Rolla, then commanded by Col. John B. Wyman. There were but few troops at this place, Gen. Curtis having advanced to Lebanon, 65 miles south west of Rolla, and was expected to advance to Springfield to attack Gen Price, who was at that place with an army of 1500 rebels. Col. Bussey was ordered by Gen. Halleck to report to the Commanding Officer at Rolla and to Station two companies of his command at Salem MO, twenty five miles from Rolla, the County Seat of Dent County, at that time infested with guerillas and rebel bands who were recruiting for the rebel Army. This order looked like leaving the 3d Iowa Calvary for Post Duty at and near Rolla, but Col. Bussey was anxious to join the Army under Gen. Curtis for active service in the field and on the 10th sent to Gen. Curtis the following dispatch. Rolla Mo Feb 10th 1862 To Brig. Gen. S. R. Curtis, Commanding Army of the South West. “I am here with eight full companies of my Regiment, well armed and equipped. I am anxious to join you.” On the 11th Col. Bussey received from Gen. Curtis the following dispatch dated “Marshfield 30 miles SW of Lebanon Feb 10th” “To Col. Bussey 3d Iowa Cavalry. “Come on by short route. Make forced marches to overtake me.” The Regiment prepared to leave Rolla the next morning but Col. Wyman objected and telegraphed Gen. Halleck to detain the regiment at Rolla. After delaying two days, Gen. Halleck telegraphed that “Col. Bussey would occupy Salem as directed.” Maj. William. C. Drake with Companies I & K were immediately ordered to Salem to garrison the place and as Gen. Curtis had said “Come on” the remaining six companies under Col. Bussey left Rolla at daylight on the morning of the 14th. The weather was cold and the roads almost impassable. The wagons were lightly loaded, but were soon left far behind. The regiment arrived at the Little Piggy Creek about noon. The roads were so bad that Col. Bussey determined to leave his train to follow on as fast as possible and push on himself by forced marches to overtake the Army, then on the march and one hundred miles in advance. An ambulance was brought up with ammunition, the men all supplied and,