TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 32 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1891 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OP THE OFFICIAL ]RECOIIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LE~LJE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KJRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXIIIN THREE PARTS. PART IlCORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891 Page 2 /4~ ~3srs~ 6 iii ij~yj Page 3 PAIIRT 11.VOL. XXXII. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIR- GINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM JANUARY 1,1864, TO FEBRU- ARY 29, 1864. UNION CORRESPON E~CIE, ETC. KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 1, 1864. Major-General THOMAS: I arrived here yesterday morning. Send forward all the supplies for General Foster with as little delay as possible, and clothing par- ticularly. Keep a careful watch on the river between Chickamauga and the Hiwassee, to prevent interference with the steam-boats. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 1, 186411.45 p. m. General FOSTER: Your dispatch directing me to send a division to Dandridge just received. I have one brigade now with General Sturgis, the other of that division at work on redoubts on the other side of river. General Hascalls division is on this side. The only means of cross- ing is one frail ferry-boat, and by this means it will require at least three days to cross the division. When over the river, I am at a loss to know how to provision it, and when it reaches Dandridge the difficulty is as great, if not greater, as the Twenty-third Corps is as yet without supply train. My troops are now distributed from Buf- falo Creek to this point, and reports come in to-night that no more forage or subsistence is to be had in the country. The roads are now almost impassable. I will, however, order Hascalls division to commence the movement to-morrow, but I should prefer waiting until we had a bridge of some kind constructed here, in order that its supplies might be secured to it. The division on the other side of the river now can be moved at once to DandiMdge, provided they can be provisioned. The pontoons have arrived. I have no balks or chess. I expect to have a party at work to-morrow on the rope for lashings and cable. JNO. G. PARKE. Major-General. (3 Page 4 4 KY., SW. VA.. TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS. Strawberry Plains, Tenn., January 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. M. D. iVIANSON, Commanding Second Div., Twenty-third Army Corps: GENERAL: Your COmmUuiCatiOnS relative to the suffering of the troops of your command are received, and have been forwarded to headquarters Forces in the Field with earnest indorsement. The suffering consequent upon the present severity of the weather touches me to the heart, and I am full of the deepest regret that no clothing can be at present obtained and that the subsistence stores are so scanty. As to the latter, we have reason to expect partial relief at least within forty-eight hours. Some pork is to-day received by Lieuten- ant Rankin, acting commissary of subsistence, and the share of your command is either already issued or will be at once. Every availa- ble wagon on this side of the river is out after corn or other grain to grind, and I suppose the same is the case with yours. I am hopeful that your communication with my indorsement will come before General Grant, who is understood to be a1~ Knoxville, and will have the effect of showing the necessity of using the Chat- tanooga line fully, or giving to this army a share of the supplies forwarded there, instead of relying upon the Kegtucky road. I should have been over to visit your headquarters before this but for the great delay at the ferry, and the apparent necessity of using it for wagon transportation to its full capacity. Accept my assurances of the most heartfelt sympathy with all your troubles, and with the sufferings of the brave men who are en- during such hardships with noble patience and patriotism. Believe me that every exertion is being made to supply their wants speedily and that I am hopeful that an early day in the new year will see such improvement that we shall be justified in calling it a happy one. With the compliments of the season, I am, general, very sincerely, your obedient servant, ~. D. COX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIvISIoN; January 1, 1864. Col. E. M. MCCOOK, Commanding First Division Cavalry: I have the honor of transmitting the following information given by Thomas Smith, of division scouts, obtained by a scout up the north side of Holston River and between Morristowii and Russell- ville: At Turleys Ford, 15 miles from Mossy Creek, on north side, are 5 men at a mill grinding and serving as pickets. Between the ford and Jonathan Noes mills are posted two regiments of cavalry and three pieces of artillery planted at easy range of the ford. At Major Noes ferry is one regiment of South Carolina infantry and two battalions of cavalry. General Longstreets headquarters are at Russellville, 5 miles above Morristown, and his whole force between Russellville and Morristown, the left resting on Holsto Page 5 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 5 River, 4 miles from Morristown and 18 miles from Mossy Creek. His entire strength is 30,000 infantry and twenty-five pieces of artil- lery. They are nnder momentarily marching orders; intention, retreat throngh Bulls Gap. The army is in miserable condition, 50 per cent. barefooted; provisions very scarce; go three or fonr days on one days rations. General Bnckners command is at Rheatown, 1-i- miles from Mor- ristown, on the railroad; has thrown np temporary line of breast- works; has re-enforced the cavalry in onr front with two brigades of infantry and battery of artillery. Zollicoffer bridge is completed, and have jnst commenced the bridge at Carters Depot. One brigade of infantry and battery of artillery sent to gnard gap at Paint Rock. The enemys pickets can be seen froln north side of Holston River. I am, colonel, very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, H. M. MILLER, Lieutenant, Commanding Scouts. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, January 2, 1864. Respectfnlly forwarded for the information of the general com- mandlng. The information with regard to the position of the enemys force along Holston River the scont gained by personal observation; the rest of the information was commnnicated by rebel pickets, who snpposed him to be one of their soldiers. E. M. McCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., January 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General U. S. Army: On the morning of yonr departnre from Lookont yon may remem- ber a brief conversation we held in regard to Muscle Shoals. Sub- joined is all the information I have on the snbject, and which I believe yon will find to be anthentic: Muscle Shoals is an extensive series of rapids, the water on which rises 1 inch when it rises 1 foot at Bridgeport, and in that proportion 1 inch there to 1 foot here. The rapids are 20 miles long, fall 100 feet. In 1830 the citizens of Tuscumbia orig- inated the old Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad, 45 miles long, around the shoals. This road was completed in 1834, and in 1852 was incorporated in the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The head of, or rather foot of, navigation from here is Browns Ferry, 12 miles below Decatur, which is 83 miles from Stevenson by railroad. A canal was once built around the shoals, but it has been abandoned, and has fallen into disuse, if, indeed, it ever was of much use. From the foregoing it appears that the rapids are about 20 miles long, and that they have been turned by a canal on the north bank, which wonld indicate, in case it should not be deemed advisable to re- pair it, that its banks wonld admit of the ready constrnction of a rail- road. The most detailed map I have examined, the official one of the State of Alabama, also warrants this conclnsion. I can see no monn Page 6 0 KY., SW. V A., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. ains or rivers of importance to cross. Probably one-half the labor al- ready expended on either of the railroads leading from Nashville to Stevenson would make a good rail track along the canal. This, how- ever, can be ascertained precisely by an examination of a day or two by a competent engineer. With a portage then over the shoals, why should not this be onr line of communication? It has snggested itself to me that by the use of the river Chattanooga might be made to hold the relation to this army that Nashville now does, and cer- tainly where we are, in a country traversed by guerrillas, it mnst be easier to hold and less liable to accidents. At all events it appears to me that it is well worthy of your consideration. The capacity of the Nashville and Chattanooga road is insufficient to supply our wants. It is therefore necessary to make nse of the one, via Decatnr, and it is certainly an easier task to protect the river than either one of them. The difference in the expense of transportation of onr snpplies must be enormous; Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, llfajor- General, Commanding. COLUMBIA, TENN., January 1, 18643.45 p. m. Major-General LOGAN, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps, Bridgeport: When can you relieve General Crooks troops at Hnntsville? Crooks men should join him immediately at Pulaski. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Division qf the ]Vliississippi. STEVENSON, January 1, 18642.30 p. m. Lieut. Col. C. F. MORSE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: Your dispatch received at 2 p. m. Under orders from brigade headquarters I started five companies this morning. I have not been relieved by any forces, and have a very inadequate force for the duties here. Those five companies can be turned back by a telegram to that effect sent to Anderson forthwith if you desire. WM. B. WOOSTER, Lieutenant- Colonel Twentieth Connecticut. MEMPHIS. January 1, 1864. Col. E. PRINCE, La Grange: Colonel Trafton should have reached La Grange last night or early this morning. If he has not returned you will send out patrol and order him in. He was last heard from at Hudsonville. Answer. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General Page 7 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRE5PONDE~cE~, ETC.UNION. /t MEMPHIS, TENN., January 1, 1864. Maj. D. E. CooN, Gollierville, Tenn.: You will send 100 men of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, to start at early daylight to-morrow morning, south by the way of Olive Branch, toward Hernando, going as far as that point if practicable, sweep- ing round to Memphis. Send a good officer in command to obtain all possible information of the whereabouts and movements of the enemy, reporting promptly by courier if any force should be met. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., Col. J. K. MIZNER, January 1, 1864. La Grange, Tenn.: You will leave the First Alabama at Corinth, the Sixth Tennessee at Saulsbnry, and select a good camping-ground for the rest of your brigade at La Grange. Trains have been ordered and will report to you for the purpose of making the changes. You will move the camp and garrison equipage of the Third Michigan, Third Illinois, and Seventh Kansas to La Grange. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., Maj. C. W. WHITsIT, January 1, 1864. Germantown: Withdraw the force at Olive Branch this evening, sending me any information they may have obtained. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 1. Scotts(zorough, Ala., January 1, 1864. The following changes and additions are hereby made on the staff of the major-general commanding, and will be respected accordingly: I. Lieut. Col. J. H. Hammond, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from active duty in the assistant adju- tant-generals office, but will continue on duty as chief of staff. II. Maj. Robert R. Townes, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Vol- unteers, is hereby relieved from duty as judge-advocate, and assigned to active duty in the assistant adjutant-generals office. All reports, returns, & c., required by existing orders and regulations, will in future be addressed to him. III. Maj. Loyd Wheaton, Eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, is hereby announced as senior aide-de-camp in the field, act- ing judge-advocate, and provost-marshal. IV. Surg. Edward 0. F. Roler, Fifty-fifth Regiment Illinois In. fantry, is hereby announced as medical inspector. By command of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan: R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 8 8 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY, No. la. ~ Camp Nelson, January 1, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. S. S. Fry, 11. S. Volunteers, is ordered to assume com- mand of the following troops and place them in marching condition and march with them to Knoxville, East Tenn., and report to Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster, commanding Army of the Ohio, to wit: Ninth New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Titus; Twelfth Ten- nessee Cavalry Volunteers, Colonel Miller; Tenth Michigan Cavalry Volunteers, Colonel Foote; six companies First Ohio Heavy Artil- lery, Major Matthews; First East Tennessee Heavy Artillery, Col- onel Crawford; Twenty-second Indiana Battery, Captain Denning. II. Brigadier-General Fry is ordered to hasten the equipment and preparation of these forces for the march and move them at the earliest practicable moment, and report to Major-General Foster, at Knoxville, Teun., with his command, at the earliest date. General Fry will march with as many days rations as can be carried, not less than ten days, and with full supply of ammunition. * * * * * * * By command of Brig. Gen. J. T. Boyle: A. C. SEMPLE, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, General Cox, January 2, 18649 a. Commanding Twenty-third Corps: Inclosed I send you a dispatch received last night. I telegraphed that it would take three days to cross Hascalls division, but that Mansons could be moved at once to Dandridge, but I have received no reply. This telegram seems to indicate that General Hascalls division should go. I wish you to order the move- ment. I dont see how we can improve the crossing, and ferrying on this frail boat is a slow operation. Let a regiment at a time be crossed and encamped until the divis- ion is over. Probably General Hascall can make use of the pontoons in cross- ing his command. Very respectfully, yours, & c., JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. [Inclosure.] KNOXVILLE, January 1, 1864. General PARKE: General Sturgis desires that a division may be sent to Dandridge, with a good officer like General Hascall in command, to intrench itself there. Please to send it at once. I think also of sending the pontoon bridge there as soon as rope for rock lashings and cables can be obtained. Instruct the general in command to notify you if the rope can be obtained at Dandridge. We come up to-morrow morning. JNO. G. FOSTER, Major- General Page 9 Can. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 9 STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 2, 1864. (Received 10 p. in.) General FOSTER: The following information is just received from General Elliott, result of scouting parties I seut out this morning and from other sources. The telegram is not well punctuated, but I will give it nearly lit- erally: Lieutenant-Colonel Lamborn, Fifteenth Pennsylvania, reports that rebel cavalry is on Long Creek picketing from Hays Ferry to Coyles, and at Kimbroughs Cross- Roads; with infantry at Hays and from Kimbroughs to Chucky Bend. One of my scouts, in disguise as a rebel, from observation and rebel pickets, reports rebels run- ning around at Turleys Ferry; two regiments of cavalry and three pieces between there and Noes Ford; at Noes Ford one regiment South Carolina infantry and two battalions cavalry. General Longstreet at Russellville; his force between there and Morristown; his strength 30,000 infantry and twenty-five pieces artillery, under marching orders to retreat through Bulls Gap. Half his army barefooted and pro- visions scarce. Buckners command at Rheatown, with breast-works. The force in our front re-enforced by two brigades of infantry and a battery artillery. Zolli- coffer bridge completed. Carters command, one brigade infantry and battery artillery, gone to guard Paint Rock Gap. The scouts could see rebel pickets from north side of Holston. The scout toward Dandridge brings no information. Deserter from Fourth Tennessee Cavalry reports Armstrongs division at Panther Springs at 9a.m. to-day. S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 2, 186411 p. m. General ELLIOTT: I fear the enemy contemplates moving on the front, and at the same time moving cavalry round our right and turning into the rear of our cavalry by the roads leading toward Mossy Creek. Please have the roads toward the river and toward the Nola Chucky, as well as the road toward Dandridge, patrolled, and I think the cavalry should fall back to Mossy Creek at early dawn, unless you receive information rendering it n& essary for you to do so earlier. That the enemy is after something of this kind I think there can be no doubt. Please show this to Captain Rawolle. S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Mount Pleasant, January 2, 1864. Col. J. S. CASEMENT, Commanding Second Brigade: We shall turn off from the pike to the right at the Gordon road, about 4 miles from here. The forks are near a post-office called Sandy Hook. Have your commands a little ahead of time rather than behind it in the morning. Yours, J. D. COX, Brigadier-General Page 10 10 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. KNOXVILLE, January 2, 1864. Capt. W. P. ANDERSON: You will at once issue an order directing Brigadier-General Am- men to relieve Brigadier-General Boyle in command of the District of Kentucky, on or before the 15th instant, his headquarters to be at Camp Nelson. Yotii will order Brigadier-General Boyle to pro- ceed immediately to this place with his division, leaving a small but sufficient garrison, taking as far as possible from men who can- not take the field, to protect the prominent points in the district. Every available man that can be spared, and who is able to take the field, must be brought with General Boyle. By command of General Foster: J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Camp. KNOXVILLE, TENN., Jarruary 2, 18642 p. m. Governor BRAMLETTE, Frankfort, Ky.: Your telegram with reference to the retention of General Boyle was duly received and the subject referred to the honorable Secre- tary of War for decision. Not receiving an answer, I feel it due you to tell you that the reasons for the change of commanders in your State remain in full force, and induce me, for the good of my army, to carry out my original intention. General Boyles division is absolutely required for service in the field, and he should come to command it. While he remains in Kentucky he will not, as he has failed to do thus far, send forward his regiments in sufficient numbers or with sufficient rapidity. I propose to have his division replaced by the militia of the State in the defense of important posts, and have the honor to request that you have the arms-bearing population of the State enrolled as militia, ready to be called out whenever their services may be re- quired to garrison those posts. ~. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. From General Thomas journal. JANUARY 2, 1864. B. Hendricks (scout) reports that the enemy has thrown up log breast-works on Tunnel Hill and mounted six or eight cannon, 6 and 12 pounders. Cleburnes division, 8,000 strong, is stationed there. Stewarts division, 5,000 strong, between Tunnel Hill and Dalton. Jacksons division, 3,000 strong, is camped at about 1 mile from Dalton, on the Spring Place road. Walthams [Walthalls], Bates, and Smiths brigades, about 3,500, encamped a out 1 mile west of Dalton. Hardees old corps, commanded by General Smith, is at Resaca; strength not known. Breckinridges and Hiudmans corps are scattered from Rome to Resaca by way of Kingston. Part of Hindmans troops are at Atlanta. These two corps have been moved in that direction during the Christmas holidays. Enemy reported to be strongly fortified at Rome. They are ready to move at any time from Dalton, but dont expect to do so till spring. If attacked they will fall back across the Oostenaula River at Resaca. I hear Page 11 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESP0NDE~CE, ETC.TJNIOK 11 some of Hardees staff officers say that was their plan. They have ordered all citizens from Dalton to the rear of their army. Buckner is chief of cavalry and John H. Morgan is to be second in command. A new division is to be formed to be known as the First Division, Eleventh Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. W. T. Ward, organized as follows: First Brigade, Seventieth Indiana, Seventy-eighth Ohio, One hundred and second One hundred and fifth, and One hundred and twenty-ninth Illinois; Second Brigade, Thirty-third and Eighty-fifth Indiana, Twenty-second Wisconsin, and Nineteenth Michigan. Also a division to be reorganized, which, together with the posts within the District of Nashville, will be commanded by Maj. Gen. L. H. Rous- seau, and assigned to the Twelfth Army Corps, viz: First Brigade, General R. S. Granger, Tenth Tennessee, Thirteenth Wisconsin, Eighteenth Michigan, Seventy-third Indiana, One hundred and sec- ond Ohio; Second Brigade, General H. P. Van Cleve, Twenty-third Missouri, Thirty-first Wisconsin, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio, Fourth Tennessee; Third Brigade, General J. G. Spears, Third, Fifth, and Sixth Tennessee. The above troops are to remain in their present positions, but are to report throngh their new headquarters. Provost-marshal-general, Lieut. Col. W. M. Wiles, reports that from October 19 to December 31, 1863, 7,800 deserters from the rebel army had come within our lines. TULLAHOMA, January 2, 186412.15 p. m. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General: The names, & c., of men murdered by guerrillas are Newell E. Orcutt, Ninth Independent Battery Ohio Volnnteer Artillery; John W. Drought, Company H, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volun- teers; George W. Jacobs, Company D, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteers. Wounded, James W. Foley, Ninth Independent Bat- tery Ohio Volunteer Artillery. Guerrillas suspected are William Tully and Thomas or Jacob Brown; neither of these men can be found. John Tully, a rich citizen, father of William Tully, Thomas Bailey, Philander Whittier, and Newton Whittier have been ar- rested and are in confinement for aiding and secreting guerrillas. George W. Richardson left here for the neighborhood of Tracy City before your, dispatch was received. H. W. SLOCUM, Major- General of Volunteers Commanding. HUNTSVILLE, January 2, 1864. Major-General LOGAN: Four bridges burned between this place and the intersection of the Alabama and Tennessee Railroad: The Indian Creek bridge, 80 feet long, 8 miles out; Beaver Dam bridge, 7 miles, 200 feet long, trestles 40 feet high, not entirely burned; Limestone bridge, 4 miles farther, 150 feet long, and Caving [?] bridge, 2 miles farther, 75 feet long. The eueniy have one regiment picketing the south bank of the river from Decatur to a pc~nt near the mouth of Paint Rock. I send patrols daily to the front. Will send a party down to Swan Lake to-morrow. J. I. ALEXANDER, Golonel, Gommanding Page 12 12 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SCOTTSBOROUGH, January 2, 1864. Major SAWYER: Your dispatch just received in refereuce to the road from Paiut Rock to Flint River. My iuformatiou was obtaiued from General Osterhaus aud suppose that he was wrongly informed also. I have ordered Captain Pearce to Huntsville as you desired. Will send for- ward transportation to Colonel Alexander as soon as possible; also the balance of General J. E. Smiths division. I shall in a day or so make an expedition across the river to ascertain what I can obtain of forage; also steal mules, or press if the term is preferred. We must have more mules very soon. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 2, 1864. Col. J. C. KELTON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. G.: SIR: I have the honor of forwarding to the General-in-Chief state- ments of one of my agents just from Mobile. I think them accurate, and so submit them. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General. [Inclosure.] DECEMBER 31, 1863. Force at Mobile, two regiments home-guard exempts, Canteys bri- gade cavalry, one battalion light artillery, heavy artillerists to man the batteries, two battalions marines, wooden steam-vessels of war Gaines and Morgan (twelve guns each, 30-pounder smooth-bores); ram Baltic (unwieldy, one Blakely, two light columbiads, two brass pivot Parrotts); Huntsville and Tuscaloosa (four 30-pounders each on both sides, 11-inch Brooke on pivot in bow, and li-inch Blakely on pivot astern, plated 4-inch slab-iron); two floating batteries (four square sides, plated railroad iron, armed like last two named vessels, but armament not all in); ram Tennessee (screw propeller, 11 knots, three thicknesses slab-iron, 9-inch oak, 14 of pine, armament to be two 10-inch columbiads on larboard and star- board; one large Brooke gun in bow on pivot, three ports and one in stern; very forniidable craft afloat, and to take in armament ontside the bar). No heavy guns mounted on north and few on west side of the city in the fortifications; eight batteries heavy artillery line the harbor entrance; a new fort being erected at Grants Pass, under cover of gun-boats; shells of the fleet pass over Fort Morgan. Steam tug Boston to go on piratical cruise (one 3-inch Parrott and one 12-pounder howitzer). In case of attack re-enforcements to come down Mobile and Ohio Railroad from Enterprise and Meridian; at former place 3,000 paroled prisoners, Frenchs division having gone to Georgia four weeks ago; at latter point decimated Missouri bri- gade, captured [at] Yicksburg. Polks command consists of Lor- ings corps, in winter quarters at Canton, and Jacksons division of cavalry, out toward Big Black Page 13 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 13 On 24th one brigade of cavalry started to march toward Grenada. Same day cavalry at Panola marched northward. Railroad bridge over Pearl River being reconstrncted ;trains on Meridian road run to Brandon and the river; on Mississippi Central, Grenada to 12 miles of Jackson. Bridge over Yallabusha not being rebnilt, and one locomotive north running between Panola and Grenada. Force nnder Polk probably be sent to Georgia; infantry, estimated, 5,000; Hardees effective, 32,000; Johnston to assnme command. Three or four light batteries, breech-loading 3-pounders, to fire incendiary shell, to operate along river abont Austin. Steam-boat burners under J. W. Tucker, Mobile; agents all over the river; principal disbursing agent, Major Pleasants, at Senatobia. Drafts and checks to pay-agents paid in Memphis and Saint Louis. At latter point man named Hedenb erg, in Homeyers commission house, concerned somehow. Informer, an old dealer named Prescott, went out Christ- mas week to Elams, 12 miles on Holly Ford road, probably on this business. Parties concerned frequently come near the lines of Mem- phis and retnrn sonth. Cotton brought into Memphis to raise funds for secret agents. Gaines one of the bnrners, and probably London. Forrest to be maintained north of Memphis and Charleston Railroad, if possible; if not, to operate on Mississippi River below. Head- quarters Chalmers brigade always to be Oxford; Fergnsons, Verona or Okolona. A regiment for picket kept at Coldwater depot and crossing. Detached commands and new organizations to form at Panola. Kentncky Faulkner has 1,200 men (three regiments), one- third only armed and eqnipped. Forrests force, fairly estimated, 3,000, inclusive of Fanlkner. Logans cavalry, of Jacksons division, to operate on the New Orleans and Jackson Railroad. A large side- wheeler, the Nashville, at Mobile; bas engines in and is being plated; wheels protected by compressed cotton; will be the finest of the fleet when completed. MEMPHIS, January 2, 1864. Maj. Geii. W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Army and Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: You will before this reaches you have received my corps returns. I am wholly at a loss to know where to obtain the infantry force which you require. Forrest, having crossed from West Tennessee into Mississippi, has effected a junction with Chal- mers and now lies along the Tallahatchie with about 6,000 mei. With this force lying in my front and threatening a movement either on the city or the railroad, I can scarcely reduce the force while I am condemned to keeping up the road. My cavalry is wearing out from hard service and 1 cannot procure a remount, although the estimates were sent on in October. I have 1,800 men dismounted. I have not heard a word from A. J. Smith, and do not know where he is since December 21. He should have moved his cavalry down here, scattering the bands of guerrillas above. A regiment or two of infantry can be taken from Columbus, the Fifty-second Indiana from Fort Pillow and the balance drawn from the railroad. I in- close you a copy of the telegram ~ from W. Sooy Smith and my reply. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, ]JiEajor- General. * Not found Page 14 14 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. XLIV. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenri., January 2, 1864. Brig. G~n. W. SOGY SMITH, Chief of Gavalr~y, Columbia, Tenn.: Forrest has been driven from West Tennessee and is now near Panola with about 5,000 men. My cavalry is short about 1,800 horses, drawn for three months since, but never forwarded. This cripples me exceedingly. My whole cavalry command is wearing down and I cannot get a remount. Sherman will be here on the 6th and wants me to give him infantry to the extent of 4,000 men. If he draws these away I must keep the cavalry. Your column should move on Okolona and thence west, to be joined by such force as I can send, clearing my front. Lorings division is at Canton, say 6,000 strong. Frenchs division, at Meridian, has nearly all gone to Georgia. I wish you would consult with General Sherman before you move. I do not know what he may require. I have not heard from A. J. Smith or his troops since December 21. The enemys total of cavalry north of Jackson is about 9,000; the bulk of them south of me at present. S. A. HURLBUT, Major~ General. LA GRANGE, TENN., January 2, 1864. General GRIERSON: Three conscripts who escaped from Forrest left him camped 3 miles south of Buck Snort on night of 30th. Forrest crossed at Panola next day. Chalmers joined him near Wash. Taylors, and all left there at 10 a. m. on 29th. Forrest, after crossing Hatchie in night of 24th, remained all day Christmas at John Millers, north of Somerville. He camped near Oakland night of 26th, and left there 1 a. m. 27th, not halting till 2 p. m. 28th at Taylors. They had 30 wagons, 150 beef-cattle, and about 600 conscripts unarmed. He was going to Okolona. No troops or beef battle left north of railroad. J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 2, 1864. General GRIERSON: Patrol, just in by way of Quinn and Jacksons Mill, Olive Branch, Centre Hill, and Forest Hill, reports that nothing could be heard of the enemy except that it was the report that Forrest had crossed the Tallahatchie River and was still going south. D. E. COON Major Second Iowa Cavalry, c1ommanding Page 15 CnAx~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 15 LA GRANGE, TENN., January 2, 1864. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General: Tri-monthly was made out and sent to Memphis on 28th ultimo. Monthly will be sent as soon as possible. First Alabama Cavalry left for Corinth by rail at 2 p. m. Transportation will be required for our wagons and garrison equipage in the morning. Can tents be provided for Seventh Kansas? J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding. LA GRANGE, TENN., January 2, 1864. General GRIERsoN: Quite a number of my men have been frost-bitten and are suffer- ing from the intense cold. The Seventh Kansas Cavalry are with- out a singl& tent and have been unable to get any. Until the weather moderates, I must at least have all the dismounted men and sick in their quarters at Corinth, quartering the others the best I can until tents can be furnished. The change will be attended with great difficulties at the present time. J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. GRAND JUNCTION, TENN., January 2, 1864. General GRIERSON: I was at depot at Collierville on arrival of train yesterday, ready. I left at 5 p. m. last night and have just arrived with my infantry. The battery will be here this p. m. J. H. HOWE, Colonel, Commanding. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 2, 1864. Major COON, Send a good battalion of the Second Iowa Cavalry with camp equipage in wagons, to start early in the morning for this place. Send the rest of the regiment as soon after as possible by road; the camp equipage to be sent by rail. You had best come in by rail to- day and select a camp. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. General TUTTLE, MEMPHIS, TENN., January 2, 1864. La Grange: Has Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton, with detachment of Seventh Illi- nois Cavalry, returned from Hudsonville? Please ascertain. I have telegraphed Colonel Prince, but have received no answer. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General Page 16 16 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE OUMBERLANJ~, No. 2. Chattanooga, Teun., January 2, 1864. The following regulations for the organization of the ambulance corps and the management of the ambulance trains are published for the government of all concerned: 1. The ambulance corps for an army corps shall consist of a cap- tain as commandant, one first lieutenant for each division, one sec- ond lieutenant and two sergeants for each brigade, two privates and one driver to each anibulance, and one driver to each medicine and each army wagon. 2. The allowance of ambulances and wagons will be apportioned as follows: Two ambulances to each regiment of cavalry, infantry, and each brigade, of artillery reserve; two ambulances to the head- quarters of each army corps, and one to each division and brigade headquarters, to remain permanently attached; two army wagons to each division, to be used for the transportation of forage, tools, and materials for repairs to ambulance train; one medicine wagon and two army wagons for transporting medical stores, camp and garrison equipage to brigade headquarters for the brigade hospital. 3. The captain, under the immediate direction of the medical director of the army corps to which the ambulance corps belongs, will be the commander of the ambulance corps and trains. He will be responsible that the ambulances, wagons, horses, harness, & c., are at all times in readiness for service; that the officers and men are properly instructed and attentive to their duties; that the water vessels are kept clean and filled with fresh water, and that the am- bulances are not used for any other purpose than that for which they are designed. He will institute a drill in his corps to instruct his men in the proper service of the stretchers, and see that in all cases his men treat the sick and wounded with care and gentleness. Previous to a march he will receive from the medical director of the army corps his orders for the distribution of the ambulances, and for the disposition of the sick and wounded. He will give his 1?er- sonal attention to the removal of the wounded from the field in time of action, going from place to place to ascertain what may be wanted, and to see that his subordinates (for whose conduct he will be re- sponsible) attend faithfully to their duties. He will cause to be placed at suitable points guide-boards, to indicate the routes to the various hospitals, and will see that the ambulances reach their desti- nation. After every battle he will make a report in detail of the op- erations of his corps to the medical director of the army corps, who will transmit a copy, with such remarks as he may deem proper, to the medical director of this army. He will give his personal atten- tion to the removal of sick when they are sent to the general hospital or to other points. He will make a personal inspection, at least once a month, of everything pertaining to the ambulance corps, a report of which will be made to the medical director of the corps, who will transmit a copy to the medical director of this army. This minute and carefnl inspection will not supersede the constant supervision which he must exercise at all times over his corps. He will also make a weekly report, according to the prescribed form, to the same officer, who will forward a copy to the medical director of this army. 4. The first lieutenant, under the captain and the medical director of the army corps, will have complete control over the ambulance corps and train of a division. He will be the acting assistant quarterma Page 17 CHAP. XLIV.} CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 17 ter for that portion of the ambulance corps, and will receipt and be responsible for all the property belonging to it. He will have a carpenter, a blacksmith, and a saddler under his control to keep his train in order, and to perform such service as may be required of them at the division field hospital. He will also be provided with a traveling forge. His supplies will be drawn from the nearest depot quartermaster, upon reqnisitions approved by the captain of his corps and the commander of the army corps to which he is at- tached. He will exercise a constant supervision over his train, keep- ing it all times ready for service, and especially before a battle will be careful that everything is in order. He will make reports, upon the forms prescribed, to the captain of the corps every Saturday morning. 5. The second lieutenant will have command of the portion of the ambulance corps for a brigade. The requirements as to care and supervision prescribed for the first lieutenant are equally demanded of him in that portion under his command. 6. The sergeant will conduct the drills, inspections, & c., under the orders and supervision of the commander of the ambulances for a brigade, will enforce the orders he may receive from his superior officers, and will see that the men are attentive to their duties. 7. This corps will be designated, for sergeants, by a green band 1 inches broad, around the cap, and chevrons of the same material, with the point toward the shoulder, on each arm above the elbow; for privates, by a band the same as for sergeants, around the cap, and a half chevron, of the same material, on each arm above the elbow. The officers and non-commissioned officers will be mounted, the latter armed with revolvers. 8. When on the march one medical officer and one hospital stew- ard will be detailed daily, according to roster, by the brigade sur- geon, to accompany the ambulances for a brigade, whose duties will be to attend to the sick and wounded. Men will not be permitted by company officers to fall to the rear to ride in the ambulances, un less they have written permission from a medical officer of their regi- ment. These orders will be preserved by the medical officer accom- panying the train, and at the close of the march be transmitted, with such remarks as he may deem necessary, to the brigade surgeon. These remarks will indicate whether the permission to ride in the ambulances was given for proper cause. No man who is sick or wounded will be denied admission to the ambulances, although he may not have the required permission; the surgeon of the regiment who has neglected to give the permission will be reported at the close of the march by the surgeon with the train to the brigade sum geon. When on a march one-half of the privates will accompany, on foot, the ambulances to which they belong, to render such assist- ance as may be necessary; the remainder will march in the rear of their respective commands, to conduct to the ambulances such men as may be incapable of taking care of themselves. When the case is of a serious nature, the surgeon of the regiment or his assistant will remain with the man until he can be placed in an ambulance, At all other times the privates will be with their respective trains. The medicine wagons will follow in their p roper places, in the rear of the ambulances for a brigade. Upon ordinary marches the ambulances and wagons will follow immediately in the rear of the brigade to which they are assigned, but when a battle ia imminent, in the rear 2 J~ WYQ]~ ~X2~II~ PT L Page 18 18 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. of the division. Officers connected with the corps mnst be with the train on the march, observing that no one rides in any of the ambu- lances except by the authority of the medical officer, and affording every necessary facility for taking care of the sick and wounded. 9. When the brigades composin~ a division are encamped near each other, the ambulance train wil be parked at division headquar- ters, bnt otherwise at brigade headqnarters. Roll-calls will be held at reveille, retreat, and tattoo, and stable duty at hours fixed by the captain of the corps, at which at least one commissioned officer will be present. Dnring the honr of the stable dnty, while the drivers are in attendance npon their animals, the privates will be employed in putting the ambulances to which they belong in order, in filling the water kegs, and in general police duties. 10. When a regimental medical officer requires an ambulance for transporting sick and wounded, he will make requisition upon the commander of ambulances for his brigade, who will comply with the requisition. In all cases when ambulances are used, the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men belonging to them will accom- pany them; should one ambulance only be required, a non-commis- sioned officer or private placed in charge, as well as the men belong- ing to it, will accompany it. The non-commissioned officer or private in charge will report, on his return, to the commander of the brigade train, the use to which it was applied. The officers of the ambulance corps will see that ambulances are not used for any other purpose than that for which they are designed, viz, the transportation of sick and wounded. In urgent cases only can they be used for trans- porting medical supplies. All officers are expressly forbidden to use them for any other purpose. 11. When a brigade or division is unassigned to an army corps, it shall have an independent ambulance corps and train, arranged upon the same basis as herein prescribed for a brigade or division of an army corps, the details of officers and men to be made by the com- mander of the brigade or division, and the ambulances, wagons, & c., to be procured in the same way and subjected to the same rules and regulations as are laid down in this order. Regiments unas- signed to brigades, at military posts, will be allowed one ambulance. 12. Good, serviceable mules will be used for the ambulances and medicine wagons, and will not be taken for any other purpose, except by orders from these headquarters. 13. If, after the distribution of ambulances under this order, there be any remaining over, they will be turned in to the post quar- termaster. 14. No person, except the proper medical officers, or the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of this corps, will be per- mitted to take or to accompany sick and wounded to the rear, either on the march or on the field of battle. 15. No officers or men will be selected for this service except those who are active and efficient, and they will be detailed and relieved by corps commanders only, except in the case provided for in para- graph 11 of this order. 16. Commanders of corps, divisions, and brigades are charged with the execution of this order in so far as it relates to their~ respective commands. J3~y comuiand Qf lVEaj. Q~n, George H. Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE Page 19 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 19 STRAWBERRY PLAINS, TENN., January 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Send forward clothing for this command as fast as it arrives at Chattanooga. If you have clothing on hand that can possibly be spared, send it forward and dednct the same amonnt from that com-. ing forward for Foster. Troops here are in bad condition for cloth- ing, and before making much advance mnst be supplied. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Mossy Creek, January 3, 18649 a. m. General S. D. STURGIS, General Parkes Headquarters, Strawberry Plains: I have withdrawn McCook, forming line on east side of creek, with Foster on left picketing and patrolling road to Dyers Ford. Wol- ford covers month of Chucky road and to Hagoods Gap. We can hold the above line against a greater force than was against ns on 29th. I know of no better line east of the hills, about 1 or 2 miles west of New Market. No indications of an advance by the enemy. Where is onr infan- try force? W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier-General, Commanding. JANUARY 3, 1864. Major-General SHERIDAN, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: General Granger did nat go to Knoxville. He is at Strawberry Plains, and will meet General Grant there to-day. In haste. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. FULLERTON, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. General CROOK, COLUMBIA, TENN., January 3, 1864. Commanding Second Cavalry Division, Pulaski: General Logan relieved your troops at Huntsville several days ago. WM. SOOY SMITH, Chief of Cavalry. COLUMBIA, TENN., January 3, 1864. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Mound City, Ill.: A portion of my command should have reached Savannah yester- day. A brigade leaves here to-day, and will reach Savannah day after to-morrow. Please let your boats be held there to ferry us ovpr upon our ~rj~ival, WM. SOOY SMITH, Bri~~a4~r~ Gen~eral~ cihief of G1avalr~ Page 20 20 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. COLUMBIA, TENN., January 3, 1864. Captain HUDSON, Aide to General Grant, Paducah,~ Ky.: A portion of the command should have reached Savannah yester- day. It will be arriving for two or three days. Have ammunition and supplies gone up? WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. COLUMBIA, TENN., January 3, 1864. Captain RAY, Aide-de-Camp, Nashville: I leave for Savannah this morning. Take care of my horse that I send by escort this morning. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. COLUMBIA, TENN., January 3, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT, C~ornmanding Sixteenth Army C~orps, Memp his: Part of the cavalry on this side of the river was due at Savannah yesterday. Remainder starts to-day from this point and Pulaski. If too late to operate in West Tennessee we can aid you in Missis~ sippi. Please communicate with me at Savannah by a scout from Corinth immediately. WM. SOGY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Division of the Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Vicksburg, Miss., January 3, 1864. Brigadier-General IELLET, Commanding Fleet: GENERAL: You will immediately come up with your command and cruise between Millikens Bend and a short distance above Green- ville, to keep the river clear of guerrillas, and extend what protec- tion you can to plantations along the bank. It has for certain purposes been found necessary to break up and remove the posts at Millikens Bend and Goodrichs Landing, and Skipwiths, and the plantation lessees feel that they are left with- out any protection. You will reassure them as much as possible, and not let them become stampeded unnecessarily. Very respectfully, your o~Qdient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General Page 21 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIO~T. 21 COLUMBIA, TENN.. January 3, 1864. General CROOK, Commanding Second Cavalry Division, Pulaski: The news from West Teniiessee indicates that Forrest has escaped into Mississippi. I have delayed my departnre, hoping to receive defi- nite intelligence. I start now for Savannah. For fear no rations have gone up the river for us, send 4,000 rations if you can, under escort of one good regiment of cavalry, to Savannah. We have no wagons here, or I would take the rations with us. Continue to collect and fit up your command. I will not order you across the Tennessee unless I see an opportunity to strike an effective blow; but hold yourself in readiness. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIvISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Teun., January 3, 1864. Col. EDWARD PRINCE, 6~ommanding Seventh Illinois Cavalry: COLONEL: You will organize a force of 300 men of your command, with five days light rations and a full supply of ammunition, to start at daylight on the morning of January 4, and proceed to Somer- ville, Tenn.; thence scour the country south of the Hatchie with a view of destroying or capturing any armed force which may be in that country. You will give some attention to the country between the Loosahatchie River and the railroad. You will subsist your command on the country as far as is necessary, giving receipts for anything which may be taken. Blanks for this purpose are here- with inclosed, and they will be indorsed not transferable. You will report your whereabouts and progress from time to time by courier to the nearest telegraph station, thence by telegraph to these head- quarters. By order of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Mossy Creek, January 4, 1864. General FOSTER: On yesterday a week ago about 100 wagons passed from near War.. rensburg in the direction of Warm Springs, accompanied by about a bi~igade of infantry. About same time a good many passed toward Warm Springs from mouth of Nola Chucky. I have ordered Colonel Palmer with his command to cross the French Broad, and go up that stream as far as may be necessary to gain further information as to the movements of the enemy and his wagon trains. S. STTJRGIS Page 22 22 KY., SW. VA., TEKN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Blains Cross-Roads, January 4, 1864. Brigadier-General SPEARS, Commanding, Buffalo Creek, East Tennessee: GENERAL: You will cross your command over to the south side of the Holston River as soon as possible, join General Sturgis, and await further orders from department or these headquarters. You will send to Hawkins Ford all the available flat-boats not required for crossing your own troops as promptly as possible, to report to Major-General Sheridan. Report at once what facilities you have for crossing the river, at what time you will be ready to commence the movement, and about how long a time it will take you to get over. It is important that all our movements should be made with se- crecy and dispatch, and that you should have a good supply of ammu- nition and rations on hand for every emergency. In case you should not be able to cross the river readily in your present vicinity it may be deemed expedient to order you to one of the ferries below, at or near this point. Report soon the means of crossing, the time required, & c., between Hawkins Ford and your camp, so that all necessary instructions may be given with the least possible delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. GRANGER, Major- General, Commanding. NASHvILLE, January 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General: Some days ago three steamers arrived with subsistence stores from Cincinnati for Carthage, under the orders of General Grant. I tel- egraphed for a naval gun-boat to convoy, and it was sent me. Two of the steamers went to Carthage and delivered their cargoes; the other steamer is here and two more to arrive, and I want to know what to do with them. I see no use in sending them to Carthage, as there are only 400 men there. Two steamers have also reported from Cincinnati with subsistence for Big South Fork of the Cum- berland. Shall I send them forward also? Are these supplies for General Fosters command? I wait your answer. J. L. DONALDSON. SAVANNAH, TENN., January 4, 1864. Captain RAY, Aide-de-Camp, Nashville: Telegraph General Grant in my name as follows: Forrest having escaped into Mississippi, I am crossing but about 2,000 men from this side the Tennessee, leaving Crooks division to fit up and prepare for the spring campaign. The force I take over, united to the cavalry of West Tennessee, will be ample. I expect to reach Corinth to-morrow. I have 32 guerrilla prisoners. WM. SOGY SMITH, Brigadier- General Page 23 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. 23 JANUARY 4, 1864. Brigadier-General CROOK, Commanding Second Cavalry Division, Pnlask3i: I cannot determine definitely what to do with you until I can com- municate with the forces in West Tennessee. I will inform you as soon as possible. Meanwhile, act as if you were going to join me. I appreciate your desire to prepare for the spring campaign. Make yourselves as comfortable as you can where you are, even if you do not remain. WM. SOGY SMITH, Brigadier-General. CAMP NEAR MOUNT PLEASANT, Colonel DEWEESE, January 4, 1864. Nashville: Yes; send the detachment as soon as you can mount and equip it. Telegraph General Crook at Pulaski. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Scottsborough, Ala., January 4, 1864. Lieut. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Div. of the Miss., Chattanooga: COLONEL: Finding it necessary to send an officer for rolls, blanks, & c., I have concluded to send my chief of staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond, who has been over the country a good deal and knows .how affairs stand in the command and along the line of railroad. The road is in good condition to Flint River, where the bridge is approaching completion, and will then be good to Huntsville; from that point to Decatur four bridges must be built (see inclosed dis- patch* from Colonel Alexander, commanding brigade at Huntsville). An engineer regiment can do this work with more economy and ex- pedition than by any other mode. The First Regiment Michigan Engineers are now at Bridgeport. The country roads are not in a condition to be used, and our mules are weak, so that wagons cannot do much. Some forage still remains in the country, and this we are bringing in as fast as circumstances will permit. It is, however, in limited quantities in this neighborhood, having been gathered from Stevenson, and, even if we get all, will be insufficient; farther west it is reported more abundant. I could get along very well if the railroad was managed with decency or good will. As things now are the road is almost a hinderance, because I cannot depend on it; two days sometimes pass without a train, and they are often five hours from Stevenson to this place. There is only one locomotive; we should have two by all means; we should also have double the number of cars now in use, but with what there are they could do four times as much if they tried. A few days since a conductor remained at Larkinsville (as reported to me by General J. E. Smith) over twelve * See p. 11 Page 24 24 KY~, 5W~ VA., TEN N., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. hours, without any reason whatever, and everything at a stand-still here, and General Morgan L. Smiths division three days without rations, which had to be pushed up by hand, 6 miles, on a terribly cold night. Last night another conductor absolutely refused to take the rations and forage to Bellefonte, although he had only three empty cars on. The provost guard attempted to compel him to take them, for the men are suffering, but he outran the guard and escaped with the empty cars, leaving the rations on the track. This is a sample of the constant and injurious annoyances to which the command is subjected; each day they are repeated. My quarter- master can never get satisfaction, and sometimes not even an answer to his requests; indeed, the railroad men appear to do all in their power to embarrass. In order to make this line useful they should be compelled to run regularly, or the road should be put under military control. To sum up, the railroad would be of little use were it not that we are able to push cars on the track by hand. I am willing to do anything I can to assist the railroad people if they will let me know what they re- quire. So far they have never called on me for anything. Most of the stock has been driven out of the country. The mounted infantry stationed here secured about 500 animals. They are small and in poor condition, but can be made useful by feeding and care. Provisions cannot be had in large quantities; we can get a small supply, and as we approach Huntsville I am assured that both corn and meat can be obtained from the country. A great deal has already been taken away by the different commanders that have been through, and mainly we must depend on the railroad. The health of the corps is excellent and the men in good spirits. They have been well sup- plied with clothes, shoes, & c. Enlisting in the Veteran Corps progresses favorably, very. The bad weather at this time, and the irregularity of supplies, with the uncertainty about furloughs, no doubt exerted a bad influence. Much inconvenience has also arisen from the entire absence of rolls, blanks, & c., but if Congress makes further arrangements for re-enlisting, I think many more will come in. General Shermans headquarters are now at Huntsville, and I in- tend moving there as soon as the bridge over Flint River is com- pleted. I will then move General M. L. Smith to Larkinsville, the country being better supplied as we go from Stevenson. When this command has passed through, General Grant need have no fears of a rebel army following, unless on empty stomachs. Very respectfully, JOHN A. LOGAN, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Cairo, Ill., Januar~q 4, 1864. (Received War Department, 10.10 p. in.) Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, CYomdg. Mit. Div. of the Miss., Nashville, Ten~n.: Arrived last night. Mississippi above frozen over, but Ohio full and river below in good order. Railroad trains running very irreg- ular, from the late intense cold weather. Have seen Admiral Porter. Boats navigating the Mississippi have not been disturbed of late, an Page 25 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 25 no apprehensions need be felt on that score. Red River and Yazoo too low to admit of the expeditions to Shreveport and Grenada, but the season is otherwise favorable. I am satisfied we have troops enough to take Shreveport if we can get up Red River, which the admiral thinks impossible. I will inspect Paducah to-morrow, Columbus next day, then to Memphis. I will make preparations to strike inland when the blow will be most effectual. There is no doubt the whole case would be simplified if you had the command of all the Mississippi Valley below Cairo. I think if you were to name the subject to General Halleck that he would order it, for its pro- priety is better known to him than any other. Admiral Porters command extends to below New Orleans, and ours should also. All is reported well and quiet below. Should you see cause to call for me at Huntsville or Stevenson, a dispatch sent to me via Cairo would bring me as soon as steamer could carry me. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. (Copy sent to Major-General Halleck.) LA GRANGE, TENN., January 4, 1864. Captain WOODWARD, Assistant A6~jutant-General, Cavalry Division: SIR: I had sent Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton at daylight and was awaiting orders with one company. Have dispatched Colonel Trafton to return. The traveling is awful and our horses not well shod; would not have been able to command over 220 men; are shoeing as fast as possible. Respectfully, EDWARD PRINCE, Colonel Seventh illinois Cavalry. MEMPHIS, TENN., Colonel PRINCE, January 4, 1864. Commanding Seventh illinois Cavalry: If the traveling is too severe upon horses, return and await further orders. Answer by telegraph. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. COLLIERvILLE, TENN., January 4, 1864. General GRIERSON: The following~ from Germantown: The scout sent out has returned; saw no enemy nor could hear of any in that direction. CHARLES W. WHITSIT, Major, eommanding Sixth illinois Cavalry. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 26 26 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS.,~ ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HDQRS. FOURTH BRIG., FIFTH DIv., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 4, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Twenty-first Regiment Missouri Infantry: SIR: Hold your command in readiness to move at a moments notice. Every officer and man must be kept at liis post. By command af Col. David Moore, commanding brigade: JAMES B. COMSTOCK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. ROOMS WESTERN SANITARY CoMMISsION, Saint Louis, January 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: SIR: We have found the building occupied by us as a soldiers home at Memphis so far from the river (being a mile or more back of the city) that it is a great inconvenience and drawback to the use- fulness of the institution. The building known as the Union Hos- pital, as we learn from our superintendent, has been vacated, and being near the river and centrally located is admirably adapted for our home, being already furnished with many fixtures that would be useful to such an institution. Mr. 0. E. Waters, our superintend- ent, has not been able to procure an order for it to be turned over to him from the authorities in charge of the property at Memphis, probably from an unwillingness on their part to take the responsi- bility: After consultation with Rev. Dr. Elliot (Mr. Yeatman hav- ing gone to Vicksburg), I respectfully solicit an order from you to the officers in charge of this property, lately occupied as the Union Hospital, Memphis, Teun., to turn the same over to the Western Sanitary Commission for a soldiers home, with such fixtures and furniture as are riot needed for Government or hospital purposes elsewhere, taking the receipt of their agent for the same. I take the liberty of adding that we regard our soldiers homes as doing a most useful and excellent work,~and that we take pains to have them only temporary stopping-places for the soldiers in passing to and from duty, but at the same time saving them from imposition and expense. Nearly 100,000 have had meals and lodgings in them since they were established. With great respect, J. G. FORMAN, Secretary. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 4. Knoxville, Tenn., January 4, 1864. * * * * * * * XVI. Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, commanding Forces in the Field, will, after the 6th instant, out of each brigade furlough one regi- ment re-enlisting as veteran volunteers, authorizing the several corps commanders to regulate the disposition of the regimental property and men not re-enlisting, and the dPetails of the march. He will report his action herein to these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General Page 27 OHM. XLIVI CORRESPONDENCE~ ETO,UNION. 27 CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Mossy Creek, Tenn., January 4, 1864. The general commanding regrets to say that he is forced to listen hourly to the complaints of loyal citizens of the cruel treatment they receive at the hands of many of the troops of this command. Soldiers, it appears, are permitted to wander away from their camps alone or in squads, with no intent but to plunder and rob helpless families, whose male members are bearing arms in the cause of their country. Soldiers whose feelings are so blunted to all the finer feel- ings of humanity are a disgrace to the organization to which they belong, and must be punished to the full extent of the law. It is, therefore, ordered: Hereafter, any soldier found 1 niile from his camp without a pass in writing from the commander of his brigade, and not on duty, will be arrested and brought to these head- quarters, in order that proceedings may be entered against him according to law. While it is the duty of all officers to arrest offenders against law or published orders, the commanders of regi- ments will be held especially responsible for the conduct of their men in disregarding theni. By order of a ier-General Sturgis: W. C. RAWOLLE, Captain, A. D. C., Act. Asst. Adjt. Gen. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 2. Memphis, Teun., January 4, 1864. I. The Third Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, having been transferred to the Sixteenth Army Corps by Special Orders, No. 25, dated headquarters Department and Army of the Tennessee, Bridge- port, Ala., December 20, 1863, will be known and designated as the First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Near Maynardville, Teun., January 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, C1ommanding Department of the Ohio: GENERAL: In conjunction with your move against Longstreet, when it is made, I think it will be advisable to send a cavalry expedi- tion against Abingdon and Saltville. Such an expedition should fit up at some place in Southeast Kentucky, and be prepared to start so as to co-operate with you, moving by the roads north of and near to the. Virginia line. The Tennessee troops now organizing in Kentucky I think will be sufficient for this move. They could fur- nish you more assistance in this way than if directly with you. Kautz will be a most excellent officer to intrust this expedition to, and if selected had better begin at once organizing it. I find that Willcox has six batteries of artillery, besides the capt- ured pieces at Cumberland Gap. To move this a large number o Page 28 28 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. additional horses will be required. If horses are brought here at this season of the year, with the present scanty supply of forage, exposed in the open air, with the very little attention they can re- ceive whilst they and the men are in such a comfortless condition, they would be mostly unfit for service by the time the roads are good in the spring. Under all the circumstances I think it advisable to get all the guns you can dispense with this winter into fortifications, and send the horses where they can be fed and recruited by spring. By selecting the best horses for the batteries you determine to keep in the field, enough might be got for any present movement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS, Tazewell, January 5, 1864. Colonel LEMERT: Having ordered a captain and. 50 men this morning to scout on Clinch River, I just learn that a force of cavalry and infantry has crossed the Clinch River and advances against us. I have also sent a scouting party toward Mulberry Gap in different directions, and doubled all my pickets. It appears to me that a regular plan has been laid out, and that it is the intention of the enemy to attack Tazewell by force from a northern direction, and to draw my atten- tion by a small force south toward Clinch River. I am, however, prepared and shall give them a warm reception. Lieutenant-Col- onel Matson has not returned yet, and I am afraid my courier has not reached him. Your dispatch to Colonel Bowman has been forwarded imme- diately, but I am afraid that it will not reach him safe. Most all the cavalry having been sent out on picket and scouting, I am at present unable to fill your detail as ordered, but shall do so as soon as Lieutenant-Colonel Matson with his command returns. THIELEMANN, Colonel, Commanding Po8t. Mossy CREEK, TENN., January 5, 1864. Col. 0. H. LA GRANGE, Gommanding Second Rrigade: The colonel commanding directs that you have part of your com- maud in readiness to forthwith proceed on an expedition to capture a detachment of 100 rebels at Lawrences Mill, 4 miles from this place. * * * * * * * I am, colonel, respectfully, your most obedient servant, JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 29 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 29 HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Blains Gross-Roads, January 5. 18646.40 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN: GENERAL: General Grant passed here this afternoon, on his way to Kentucky. From all that I could learn, we are to move camp to somewhere on the railroad between Strawberry Plains and Knox- ville. You will therefore suspend all movements for crossing the river. I will be glad to have you meet me at Strawberry Plains at 11 a. m. to-morrow. * * * * * * * Truly, & c., G. GRANGER. KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. P. CARTER: SIR: I have the honor herewith to report a series of outrages com- mitted by the rebels in Cocke County: There is a company of cavalry under a Captain Rumbough, num- bering about 1100 men. They seem not to be subject to any command, calling themselves freebooters, and are continually scouring the country, robbing loyal citizens of their horses, cattle, grain, clothing, bedding, and every other species of household furniture. In a num- ber of instances they have set fire to the dwellings of Union men to force them to tell where their money was, to force them to deliver it; failing in this, they have taken them to trees and hanged them. At another time they laid violent hands on a Mr. Kelley, minister in the M. E. Church, and after severing his ears from his head, beat him to death with their guns. They afterward arrested Robert Cody, and drove him some 300 or 400 yards from his house, and, refus- ing to let him pray, shot him down. On last Wednesday, finding 2 paroled prisoners from the Federal army (John Benner and Christopher Blazer, Eighth Tennessee In- fantry), shot them down and left them in the woods. The day fol- lowing they went to the house of David Hamed, who has 2 sons in the Federal army, and robbed him of every bushel of corn, every piece of meat, every horse, cow, hog, and sheep; also stripped him of his own clothing, robbed his house of all manner of furniture, and then outraged his daughters in his presence. Passing on to his daughter who was sick upon her bed, with an infant four hours Qld, they stripped the covering off her, and left her exposed until she died. The above is only a shadow of their real conduct, and under it all the people of Cocke County are stern and defiant, holding true faith and allegiance to the United States. Longstreets headquarters are about Russellville. His wagon trains are continually passing to and fro through the county gather- ing every particle of provision and forage. The guard is gener- ally infantry and not numbering over 100 men. They seem much demoralized, being half-clad and always hungry. They say Long- street is going into winter quarters and has not over 25,000 men. There is no force of aiiy consequence between Cocke County and North Carolina. Above statement is made by Rev. Henry M. Sneed, of Parrott~s- ville, Coeko County, Tenn Page 30 30 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. C-A. [Ciup. XLIV. [Inclosure.] OFFICE OF PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL OF EAST TENN., Knoxville, Tenn., January 5, 1864. Rev. Mr. Sneed, further questioned, says he knows of no ford or ferry above Dandridge, until you get to Newport. At that place there is a good ferry and ford, which is easily passed by cavalry; a good bottom of small rocks; the banks are very good; it is as good a ford as he knows of in the country; only one boat there, and that a large and good one. Seven miles above Newport, at Ste p hen Houghs, there is another good ford. No ferry-boat there. ~The road that crosses the ford intersects the Warm Springs road, leading into North Carolina. The bottom of the ford equally as good as that of ford at Newport. The banks at ford are graded, and very good. The road leading from Newport and Parrottsville in the direction of North Carolina is very good. Five hundred cavalry can at any time capture all the rebel force in Cocke County, and also a train of about 100 wagons, which is moving about in the county, collecting supplies. The rebel force in the county consists of about 100 cavalry, which is mainly employed in holding nightly carousals in Newport, under the guidance of one Rumbough, and about 100 infantry. Some of Longstreets men strag- gling through the country, pillaging and nominally acting as a guard of the wagon train. The train is drawn by mules, which are in bad condition. There are not to exceed 600 rebels between Cocke County and Ashe- ville, N. C. They are partly infantry and partly cavalry, and are under Brigadier-General Vance, and stationed at Marshall, N. C. They refuse to enter Tennessee, being a sort of home guard. Mr. Sneeds information is that the bridges are completed over the Holston, at Union or Zollicoffer, and also over the Watauga, this side of there. General Alexander Smith and Esquire James Swaggerty, citizens of Cocke County, living 2 miles from Newport, are the instigators of outrages committed by the rebels in that county. S. P. CARTER, Brigadier-General, & c. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 5, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Kno yule, lAsnn.: Dispatch of 3d received. Orders have already been given to dis- patch clothing as fast as it arrives. If contractors can be relied on, the railroad will be completed to Chattanooga by the middle of next week. I can then put more boats on the river between here and Knoxville. Colon6l Donaldson telegraphs me that he has sent a large quantity of subsistence stores to Carthage for Foster, and is ready to send stores to the mouth of the Big South Fork. He asks orders; will you give theTn to him? GEO. H. THOMAS Yfo~jor- Generc~J, Conpnc~nding Page 31 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IYNION. 31 HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION,, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Col. CLARK R. WEVER, January 5, 1864. Commanding Second Brigade: COLONEL: After loading everything on the cars sent you which can possibly be dispensed with on the march, you will move forward with your brigade and Cogswells battery to-morrow morning at 8 oclock toward Huntsville. On arriving at Brownsborough you will select some suitable p lace in the immediate vicinity of that place and encamp until the balance ofthe division comes up. The chests from the caissons of the artillery can be put on the cars, and all the small-arm ammunition, except 40 rounds to a man, and all the artillery ammunition, except a few rounds in the limbers. A guard will be left with the stores in the cars, and will remain with them and go through on the cars with them. The conductor will receive orders from here about taking the cars on. By order of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith: M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjatant-General. BRIDGEPORT, Lieutenant-Colonel MORSE, January 5, 186412 m. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 12th Army Corps, Tullahoma: General Geary and staff have arrived. His troops are expected this p. in., and hope to get part of my command off to-night. A. L. McDOUGALL, Colonel, Commanding. TULLAHOMA, January 5, 18644.40 p. m. (Received 8 p. in.) t~enera] J. W. GEARY: Retain a large regiment at Bridgeport and send the balance of your command to Stevenson. H. W. SLOCUM, Alajor- General, Commanding. This message was left to be sent before his (Gearys) was received. OPERATOR, Tullahoma. BRIDGEPORT, Lient. Col. C. F. MORSE, January 5, 18644.45 p. m. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 12th Army Corps: I arrived here about two hours ago. My command will reach here to-night. I have received orders from General Thomas since my arrival to send but one regiment to Stevenson, that one not to be eligible for re-enlistment. I therefore designate the One hundred and forty-ninth New York for that place. That will leave three regiments and some fragments at this place. I will ~s~ume cQxirI4and to-morrow morning. JNO. W. GEARY, ~J3rigad4er-C#~re~erc~l Page 32 32 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. TULLAHOMA, January 5, 1864. (Received 9.05 p. in.) Brig. Gen. J. W. GEARY: Your dispatch just received. Dispose of your troops as directed by General Thomas. H. ~. SLOCUM, Major-General, Commanding Twelfth Corps. STEVENSON, January 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. SLOCuM: Your dispatch received. I will move as directed. WM. B. WOOSTER, Lieut. Col. Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Post. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, January 5, 1864. Lieut. H. W. PERKINS, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: CAPTAIN: I cannot think that it is absolutely necessary for us to live so completely from hand to mouth as we are now doin in this valley, so that every storm or other cause that intercepts t e re u- larity of the boats occasions an entire want of rations and forage. We have suffered particularly for want of forage. Horses and mules are dying. Having no hay, an interruption in the supply of corn and oats, even reducing us to half rations only, results in the death of the animals. Our forage is not so very little, but is delivered to us with such irregularity that we are often without any. Everything can be remedied by allowing us an accumulation of eight or ten days supply of both forage and rations. Very respectfully, ~. 0. HOWARD, Major- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, January 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Division: Steam-boats are here with subsistence for Big South Fork. Are these stores for General Foster, and shall I send them on? If so, I must get a gun-boat as convoy. Two steamers have discharged their freight at Carthage; they remain here to go up. Shall I send them also? There are only 400 men at Carthage, and they do not know why supplies are sent there J. L. DONALDSON. FRANKFORT, Ky., January 5, 1864. (Received 8.40 p. in.) PRESIDENT UNITED STATES: Major-General Foster has ordered all the organized. forces in Ken- tucky to Knoxville. This will take the forces raised und6r act of Congress for & fcuso of Kentucky and expose us to ruin Page 33 CHAI~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 33 The act reserved to you at once the power to remove these troops. It is due to us, to good faith, to honor, and to humanity that this order as to these troops be countermanded. THOS. E. BRAMLETTE, Governor of Kentucky. FRANKFORT, Ky., January 5, 1864. (Received 8.40 p. in.) SECRETARY OF WAR: On 23d December Major-General Foster ordered all the organized troops in Kentucky to be sent at once to Knoxville. This will take the forces organized under act of Congress for defense of Kentucky, and leave the State exposed to ruin by guerrillas. I wish to know if this order is to be enforced. Answer. THOS. E. BRAMLETTE, Governor of Kentucky. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRs. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 5. Scottsborough, Ala., January 5, 1864. * * * * * * * III. Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, commanding Second Division, will move on the morning of the 7th instant with his entire com- mand (excepting one regiment), with cam p and garrison equipage, to Larkinsville, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. IV. Upon arrival at Larkinsville, Brigadier-General Smith will take charge of all the saw and grist mills in the neighborhood and guard them and, as far as practicable, put them in running order for the use of the command. He is also hereby directed to examine Roseberg and Santa Creeks to know if the pontoons can be taken up either of said streams. The result of said examination will be reported at once to these headquarters. V. The regiment excepted in paragraph III will be left with five days rations, with instructions to guard the pontoon boats and the two bridges across Coon and Mud Creeks until relieved. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan: R. R. TOWNES, Assistant A~jutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFIcE, No. 14. Washington, January 6, 1864. By direction of the President of the United States, Maj. Gen. F. Steele, U. S. Volunteers, is placed in command of the Department of Arkansas, which will consist of the State of Arkansas, except Fort Smith. The troops of Major-General Steeles command will constitute the Seventh Army Corps, and will be subject to the orders of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant. J3y the order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Ac~jutant- General. ~3 R RNOL XXX1I, PT I Page 34 34 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MJSb., ALA., AND N. GA. [Cim~. XLIV. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 6, 1864. General E. E. POTTER: The following received: Mossy CREEK, January 6, 1864. General PARKE: The Georgia lieutenant was not disposed to answer questions. From privates I get the following: Georgia battalion cavalry, Giltuers brigade, Ransoms division, camped near Lawrences Mill. Buckners division, Bush. Jobusons command, at Russellville; Hoods division at Morristown. A prisoner from Hampton Legion, of McLaws division, was brought in a few days since; reports his division at Morristown. W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier-General, Commanding. JNO. G. PARKE, ]llcijor-General. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE Oiiio, Knoxville, Teun., January 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. PARKE, Gomdg. Forces in the Field: GENERAL: General Foster directs me to send you the following extracts from a letter received this morning from Joseph A. Cooper, colonel Sixth East Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, by General Carter, provost-marshal-general. The commanding general desires yon to have the matter investigated, and if fonnd true,, to take snch measnres as will prevent their recnrrence. The political antecedents of a rebel should not be considered, and if privileges are granted any one, it shonld be to those who show their devotion to the Union: Rebels here are treated better than Union men. The general commanding this brigade gives reb ls guards and protection papers, even before they have taken the oath, while when Union men call for guards they are referred to regimental com- manders, with the suggestion that if there are any barefooted or convalescent men that they be sent to guard such Union mans property until they become able for duty. The men are ordered and peremptorily required to guard rebels, when they are almost barefooted and very thinly clad, when no guard in a single instance has been furnished a Union man, although they have been repeatedly called for. In one instance a Union man applied for permission to have 2 bushels of corn ground for the use of his family, and was refused, arrested, and confined in the guard-house, and for aubht I know still remains there; while one Sam Smith, an arch traitor, got permission from him, and an order to that effect, to have 10 bushels ground. He is hunting up frivolous complaints against officers and seeking to have them arrested. He also tells old Democratic rebel citizens that if the country is ever saved it must be done by the old Democratic party. This is all known throughout the command, and is creating great dissatisfaction both among officers and men, and will, if persisted in, I fear, ruin the command. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Gainp. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 6, 18644 p. m. (Received 1.50 a. in., 7th.) Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Washington, D. C.: Your telegram of 12.45 p. m. this date received. Orders will be given General John C. Starkweather to report as ordered. * Major~ Generals Hooker, Rousseau, and Butterfield can be spared at this time fo~ a court-martial. GEO. H. THOMAS, ilfcijor- General, Commanding. * For ~Qlut-in~xtial duty Page 35 Cwu~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 35 HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPs, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HOWARD, Comdg. Eleventh Corps: I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge your letter of yesterday concerning the irregularity and deficiency of supplies for your corps, and to add that he desires to make it the subject of a communication to the headquarters of the department in order to prevent its recurrence, if practicable. But before doiiig this he would like to be furnished with specific data in regard to clothing, forage, and rations, including fresh beef. He would like to be informed what forage your animals have been deficient in within the last week or ten days, and also what failure there has been in furnishing rations, or parts of rations, to your men during the same time. Complaints have reached him in regard to beef. If there has been an omission in the supply of this part of the ration, the general desires that he may be informed, and also what steps were taken to obtain it, and the reasons given for not furnishing it. When these facts are properly laid before the general commanding tbe department, it is believed that no further apprehensions need be felt for a continuation from delinquency. The general fully coin- cides with you in the opinion that a supply for a few days should be kept constantly on hand. If otherwise, a steam-boat accident or an adverse wind may cause destitution and suffering. Very respectfully, H. W. PERKINS, Lieut., Aicle-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. PULASKI, January 6, 1864. Maj. R. M. SAWYER: One of our scouts has just arrived from Johnstons army; says it is at Dalton, and [reported] not to exceed 25,000 effective men. One brigade of Martins cavalry at Cave Springs. State militia at Rome, Coosaville, and Gadsden. All stores, hospitals, & c., that were at Rome have all been removed south. No fortifications near this army. Wheeler and Wharton have been ordered back from East Ten- nessee, and Roddey is guarding north bank of Tennessee from Flint River to Bear Creek. There is great desertion in Tennessee, North Alabama, and Mississippi troops. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVIsION, 15TH ARMY CORPS, January 6, 1864. Col. J. BANBURY, Comdg. Third Brigade: COLONEL: As one regiment of General Morgan L. Smiths division will arrive here thins p. in., the Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry can move with the rest of the command to-morrow morning. You will detail from your command 25 men, under a commis- sioned officer, for guard (luty, to remain with the stores on the cars and guard theni to their destination. By ordcv of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith: M. ROCHESTER, A~istaut Adiutctnt-Geueral Page 36 36 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., AlA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Gairo, Iii., January 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Mit. Div. of the Miss., Chattanooga, Teun.: I leave for Columbus and Memphis at 4 p. m. to-day. General W. S. Smith is supposed to be crossing the Tennessee to-day. I will aim to re-enforce him with cavalry, and with infantry occupy the attention of the enemy, so as to enable him to reach Meridian and, if possible, Selma. The Yazoo and Red Rivers are reported as too low to admit of navigation. There is no interruption to the boats on the Mississippi at this time. W. T SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Columbus, Ky., January 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, C~omdg. District of Columbus, Ky., Jackson, Tenn.: GENERAL: I am not well informed of your present position, and therefore cannot order you clearly and positively. I want to be pre- pared to embark all the infantry that can be spared from this district and to move all the cavalry to some point on the Charleston road about La Fayette or Collierville. The infantry could embark here or at Memphis. You will, therefore, order the cavalry to move in good order to some point on the Charleston road west of Grand Junction; to report to me by telegraph and letter, or General Hurl- but at Memphis, and you may move the infantry of your army in the field back to Columbus or to Memphis, as you prefer. Report immediately by the most practicable way the route by which you move and the time when your troops will reach the Mississippi River. There is no need of haste, but puuish the country well for permitting the guerrillas among them. Take freely the horses, mules, cattle, & c., of the hostile or indifferent inhabitants, and let them all understand that if from design or weakness they permit their country to be used by the public enemy they must bear the expense of the troops sent to expel them; also notify them that we will soon begin to banish all people who are deemed opposed to the re-establishment of civil order. I want your cavalry to feed high and have their horses in good order. This cold weather is hard on your men, and they should be allowed to use freely the houses and fuel of the country. The peo- ple must expect us to treat them as enemies, unless they assist us in our efforts to restore civil order. Jackson, Trenton, and Brownsville deserve no mercy at our hands, but in counties where the people have acted properly a broad distinction should be made. I attach no importance to oaths or opinions, bnt the people must be construed friends or enemies according to their general behavior. I want to hear from you about the 12th or 13th instant. I am, with respect, yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, G~omrnanding Page 37 CIIAP. XLTV.3 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNTON. 3~7 EXECUTIVE MANSION, Governor BRAMLETTE, Washington, January 6, 18642 p. m. Franl4ort. Ky.: Yours of yesterday received. Nothing is known here about Gen- eral Fosters order, of which you complain, beyond the fair pre- sumption that it comes from General Grant, and that it has an object which, if you understood, you would be loth to frustrate. True, these troops are, in strict law, only to be removed by my order; but General Grants judgment would be the highest incentive to me to make such order. Nor can 1 understand how doing so is bad faith and dishonor, nor yet how it so exposes Kentucky to ruin. Military men here do not perceive how it exposes Kentucky, and I am sure Grant would not permit it if it so appeared to him. A. LINCOLN. FRANKFORT, Ky., January 6, 1864. Major-General GRANT: General Boyle has been ordered, on 23d December, by Major- General Foster, to send all organized troops in Kentucky, except small garrison at depots, to Knoxville. This order takes the forces raised under special act for Kentucky defense, will expose the State to desolation by home rebels and guerrillas, kept down by their pres- ence, and will occasion the destruction of your southern communica- tions through Kentucky by guei~rillas. The twelve months troops were all raised under the act for State defense and to relieve other troops on that duty. T. E. BRAMLETTE, Governor. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRs. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 6. Chattanooga, Tenn., January 6, 1864. It having been reported to these headquarters that, between 7 and 8 oclock on the evening of the 23d ultimo, within ij miles of the village of Mulberry, Lincoln County, Tenn., a wagon which had be- come detached from a foraging train belonging to the United States was at tacked by guerrillas, and the officer in command of the forag- ing party, First Lieutenant Porter, Company A, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, the teamster, wagon-master, and two other soldiers who had been sent to load the train (the latter four un- armed), captured. They were immediately mounted and hurried off, the guerrillas avoiding the roads until their party was halted, about 1 oclock in the morning, on the bank of Elk River, where the rebels stated they were going into camp for the night. The hands of the prisoners were then tied behind them, and they were robbed of everything of value about their persons. They were next drawn up in line, about 5 paces in front of their captors, and one of the latter, who acted as leader, commanded, ready, and the whole party immediately fired upon them. One of the prisoners was shot through the head and killed instantly and three were wounded. Lieutenant Porter was not hit. He immediately ran, was followed and fired upon three times by one of the party, and, finding that he was abou Page 38 ~38 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. (~A~ [CHAP. XLIV. to be overtaken, threw himself over a precipice into the river, and succeeding in getting his hands loose, swam to the opposite side, and, although pursued to that side and several times fired upon, he, after twenty-four hours of extraordinary exertions and great exposure, reached a house, whence he was taken to Tullahoma, where he now lies in a critical situation. The others, after being shot, were im- mediately thrown into the river. Thns the murder of 3 men, New- ell E. Orcutt, Ninth Independent Battery Ohio Volunteer Artil- lery; John W. Drought, Company H, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteers, and George W. Jacobs, Company D, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteers, was accomplished by shooting and drowning. The fourth, James W. Foley, Ninth Independent Battery Ohio Volunteer Artillery, is now lying in hospital, having escaped by getting his hands free while in the water. For these atrocious and cold-blooded murders, equaling in sav- age ferocity any ever committed by the most barbarous tribes on the continent, committed by rebel citizens of Tennessee, it is ordered that the property of all other rebel citizens living within a circuit of 10 miles of the place where these men were captured be assessed, each in his due proportion, according to his wealth, to make up the sum of $30,000, to be divided among the families who were depend- ent upon the murdered men for support, as follows: Ten thousand dollars to be paid to the widow of John W. Drought, of North Cape, Racine County, Wis., for the support of herself and two children. Ten thousand dollars to be paid to the widow of George W. Ja- cobs, of Delavan, Walworth County, Wis., for the support of her- self and on& child. Ten thousand dollars to be divided between the aged mother and sister of Newell P. Orcutt, of Burton, Geauga County, Ohio. Should the persons assessed fail, within one week after notice shall have been served upon them, to pay in the amount of their tax in money, sufficient of their personal property shall be seized and sold at public auction to make up the amount. Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, U. S. Volunteers, commanding Twelfth Army Corps, is charged with the execution of this order. The men who committed these murders, if caught, will be sum- marily executed, and any persons executing them will be held guilt- less and will receive the protection of this army; and all persons who are suspected of having aided, abetted, or harbored these guer- rillas will be immediately arrested and tried by military commission. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjntant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 6. Knoxville, Tenn., Jannary 6, 1864. * * * * * * * II. Col. A. V. Kautz, Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, will proceed to Camp Nelson, Ky., and organize the regiments of East Tennessee mounted troops now at Camp Nelson and Camp Buruside. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjntant- General Page 39 tDHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 39 SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS GILBERTS BRIGADE No. 2. Memphis, Tenn., January 6, 1864. I. Capt. Otis Whitney, Company H, Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteers; Capt. James W. Cheney, Company D, Forty-ninth Regiment illinois Volunteers; Second Lient. Herman C. Hemen- way, Company C, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteers, are appointed a board to investigate the matter pertaining to the taking of certain goods from the house of Mrs. Julia Baker by men of this brigade. They will ascertain as near as possible the kind, quantity, and qual- ity of the goods taken, with their value, by whom taken, and how disposed of, identifying, if possible, the men. If not able to iden- tify, the men, ascertain the company or companies. If the companies cannot be ascertained, ascertain the regiment, reporting the facts as early as practicable to these headquarters. By order of Col. James I. Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanding brigade. C. T. GRANGER, Gapt. Go. K, 27th Iowa, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. NEAR MAYNARDvILLE, TENN., Maj. Gen. JOHN G. PARKE, January 7, 1864. Comdg. Forces in the Field, Strawberry Plains: GENERAL: I have just received two reports from Tazewell. One of niy lieutenants left there at 3 p. in., yesterday, arid met Captain Strouse on the way back from a scout toward Beans Station. No rebel force on the river except guerrillas. The other is a dispatch fropi Colonel Thielemaun to-day, who says there is no reliable information of Jones whereabouts since Monday, when he fed his horses about 18 miles from Tazewell towar(l Mu]- berry Gap, or between Mulberry and Cumberland Gaps. He also mentions reports of rebels at the fords, without crediting them. The Sixth Indiana Cavalry are scouting in the vicinity of Taze- MTell Very respectfully, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, Lieut. H. W. PERKINS, January 7, 1864. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: SIR: I wish to state, in addition to niy letter of yesterday, that 800 axes were marked for this corps, and ordered to be kept at Kelleys Ferry. It was a long time before transportation could be obtained, arid as soon as obtained they were carried past to Chattanooga. Now they are ordered back to Browns Ferry. Precisely the same thing is true of a quantity of shoes waiting transportation on the boats. I wish the general would ask, in the statement which he makes to Gen- eral Thomas, that this carelessness in delivery be corrected. Respectfully, 0. 0. HOWARD, Major- General Page 40 40 KY., SW. VA., TE N., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SAVANNAH, TENN., January 7, 1864. Brigadier-General CROOK, Coindg. Second Cavalry Division, Pulaski: The Fourth Regulars arrived with train this morning. Much obliged. Train will load with ammunition. The remainder of your ammunition will have to be left at Clifton, under guard of Major Murphys command. Send for it as soon as you can. I will only take your Seventy-second Indiana, and return it as soon as possible. Send an energetic ordnance officer to Nashville, and get everything you need as rapidly as possible. I shall take Ingerton with me. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier- General, Chief of Cavalry IN THE FIELD, HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Savannah, Teun., January 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEO1~GE H. THOMAS, Commanding Dept. of the C~umberland, Chattanooga, Teun.: Forrest having escaped into Mississippi, I will only take with me the Second, Third, and Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, the Fifth Ken- tucky, and Seventy-second Indiana Mounted Infantry. I would sug- gest that Crook go into winter quarters at Columbia, and prepare for the spring campaign. I expect to reach Corinth to-morrow. W. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Military Division of the Miss. PULASKI, January 7, 1864. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Chief of Staff: General Dodge says that the railroad will be completed between Nashville and Decatur by February 1. General Smith has gone to Corinth to see whether it will be necessary for me to cross the river. I will start two regiments at once for Rossville. GEORGE CROOK, Brigadier-General. CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., January 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT~ Commanding, & c., Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: From the inclosed copy of a letter of instructions to Major-General Steele, and froni the published orders * issued by the Adjutant-General of the Army, you will learn that General Steeles command in the Department of Arkansas has been placed under your orders. * See p. 33 Page 41 C01fl~ESPoNDENCE, ETC ~~~tTNION. 41 The main object of organizing the troops in the western theater of war into military departments and placing them under your orders is to give you the general military control and at the same time to relieve you from the burden of official correspondence and office duty. If the whole were organized into a single depart- ment under your immediate command, your time would be mostly taken up with the details of courts-martial, furloughs, discharges, & c., while the present arrangement enables you to give your full attention to military operations. In regard to General Banks campaign against Texas, it is proper to remark that it was undertaken less for military reasons than as a matter of State policy. As a military measure simply, it perhaps presented less advantages than a movement on Mobile and the Ala- bama River, so as to threaten the enemys interior lines and effect a diversion in favor of our armies at Chattanooga and in East Tennes- see. But, however this may have been, it was deemed necessary as a matter of political or State policy, connected with our foreign relations, and especially with France and Mexico, that our troops should occupy and hold at least a portion of Texas. The President so ordered, for reasons satisfactory to himself and his cabinet, and it was, therefore, unnecessary for us to inquire whether or not the troops could have been employed elsewhere with greater military advantage. I allude to this matter here, as it may have an important influence on your projected operations during the p resent winter. Keeping in mind the fact that General Banks operations in Texas, either on the gulf coast or by the Louisiana frontier, must be con- tinued during the winter, it is to be considered whether it will not be better to direct our efforts for the present to the entire breaking up of the rebel forces west of the Mississippi River, rather than to divide them by also operating against Mobile and Alabama. If the forces of Smith, Price, and Magruder could be so scattered or broken ~s to enable Steele and Banks to occupy Red River as a line of defense, a part of their armies would probably become available for operations elsewhere. General Banks reports his present force as inadequate for the defense of his position and for operations in the interior, and General Steele is of opinion that he cannot advance beyond the Arkansas or Saline, unless he can be certain of co-operation and supplies on Red River. Under these circumstances it is worth considering whether such forces as Sherman can move down the Mississippi River should not co-operate with the armies of Steele and Banks on the west side. Of course operations by any of your troops in that direction must be subordinate and subsequent to those which you have proposed for East and West Tennessee. I therefore present these views at this time merely that they may receive your attention and consideration in determining upon your ulterior movement. If we can rely upon what we see in the rebel newspapers and hear from spies and refu- gees from Richmond, the enemy is directing his attention particu- larly to the defense of Georgia, in anticipation that your spring campaign will be directed on Atlanta. In order to compensate for the loss of the Virginia and East Tennessee Railroad, and for the possible capture by us of some point on their main Atlantic route by Weldon and Charleston, the rebel government is working with great diligence to complete the road from Danville, Va., to Greens Page 42 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANt) N. CiA. [ChAP. XLIV. borongh, N. C., by which they will open a contuinons interior line from Richmond to the sonthwest. This will enable theni to trans- port troops and snpplies from Virginia to Georgia, by a short and safe ronte. It was hoped that when the season advanced so as to prevent fnr- ther operations by the Army of the Potomac, a portion of it could be detached for service elsewhere. Bnt so large a nnmber have received furloughs for re-enlisting in the veteran regiments that it is hardly possible at present to make such detachments. Moreover, it is quite probable that a portion of the Potomac River will be frozen over, an(l a bridge of ice thns formed from Virginia to Maryland. If so, a large land force will be reqnired to take the place of the Potomac flotilla in preventing raids and contraband trade. As an interchange of views on the present condition of affairs and the coming campaign will be advantageous, I hope you will write me freely and fully your opinions on these matters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washinqi on, D. 0., January 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Little Rock, Ark.: GENERAL: Orders were issued yesterday, by direction of the Pres- ident, placing you in command of the new Department of Arkansas, and constituting your comniand the Seventh Army Corps. That clause which places you under the orders of General Grant is not intended to affect in any way your powers and authority as a com- mander of a military department. You will therefore make your returns and reports to the Adjutant-General of the Army, and com- municate as usual with these headquarters. You will also comiun- nicate with General Grant in regard to all military movements, in order that there may be a complete understanding and co-operation of all the forces in the Mississippi Valley. It is quite possible that a combined movement of your corps and troops under Major-Geit- eral Sherman may be determined on, and, if so, it is deemed proper that General Grant should direct it. In regard to civil matters in your department, the President has prepared some instructions which will be sent to you through Gen- eral Kimball. I have just seen your letter of December 12, to General Schofield, in regard to an advance toward Red River. * It was at one time hoped that you might co-operate with General Banks in holding that line, and thus secure Arkansas and Missouri from further rebel raids, but when General Banks changed his plan of operations to the Gulf coast an advance on your part would have been extremely perilous, and you acted wisely in occupying the defensive position of the Arkansas. It is hoped that measures may hereafter be con- certed between yourself and General Sherman and General Banks to drive the enemy entirely out of Arkansas, and then occupy the line of Red River, which is shorter and probably easier of defense. In the mean time I presume all your present forces will be required to hold your present line of defense and to prevent rebel raids north of the Arkansas. * See Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 741 Page 43 HAP XLIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 4:3 You will l)lease to coiuiuuiucate frequently with these headquar- ters, giving as full information as possible of the condition of affairs in your department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Gene ral-~n- Chief. BARBOURSYILLE, Ky., Jan aary 8, 1864. (Received 2.20 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK General-in-Chief: Owing to the want of clothing, particularly shoes, in Fosters com- mand, it is impossible to move more than 60 per cent. of his men until they are supplied. Clothing is now on the way, and it is hoped will be in Knoxville within one week from this time. I have directed Foster then to attack and drive Longstreet at least beyond Bulls Gap and Red Bridge. In the mean time I have directed the Ninth and Tw~nty-third Corps to be pushed on to Mossy Creek. the Fourth Corps to Strawberry Plains, and the cavalry to Dandridge, to scout and forage south of the French Broad and threaten Longstr~ets flank. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., Jartnar~q 8, 186410.30 ~ iu. (Received 1 a. in., 9th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEcK: I have just seen Colonel MeCallum, superintendent of military railroads in Virginia. He tells me he has engaged 1,200 men to come to this department to work on the railroads; but that Mr. J. B. Anderson, military director of railroads in this (lepartmnent, tells him he does not want them. Knowing that their services are needed badly, I have requested Colonel MeCallum to send for them amid set them to work on the Northwestern Railroad, and, when that is completed, to send them here to repair the railroad from this place to Knoxville. Unless we have these roads put in order very soon we shall fail. I have refrained heretofore from giving an opinion on the merits of t~he present system, but we have been on the verge of failure long enough, and now that there appears to be a chance of getting the roads in condition, I cannot afford to lose it. GLO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, cJorn~nending. HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, Sqaire Brimers, on Muddy Creek, 5 nti& sfroin Dandridqe, on so u/h side of French Broad River, On Newport Road, January 8. 1864 10 a. m. Gemmeral ELLIOTT: GENERAL: I have the hommor to inform you that Morgamis divisiomm of rebel cavalry is encamped on the north 5i(le of French Broa Page 44 44 KY., SW.V A., TENN., MIFS., ALA., ATN~T) Th GA. [CHAP. XLIV. River at Dentons Ford, 4 miles ai)OVe iDandridge. I was on this side of the river immediately opposite their encampment with my command last evening, and was close enough to see their camps, hear their men talk, hear their bugle sound tattoo; in other words, I was within about 250 yards of their encampment. From the size of the encampment, as well as from information derived from loyal citizens and the statements of 8 prisoners whom we took at this point and at Turleys Ferry, I am positive that Morgans division is encamped at the place stated. The prisoners state that it came there from Panther Springs on the evening of January 5; also, that they intend crossing a force to this side of the river to-day. I am pretty certain that there is no rebel infantry within a con- siderable distance of Dentons Ford or of Dandridge; also, that Armstrongs division of cavalry is yet in front of General Sturgis cavalry. The river is fordable at Kelleys house, just below Dentons Ford; also at Dentons Ford; also at Swanns Island, 2~ miles above Dan- dridge; also at Fains Island, opposite Dandridge, at Jim Evans Ford, 5 miles below Dandridge, and at Tom Evans Ford, 7~miles below Dandridge. I have all these roads picketed and have my men camped at Squire Briniers, near mouth of Muddy Creek, and at a point opposite Dand- ridge, holding the Fains Island ford. Please communicate with me as soon as possible, letting me know when you will reach Dandridge. Some loyal citizens could bring the dispatch to me better than a soldier. There are several companies of rebel cavalry in Cocke County, near Newport and Cosby Creek, on this side of the French Broad, who have been engaged in foraging. If General Hascall, or the commanding officer of infantry column on road between Strawberry Plains and Dandridge, receives this first he will please send it on by a rapid courier to General Elliott, commanding Cavalry Corps at Mossy Creek. I am, general, your obedient servant, WM. J. PALMER, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, Squire Brimers, near mouth of Muddy Creek, on Newport Road, south side of French Broad, January 8, 18644 p. m. Lieutenant SHAW, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General at Beaver Dam (oppositeDentons Ford and Cowans Ferry, 4 miles above Dandridge and on this side of the river): LIEUTENANT: There are about 15,000 bushels of corn, mostly gathered and in pens, above and below Beaver Dam; there hre within a few miles some 5,000 bushels more. Morgans division of rebel cavalry is encamped immediately opposite Beaver Dam, on the river, and from the statements of prisoners as to the intention aiid the fact that 4 of the prisoners had come across the river after corn, I think it altogether probable that the rebels will cross with wagon Page 45 CH~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 to-morrow for the purpose of obtaining this corn, that on the north side of the river being nearly exhausted. Three days before we reached here the rebels forded with wagons above Hays Ferry and hauled away several thousand bushels of corn from this side. I think Morgans division occupies the position it does chiefly for the purpose of covering this foraging. If any force is to be sent to Daudridge it is to be hoped it will reach there in time to save this 20,000 bushels of corn, besides meat, flour, and cattle. I am, lieutenant, your obedient servant, WM. J. PALMER, Colonel. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., 4TH ARMY CORPS, Clinch Mountain, Teun., January 8, 1864. General WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, A. A. G., Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland: I have the honor to respectfully call your attention to the follow- ing copy of note just received from the headquarters of this division: KNOXVILLE, January 6, 1864. General WOOD Commanding Third Division, Fourth Corps: The pontoon bridge at this place is gone and not a bushel of wheat is coming in, consequently the mills here have been stopped. I can send no fresh bread to your division for some days to come. The last boat up did not bring a pound of bread and there is not a pound of bread or flour in town. Hence the last stores that went out will have to be nicely economized for fear of the worst. We should have at [leasti three-quarter rations (300,000) per week, but not half that comes. I have the honor to be, very truly, your humble servant, D. REMICK, Lieutenant-Colonel. * * * * * * * I would submit as follows: After the battle of Chickamauga, Sep- tember 20 to November 28, the fortunes of war compelled the Army of the Cumberland to subsist on limited rations, their allowance much of the time being less than half that fixed as necessary for the soldier. From that time to about the 20th of December their sub- sistence was precarious, sometimes ample and at others scant, de- pendent upon the ability of the country to supply it, and since then from one-half to two-thirds rations have been supplied by the commis- sary of subsistence. The extent of the services of troops under my command, their losses in battle, and much of their hardship and ex- posure is known to the department commander. During this time the command has not been able to procure clothing necessary for its health and comfort. There have been many men during all this time shirtless and shoeless. On the 20th of December it was expected in four days to form depots to be able to move on with the campaign, after twenty days the above dispatch shows with what success. The supplies of the country, which before military occupation were abundant, are ex- hausted, and forage is obtained only in limited quantities, after a journey of ~30 miles. The transportation of the command, one tea Page 46 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. per regiment, weakened before leaving Chattanooga, has not rested a day since, and is no longer serviceable. Should the weather thaw the roads it could not haul rations for the brigade from the railroad (2 miles), and forage could not be obtained at all. With an imprac- ticable line of supplies to the rear of this point, and one by rail via Chattanooga that does not promise completion under thirty days, places the possibility of sufficient comfort and nourishment for the command so remote that IL am induced to yield to constant appeal of officers and nien under my command, and make this representation of facts, believing that in no way can the best interests of the serv- ice be so greatly promoted as by putting a period to this nearly four months of want and constant military watchfulness in the presence of an enemy. It is due my command in this connection to state that they have always been ready, and are so now, to fight the enemy. The troops have at all times evinced the greatest cheerfulness and (levotioll to duty; but for the last thirty days it has been under circumstances the most trying, and they are now kept from the frost in many cases by crouching around the fire the entire night, and as the pendiug nights of midwinter are upon us, nature requires an increase, not a diminution, of nourishment. If consistent with the good of the service, I have to ask that my command be placed during the inaction of winter where it can be properly supplied. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. HAZEN. Brigadier-General. [First indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY Coups, January 8, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the consideration of the officers in higher authority. A more gallant and patriotic body of men has never borne arms in defense of their country. Cannot something be done to alleviate their condition? Cannot they at once be restored to the army to which they belong, and where they might be clothed and fed ? They are willing to fight for their country, but they do ask to be taken care of. Since October they have been living on short rations. Is this to continue always? TH. J. WOOD Brigadier- General Volunteers, Gornrnanling. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY Coups, East Tennessee, January 9, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. What General Hazen states in regard to the condition, wants, suf- fering, and destitution of his brigade, transportation, & c., is equally true of the entire command; in fact, Hazens troops are better pro- vided than most of the others. It does seem necessary that our troops should be put in winter quarters, well fed, and clothed, until the weather is favorable for active operations. Major- General, Oomrncndin Page 47 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 47 HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 8, 1864. Major-General STANLEY, Bridgeport, Ala.: Had you not best send out some of the Alabama rangers to find out whether there is any truth in report of intended rebel raid over Lookout Mountain to cut the railroad? WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. BRIDGEPORT, January 8, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff: Received your dispatch. Will start the Alabamians at daylight. They are so timid II fear they will not go far. T have warned all my posts and will keep a good lookout. Home guards are scouting the mountains everywhere, conscripting men. Twelve and 20 con- scripts and deserters come in daily. D. S. STANLEY, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, January 8, 1864. Major-General HOOKER: The following information received: Lloyd states that the rebels intend to make a raid across Lookout Mountain to cut the railroad. home guards still scouting across the mountain. Their head- quarters have been removed from Dirt Town in direction of Lookout Mountain; it is not known exactly where. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjmtant- General, HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., January 8, 1864. Major-General HOWARD, C~ornmanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: In reply to your letter of yesterday the major-general commanding directs me to state that the negligence in the post- office and supply departments is of such long standing that any immediate improvement is almost hopeless, and therefore suggests that you detail two or three trustworthy men to take charge of your mails and stores from Bridgeport. In no other way can we expect relief from the irregularities to which we are subject. These men can see that your supplies are shipped at the proper time and also that they ai~ properly delivered at the point due. The general therefor Page 48 48 KY., SW. YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. recommends that you keep one man at Bridgeport to receive yonr mails and supplies; that he be required to see them shipped, and to accompany them until they reach their destination. After the cars commence running the general recommends that these men be trans- ferred to the railroad. If this plan is adopted and enforced and requisitions are season- ably forwarded it is hoped that we will have no more delays in receiv- ing our mails and stores. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIvIsIoN, Pulaski, Tenn., January 8, 1864. Colonel BOONE, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry: The general commanding directs that you prepare yonr regiment immediately for the march. You will march to-morrow morning at 7 oclock, and will move to Rossville, before Chattanooga, by the nearest and best routes, and there take post and announce your arrival at that place to Brigadier-General Whipple, assistant adju- tant-general and chief of staff, Department of the Cumberland, at Chattanooga, Tenn. The commanding officer Fifth Iowa Cavalry will report to yon and accompany your command. The quarter- master of this division will turn over to your regimental quarter- master eight wagons and teams. You will send drivers to these headquarters for the teams. Any quartermasters stores needed by your comniand will be furnished by the division quartermaster. By command of Brigadier-General Crook: [ROBERT P. KENNEDY], Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 8, 1864. [General U. S. GRANT:] GENERAL: One of the scouts has got back from Savannah. Smith got in Tuesday night. Crossed the Seventy-second Indiana on Wednesday. The reports there seemed to be that a part of Forrests command was still in West Tennessee, but nothing was known cer- tain. My scouts crossed over to go to Jackson Monday night, but the country was full of guerrillas. I think Forrest has gone out of Tennessee, leaving Newsom, Wilson, and Nortons [?] regiments, which were raised in West Tennessee. Roddey started to Forrest, but got word from Forrest that he had got out, and he returned. Spent New Years at Russellville. This is reliable. He has now 20 boats at Little Bear, and has 100 men detailed all the time building. Respectfully, G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General Page 49 CHAP. XLIV.] 49 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. SAVANNAH, TENN., January 8, 1864. Colonel HICKS, Commanding, Paducah: DEAR COLONEL: Before proceeding to business let me extend a kindly greeting to you, in memory of the dangers and trials we have shared. You have my best wishes wherever you may be, and my most earnest desire for your success in whatever you may undertake, for I know it will be laudable. I send you a lot of prisoners whom I can by no means recommend. Some of them are desperate characters, and all of them will bear the closest kind of watching. They are genuine guerrillas, most of them captured with arms in hands. Captain Biffles and one Hinson are especially guilty, and to be strictly guarded. I do not myself know just what the Government does with such prisoners. Please inquire and act accordingly. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. D. STEVENSON, Corinth, Miss.: General W. S. Smith telegraphs that a part of his cavalry are crossing at Savannah. Send the following order by uiounted force to Savannah: OFFICER COMMANDING CAVALRY, Savannah, Teun.: West Tennessee is clear. Move your force down to Corinth, and report from there. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. SAVANNAH, TENN., January 8, 1864. Captain SMITH, Aide-de-Oamp, Nashville: Telegraph General Grant in my name as follows: I am crossing the Tennessee with six regiments. The last will be over to-day. We will reach Corinth to-morrow. I will communicate further movements from that point. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Ccx~valry. SAVANNAH, TENN., January 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE CROOK, (Received 10th.) Commanding Second Cavalry Division: SIR: The information contained in a communication just received from General Hnrlbut renders it necessary for inc to take as large a, 4 I( RVOL XXXII, PT I Page 50 50 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. force with me as possible. Instead of sending the Fourth Regulars back as I intended yesterday, I will take them with me and send your ammunition to Clifton, to be guarded by Major Murphys com- mand until you can send for it. The Fourth Regulars will draw such ammunition as they require from your supply that is here. I have recommended to General Thomas that you go into winter quarters in the neighborhood of Columbia to prepare for the spring campaign. There is an abundance of forage in that region, and in the posses- sion of those who were the most prominent leaders among the rebels of this State. You would also be so near Nashville that you can readily procure horses, equipments, and ordnance stores of every kind. You can also collect a great deal of the finest kind of stock, which will cost the Government nothing. I will return in two or three weeks and aid all I can in procuring supplies of every kind for you and in getting your division together once more. I will make an arrangement with the gun-boats here before leaving to ferry your two regiments back across the Tennessee as soon as they can be spared from the other side. It will take about fifteen wagons to haul your ammunition to Clifton. Labor omnia vincit. Yours truly, WM. SOQY SMITH Brigadier- General, Chief of Cavalry. HDQRS. SIXTH DIvIsIoN, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS Columbus, Ky., January 8, 1864. (Received 10th.) Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT, Memphis, Teun.: I arrived last night with a portion of my cavalry force at U[nion] City. The infantry will arrive to-day. I reached Jackson with the cavalry, and remained there three days, leaving the infantry and ar- tillery at Huntingdon, to find that Forrest had left; crossed the Hatchie and the railroad by the 28th. The country in the vicinity of Jackson was thoroughly searched, and I returned to Huntingdon on the 3d. On the 4th I received your telegram of the 26th [ultimo], but as the object of my search was then in Mississippi I did not return, as I had had no previous intimation from you other than to rid, if possible, West Tennessee of Forrest, Faulkner, Bell, and others. I left one regiment of cavalry and one of infantry at Paris, with Hawk- ins at Huntingdon. The remainder of the troops are at Union City. I go immediately to work preparing all for the field, and request further instructions. I will send my report on the first steamer. My horses are in a very bad condition; quite all barefooted. Found the road in a very bad condition. Please pardon this hasty note. Very respectfully, A. ~ SMITH, Brigadier-General. CORINTH, [January 8,] 18641.15 p. m. (Received Memphis, January 8.) Major-General HIJRLBUT: My scout, just from Lorings headquarters, returned this morning. Lorings headquarters are at Canton. He has his division of infa Page 51 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 51 try, 9,000 strong, and Jacksons cavalry, abont 4,000 strong. All of his division, with the exception of one brigade, is at Canton; the other brigade is distributed on railroad north of Canton, at Ways Blnff and stations above Jackson. Cavalry is operating between Bolton and Canton. Forrests command is at Oxford and Holly Springs; about 2,300 at Oxford, remainder between there and at Holly Springs. Loring has with him fonr batteries; Forrest several batteries, could not ascertain number. They are operating railroad as far np as Abbeville, from Abbeville to Oxford wit;h horses, from Grenada to Oxford with engines. It requires nearly all day to make trips, 40 miles. The bridge at Grenada is down and have to change cars below. Road is operating without difficulty; the road above is in bad condition, and operated with great difficulty on account of scarcity of water and wood. Great abnndance of corn. Troops are in winter qnarters and generally well clad. Cavalry and artillery in fine condition. He says there is a general despondence prevail- ing, both officers and men, they considering that the rebellion is bound to be a failnre. Had great difficulty in securing a late paper; represent that they are not to be had. I will send yon latest he could secnre by morning trainMobile News, December 24. Loring came up with him on train on last Monday as far as Oxford. He was making preparations for distribution of his force to prevent raids on road. Rebels are repairing Mobile and Ohio Railroad above Okolona; pushing work with all speed. This embraces all news. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, iViemphis, Tenn., January 8, 1864. Major-General STONEMAN, Commanding Cavalry Bureau, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I address yon direct in relation to the cavalry of this corps. They have been constantly engaged in active service and hard service, covering the line of the Memphis and Charleston Rail- road, repeatedly penetrating far into Mississippi and AlThama, and frequently short of forage. Estimates of a remonnt, calling for 2,000 horses by Jannary 1, were regularly forwarded in October. Noth- ing has been heard from them. I now have 1,800 trained cavalry- men dismounted, and the number is increasing with the severity of the weather. Below me there are about 8,000 Confederate cavalry, nuder Forrest and Lee. In this state of affairs I earnestly request that the quota of horses called for heretofore may be furnished at as early a date as practicable. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. LA GRANCE, TENN., January 8, 1864. Brigadier-General GRIERSON: Intelligent citizen from Montgomery, Ala., via Brandon and Can- ton, arrived this evening; came by railroad to Oxford no troops at Oxford, but cavalry passing from Okolona to Panoll, where Forrest appears to be collecting all the cavalry. Citizens from Columbus Page 52 52 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Miss., via Aberdeen, Pontotoc, and Hudsonville, report cavalry mov~ ing west from Okolona, and heard that Ferguson was at New Albany. Neither party encountered pickets at the Tallahatchie or saw any soldiers north of there, except 15 or 20 at Holly Springs. The party from Montgomery left Oxford Tuesday morning. J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 8, 1864. Col. J. K. MIZNER, La Grange, Teun.: Send patrols toward Holly Springs and Ripley. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. WASHINGTON, January 9, 18643.30 p. m. Major-General THOMAS, Chattanooga, Tenn.: The Quartermaster-General will give orders to send on the men to work on the railroads as you desire. I deem the opening of the road from Chattanooga to Knoxville of vital importance H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 9, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Knoxville: Your telegram regarding small rations received. Will do all I can to help you out, but you must remember that I have but five small steam-boats to bring supplies for my troops from Bridgeport to this place. We have to stint ourselves to send you what we do. When the railroad is completed I will have more boats for the upper part of the rlver. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE OHIO, New Market, January 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. PARKE, Commanding Troops in Field, Strawberry Plains: GENERAL: From information received to-day, Martins division is encamped 4 miles above Dandridge on north side the river. Dibrells brigade at Inouth of Nola Chucky, and I believe Armstrongs divis- ion, or part of it, near Panther Springs. The rebels have accumu- lated supplies of various kinds along the south side the French Bioad, and are only waiting an opportizunty of getting it away. The river is fordable at various points, and Colonel Palmer is on th Page 53 CHAP. XLIX.1 (1O!~1ESVONTEN~eE, EPC4.UN1ON. south side. The question of forage is becoming a verxr serious one with us. We now send 10 and 12 miles for it and have difficnlty in obtaining sufficient even then. Besides, it is ruining onr horses, for when they retnrn to camp they have traveled some 20 or more miles over bad roads and their backs and the saddles are mined by the packing of the load. To improve onr condition and deprive the enemy of his accumulated supply, I am anxions to drive him away from the vicinity of the French Broad. The only question with me is as to the importance of holding Mossy Creek. If I leave it with all the cavalry, the infantry now there will not be strong enough and will have to be sent to this place. If I leave sufficient cavalry to aid in holding it, I will not have force enough to drive the enemy from the French Broad. I know of no special reason for holding Mossy Creek, beyond the fact that I have two saw-mills running getting out lumber for the bridge at Strawberry Plains. The infantry force can, of course, occupy it when it arrives, but in the mean time the lumber might be lost. I write this for the purpose of advising with you as to what is our best course in the premises. If you can inform me as to when we may expect a division to reach this vicinity I will be greatly obliged to you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Brig. Gen. A. ~. GILLEM, Chattanooga, January 9,, 1864. Nashville, Tenn.: Your report on the Northwestern Railroad received. Colonel Mc- Callum will have 700 of his construction corps in Nashville in a week ready to go to work on the Northwestern Road. I wish you to see that Innes uses them to the best advantage. That road should be in running order in one month. We have an abundance of work to do out here, and to enable us to accomplish it we must have every railroad convenience that it is possible to get. GEO. H. THOMAS, Mqjor- General, U. S. Volunrs, ~tornm anding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 9, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel WATTS, c~ornmanding Second Kentucky Cavalry: I am directed by the major-general commanding to request that you will dispatch about 40 men up the valley for purposes of recon- naissance. He directs that the officer in charge be instructed, on reaching Trenton, to detach a portion of his command to cross the mountain in the direction of La Fayette, and another to go down it toward Valley Head, and for each to make inquiries of the Union residents concerning the movements of any portion of the rebel forces. It is reported that a force left its eanip at Dirt Town to make a descen Page 54 54 1{Y., SW. VA., PENN., M1SS.~ ALA., NNt) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Ofl the railroad. It j5 \T~M~ uHl)ortallt to ascertaili what this force is and what direction it took, md, if practicable, where it now is. The general desires that the officer iii conunaud be instructed to be vigilaiiit, and that he is sent out more for the purpose of collecting information thaii for fighting the enemy. It is reported that rebel spies frequently visit Treuton. If possible, he desires that these persons be appre- hended and brought in. There is good reason to believe that a number of the residents in the district which is to be visited are favorable to our cause. All such persons should be communicated with by the officer in command and let them understand that they will be rewarded for any infor- mnation they may give of the movements and designs of the enemy. The party should go prepared to be out two days, and will send in information of value as SOOfi as ie~eived. Very respectfully, H. ~. PERKINS, Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. BRIDGEPORT, January 9, 1864. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff: One lieutenant and 30 men, Captain Longs Alabama Rangers. made a scout to-day to Deer Head Cove. Heard nothing of rebels. The last heard of rebels, those in Wills Valley had moved off to- ward the Coosa; unreliable report that three days ago a reginient of rebel cavalry stayed over night near Capertons and left Stevenson and Bellefonte. Know nothing about the rebels being there. Have not heard yet from scouts sent from Shellmound and Whitesides. Will report. D. S. STANLEY, Major- Ge ite rat. PULASKI, TENN., January 9, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, Athens: Major Falconnet has got a system of couriers from our lines or has spies who report our army mails from different posts to Decatur. It is possible you may ascertain who they are by getting some good men to visit tIme rebels along the river. G. M. DODGE. Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 9, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel. PHILLIPS, Athens: I have pretty reliable information that Major Falconnet is to be married to Miss Mary Burtwell, at Florence, on the 16th instant. No doubt several officers may be there, and if you want to try to catch them I can perhaps give you two squadrons from here, if you have not men enough. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General Page 55 CHAP. ~LW.] CORRESPONI)ENCE, RTC.UN ION. 55 H1)QRS. FIRST DIvISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Woodrilie, Ala., January 9, 1864. Lient. Col. A. ROBERTS, Thirtieth Iowa, Commanding Detail at Claysviile: COLONEL: Before returning to camp you will make a reconnais- sance in the vicinity of Guntersville, crossing to ascertain the force of the enemy there, what they are doing, & c.; in a word, get all the information possible. It is reported here that there is a large force on the other side of the river~ and they are fortifying strongly at Guntersville, and also at Roes JslaiA. Make as thorough a reconnaissance on this side of the river as possible, and then return. Seventy-five monnted are ordered to Clavsville and will remain in the vicinity until further order. Keep the two men of the mounted infantry until you finish your reconnaissance and then send them in advance with your report. By order of Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods: C. H. KIBLER, Assistant Ac~jutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksbnrg, Miss., January 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. M. D. LEGGETT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: The enemy having moved in and threatened to obstruct the navigation of the Mississippi River at some point between Green- ville and Bolivar, you will immediately embark the Third Brigade (General Mattby) and one battery on board transports, to proceed up ~he river to this point and disperse the enemy, and if possible give them such a lesson that they will not be disposed to trouble the river in that quarter again. The comniand will go provided with eight days rations of hard bread and small-stores, and five days rations of meat, 40 rounds of ammunition to the man, and twelve wagons. You will, on your arrival at Skipwiths Landing, see and consult with Captain Owen, U. S. Navy, commanding District of the Mis- sissippi River, and Colonel Osband, commanding post, who will be able to give you much valuable information in relation to the posi- tion an(i movements of the enemy, roads, & c. The former has been requested to co-operate with you, and the latter will join you with his available cavalry force. I wish you to impress on the command the importance of protecting the families and property of all persons well disposed toward the United States, and where it is necessary to take property, forage, & c., for military purposes, have it taken regularly and proper receipts given. You are going into a section of country where the citizens have manifested their good will toward our Government, recognized the freedom of our negroes, hired them, and are making arrangements to work their plantations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General Page 56 56 ICY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. r~ThAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., January 9, 1864. Captain OWEN, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Mississippi River: CAPTAIN: In consequence of threatening demonstrations by the enemy on the river in the vicinity of Greenville, I have sent up a brigade under General Leggett to try to clear them out. Will you co-operate with him as far as you can, and give him all the informa- tion you have of their strength, plans, movements, & c.? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., January 9, 1864. Captain OWEN, U. S. NAVY, Skipwiths Landing: CAPTAIN: The following dispatch has just been received from Brigadier-General Hawkins, commandin gGoodrichs Landing: A deserter from Harrisons cavalry reports that Harrison with 1,200 men and ar- tillery has gone to the Mississippi River, in the vicinity of Grand Lake, traveling northeast from Monroe through Bastrop. They had forty empty wagons, and in- tended to get them across the river. This statement is corroborated by a deserter who came in a day or two ago. I have had information during the past week from other sources that Harrisons cavalry were moving into South Arkansas, and I think it is the intention to try and get arms and ammunition across from the east to the west side. They attempted lit] in the vicinity of Rodney, but were unable to accomplish it. Will you endeavor to put a stop to any operations of the kind, and report any information you may learn of the movements of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. CORINTH, January 9, 18642 p. m. Major-General HURLBUT: I arrived here about noon to-day. All my command (about 2,500 men) will arrive here to-day. From the information derived from General Stevenson it would seem advisable to move my command to La Grange to unite with your cavalry at that point. If this accords with your views, I will commence the movement immediately and come to Memphis myself to-morrow to confer with you and General Sherman. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Division of the Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis9 Teun., January 9, 1864. Brigadier-General W. S. SMITH, Corinth: Let your cavalry move down on this side of Hatchie at least. Start them down as soon as practicable, considering the roads, an Page 57 CITAP. XLI\T.1 CO1~RESPO~IxE C~, ETC.~UN10~. 57 run dowu yourself to Memphis. The weather is such that for a few days it will be impossible to keep a force out. Sherman is expected hourly. S. A. HURLBUT, lJlajor-General. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 9, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General: Patrols in from Olive Branch, Quinns Mill, and Dotys Mill, and report nothing. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Lient. Col. ~. T. CLARK, Natchez, Miss., January 9, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General, Seventeenth Army Corps: COLONEL: General Adams is at Liberty with a force estimated at 2,500 men, He has some artillery, but I cannot say how many pieces. I will know more about his strength and intentions in a few days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. Q. GRESHAM, Brigadier-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 9. Chattanooga, Tenn., January 9, 1864. The following-named officers are announced as composing the gen- eral staff of this department: Brig. Gen. William D. Whipple, U. S. Volunteers, assistant ad- jutant-general and chief of staff. Maj. William McMichael; U. S. Volunteers, assistant adjutant- general. Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan, U. S. Volunteers, chief of artillery. Brig. Gen. W. L. Elliott, U. S. Volunteers, chief of cavalry. Lieut. Col. L. C. Easton, quartermaster, U. S. Army, chief quar- termaster. Lieut. Col. A. P. Porter, commissary, U. S. Army, chief commis- sary of subsistence. Lieut. Col. Arthur C. Ducat, U. S. Volunteers, assistant inspector- general. Lieut. Col. William M. Wiles, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, provost-marshal-general. Surg. G. Penn, U. S. Army, medical director. Maj. Oscar A. Mack, aide-de-camp. Maj. Ralston Skinner, U. S. Volunteers, judge-advocate. Capt. T. G. Baylor, ordnance department, U.S. Army, chief of ordnance. Capt. William E. Merrill, engineers, U. S. Army, topographical engineer. Capt. John P. Willard, U. S. Volunteers, aide-de-camp. Capt. S. C. Kellogg, U. S. Army, aide-de-camp Page 58 58 KY., SW. \TA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Capt. Jesse Merrill, s]gnal oflicei, U. S. Army, chief of signal corps. Capt. John H. Youi~g, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, commissary of musters. First Lient. Henry M. Cist, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- fan, ry, acting assistant adjutant-general. First Lient. William L. Porter, Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, acting aide-de-camp. First Lieut. James K. Reynolds, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, acting aide-de-camp. First Lieut. M. J. Kelly, Fourth U. S. Cavalry, chief of couriers. ON DUTY AT NASHVILLE, TENN. Lient. Col. J. L. Donaldson, quartermaster, U. S. Arihy, senior and supervising quartermaster. Surg. William Clendenin, U. S. Volunteers, assistant medical di- rector. Capt. J. Bates Dickson, U. S. Volunteers, assistant adjutant-gen- eral. Capt. II. M. Goodwin, Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, assistant provost-marshal-general. First Lieut. George K. Sanderson, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, assist- ant commissary of musters. By command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, January 10, 1864. Major-General GRANT: I am authorized to say to you that just as soon as you deem every- tbing to be safe in East Tennessee you are authorized to move with such troops as you think necessary, either against Mobile or any other place south of your present lines that you may think it advisa- ble to attack. The question of safety in East Tennessee is, as you will observe, left to your judgment, and it is for you to determine whether that safety is best obtained by wholly expelling Longstreet, or by leaving an army to observe and operate against him while you send or take the main body of your command elsewhere. If you do not think General Foster can be trusted to complete what is begun. say so to me, and I presume any change you may deem needful will be made, though I am not authorized to promise anything on that head. Please acknowledge the receipt of this dispatch, as that will avoid the necessity of repeating it by a special messenger. C. A. DAINA. HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, James Evans Ford, 5 miles from Dandridge, South side French Broad, on Newport Road, January 10, 186412 m. Lieutenam~t SHAW, Actg. Asst. Ac~jt. Gen., Ileadciyorters Garairy Oorps. I have the honor to report that 2 deserters belonging to Twenty-first and Eighteenth Mississippi Infantry, Humpbreys (formerly Barks Page 59 (~HAI~. XLIV.] CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC. UN TON. 59 dales) brigade, and McLaws (Ii vision. who left ilusselivilie on night of 6th instant, came into my lilies this morning. They crossed the French Broad at month of Nola Chncky iiight before last, anfl met no troops between Russeilville and this point except some straggling cavalry near mouth of Nola Chucky, on opposite side of French Broad. They are both remarkably intelligent men, and their stories coincide entirely on a separate examination. I believe their statements to be reliable in every respect. They state that Longstreets army con- sists of four divisions of infantry and three of cavalry. The divis- ions of infantry are: First. Jenkins (formerly Hoods), five brigades, commanded by Generals Robertson, Benning, Law, Anderson, and Jenkins old bri- gade. Estimated number of muskets, 6,000; artillery, sixteen pieces. Second. McLaws division (now commanded by Kershaw), four brigades, commanded by Humphreys (Barksdales old brigade), Bryan, Wofford, and Kershaws old brigade (Colonel Kennedy). Estimated number of muskets, 5,000; known amount of artillery, sixteen pieces, of which one battery of fonr guns, commanded by Captain Moody, are 20-pounder rifled IParrotts; the rest are 6 and 12 pounders (most of 12-pounders are smooth-bore). Major Alex- ander, formerly chief of artillery of this division, is now Longstreets chief of artillery. llumphreys brigade has 800 muskets for duty (known). This is the smallest brigade in the division. The Eight- eenth Mississippi Infantry, in this brigade, has 220 men for duty, and there are four regiments in the brigade. McLaws was relieved by Longstreet after the battle at Beans Station, for not crossing a creek in time, and sent to Richmond. On arriving there he reported his division unfit for duty, being naked and starving, and it was cur- rently reported throughout the division when these deserters left that it was to be sent to Virginia and Picketts division was to be sent from Richmond to replace it. Third. Bushrod Johnsons division (formerly Buckner~s). Only two brigades of the division are with Longstreet (the rest having returned from London to Chattanooga, having been cut off), com- manded by Gracie and Bushrod Johnson. Estimated number of muskets, 3,000; artillery, very little or none. Fourth. Ransoms division. A full division, with full regiments in all four brigades. Estimated number of muskets, 10,000 to 12,000; artillery, 16 pieces. Cavalry: Three divisions, commanded by Armstrong, John T. Morgan, and Jones. Armstrong supposed to have three brigades; Morgan known to have but two, and Jones two (one of which is commanded by Williams). Jones cavalry estimated at 2,500 or 3,000. General Martin commands all the cavalry. (My own esti- mate of his entire force is : First. Armstrong, 3,000; second, Mor- gan, 2,000; third, Jones, 2,000; total, 7,000, which is probably above rather than below the truth.) Position of the army: On night of 6th instant, when these men left, McLaws division (to which they belong) was stationed at and around Russellville; Jenkins division was at Morristown; Rami- soms division was at Rogersville (south of it); Bushrod Johnsons division, position unknown, probably at Widow Kimbroughs Cross- Roads. (My own opinion.) Cavalry : Jones division micar Rogersvih]e ; Morgans division near Dandridge at Dentoims Ford ; Armstrongs (liViSiOll. Position ilf Page 60 130 KY., SW. MA., TFNN., MTSS., ALA., ANP N. GA. rcHAP. XLIV. known, probably at Panther Springs. (My own opinion.) All the infantry had built huts and were in winter quarters. General Long- streets headquarters were at Russellyille. Supplies: Latterly the men were getting plenty of flour and fresh beef. Brown and Coxs Mill on Holston, 4+ miles from Russellville, Raders steam-mill, 18 miles from Rnssellville and 9 miles from Bulls Gap, near Howards Gap, and other mills were being run for the army. Most of the cattle were brought from Cocke County, be- tween French Broad and Nola Chucky. Forage was hauled from this side of Nola Chucky and French Broad; it was exhausted on other side of Nola Chucky. Wagon trains were run from Zollicoffer bridge with salt and expected to bring clothing. No clothing had arrived yet. Rations of salt were still very limited. Bridge at Zollicoffer and over Watauga were not yet finished. One of these deserters has his stockings on the ground and says two-thirds of the men of his regiment are worse off than himself, and that his regiment is no worse off than the rest of the brigades, divisions, or the army. The men flock to the cattle-pens to get moc- casins of the hides whenever the butchers kill, and the hides are not allowed to get cold. They think, however, that it will not be long before the army is pretty well shod, as they have all the tan- neries at work throughout the country, and two wagons from each brigade were started to Zollicoffer last Saturday after clothing and shoes. General information: These men say that the universal talk among officers, from colonel down, and the men, was that they would have to fall back to Bristol. The major commanding Eighteenth Mis- sissippi would not build winter quarters for himself, and told one of these deserters that he did not think it worth while, as he did not believe they would stay there a week. This was also the general impression, among the troops. There was no talk about retreating by the Warm Springs road to North Carolina. Bristol was the con- templated direction. These men say they do not consider their division to be fit for duty, nor the rest of Longstreets army, and that if they are energetically pressed they can be ruined. The Presidents proclamation was published in Raleigh Register and in Richmond Enquirer, and was well known to all their men. Ammunition was abundant. When Longstreets army recrossed the Holston, retiring from Beans Station, they crossed in one ferry-boat, occupying a week. One wagon and 30 men crossed at a time. This was at Longs Ferry. Some of the wagons forded at about 6 miles above Brown and Coxs Mill. A citizen named Kaufman, who left Jonesborough last Wednes- day morning, also came to my camp this morning. He had placed a substitute in the army, for whom he paid $4,000, and had run away to avoid conscription under the new law. He says a large number of both loyal and disloyal citizens in that vicinity are talking about run- ning away to our lines by the mountain route to avoid conscription. He crossed the Nola Chucky at the new bridge and forded the French Broad at Newport yesterday morning. There was a provost-mar- shal at Jonesborough and about a dozen men. No troops at Greene- ville; 00 cavalry at Newport and 75 at Jacks? (3 miles this side of N.). He met a few wagons coming from Parrottsville with flour toward Russellville. Zollicoffer and Watau~a bridges not finished. Longstreets army in winter quarters at Morristown and Rnssellville Page 61 (IHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 61 Forage all exhausted on other side of Nola Chucky. Presidents proclamation well known about Jonesborough; had been published in newspapers. Information, in short, corroborates that previously sent you from same quarter. French Broad is to-day full of floating ice and is almost impassable either for boats or by fording. Reported through the army that Longstreet issues 40,000 rations. Yours, & c., WM. J. PALMER, Colonel, Commanding. BRIDGEPORT, January 10, 1864. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff: Colonel Bennett, at Whitesides, sent 30 infantry, mounted, within 2 miles of Trenton; saw no rebels; met a man who reported rebels at the Alabama State line; did not know the force. Co onel Barnes sent infantry scout from Sheilmound over Nickajack Trace; found nothing. Met a woman who stated that she had heard of a rebel force, said to be Wheelers men, in Wills Valley, 18 miles from Trenton. Have you heard anything further from the contemplated raid? D. S. STANLEY, iliajor- General. PULASKI, TENN., January 10, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, Athens: Take stock any place where you can find it, using your own judg- ment as to the proper persons to take from. Prefer not to take it in the counties mentioned in my order. Roddey keeps his teams, that forage on this side of river, at Fosters Mills, 9 miles below Florence. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. LA GRANGE, TENN., January 10, 1864. General GRIERSON: A deserter from Faulkners regiment of Forrests command re- ports that on Sunday last Forrest had his headquarters at Como, 115 miles north of Panola, and that his command was camped in that vicinity, with Chalmers at Panola. The men sent from Jackson to Okolona for arms had joined Forrest, who is now in chief com- mand, Lee having gone south. Nothing is said of Ferguson. Patrols toward Holly Springs and Ripley come in. Nothing of importance. J. K. MJZNER, C~olonel, Commanding First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Gayoso House, Memphis, January 10, 1864. MajorGeneral MCPHERSON, Lfommanding, Vickslmig, Miss.: DEAR GENERAL: I ani just arrived; four days from Cairo. Ice heavy and gorging all the way down. Now is the time to strik Page 62 62 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. inland at Meridian and Selma. I think Vicksburg is the point of departure from the river. I will probably re-enforce you from this point and man your works with negroes from Hawkins command, and make up a force of 20,000 and push straight for Meridian. Keep this to yourself and make preparations. There are boats enough here in port. I will be down myself in a few days. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN. ]Jft~or- General. LOuIsvILLE, Ky., January 10, 1~64i0. ~30 a. ni. His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President: My superior officers have shown distrust of me. I cannot, there- fore, with proper regard to the public interest and my own character, serve the public under their command. Some one else must go in command. I have issued all the orders preparatory to movement. I ask to be relieved and that my resignation be accepted. I can take this course with true devotion to the Government and consistently with good of the service. I respectfully request the acceptance of my resignation. J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 10. Knoxville, Tenn., January 10, 1864. I. Major-General Parke, commanding Forces in the Field, will furlough no regiments re-enlisting as vetemn volunteers, and which have not been able to muster in as such for want of the necessary blanks, & c., until the officers and men have forwarded to these head- quarters an agreement in writing signed by them sufficient to hold them to said re-enlistment. * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit for your consideration a question bearing upon the welfare of the troops in this department. For some time past, owing to the condition of the roads and the deficiency of transportatioD, only scanty rations have been issued to the soldiers in East Tennessee. Comistantly on half rations oh flour, frequently without sugar or coffee, and deprived entirely of the other parts of the ration, they are without any compensation for this loss of much-needed food. In other departmemmts, where the soldier has to undergo mio hard- ships, where lie is well clothed and sheltered, rdiions are issued in Page 63 CRAP. XL1V.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.LTINION. 63 such abundance that considerable sums accrue from the company savings. It would seem but just that troops who suffer from hunger, cold, and exposure should receive the amount fairly due them on account of their diminished rations. In view of these considerations I have the honor to request that authority may be given me to order the chief commissary of the department to pay the troops the value in money of the rations to which they have been entitled, but which they have not received. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. PARKE, Commanding Forces in the Field: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the fob lowing disposition be made of the forces under your command: First. One army corps, either the Ninth or the Twenty-third, as you may select, will be stationed at Strawberry Plains, and will entrench that position. Sufficient detachments will be n~ade from this corps to guard the fords above Strawberry Plains on the Hoiston, and between that point and Knoxville. Second. The Fourth Army Corps and the remaining corps of your c6mmand will move to Dandridge, to forage on the French Broad River. Such supplies of wheat, corn, and hay as they may be able to obtain in excess of their own wants will be sent down in boats to Knoxville. Third. The Cavalry Corps will remain in its present position until the supply of forage shall be exhausted. It will then move to the neighborhood of Dandridge and take up a position in front of the infantry force at that place. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 11, 1864. (Received 1 p. in., 12th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: The necessity for promptly putting the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad in efficient running order, particularly since there are so many demands made upon it from Knoxville, is s~o urgent, and the present condition of this railroad, with its management, is so lamentable that I urgently request that Colonel McCallum may be called to Washington to fully explain the whole situation to the Sec- retary of War, and, if necessary, to take orders to place the road in an efficient condition. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, commanding Page 64 64 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvISIoN, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, January 11, 1864. Major-General GRANGER: My division has been on4less than half rations for some days, and are suffering from hunger. We have no forage for the animals, and none can be procured. Colonel Harker started for Beans Station or vicinity yesterday to try and get some, and without anything to eat for his officers and men. I desire to make you acquainted with these facts, and ask that my division be removed to some other locality where I can better he1p my troops. I also respectfully report that 8 bales of blankets sent to me by my quartermaster were taken at the depot at Knoxville. These were very much needed, as many of the men have no blankets. Is there no God in Israel ? P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- General. MOSSY CREEK, TENN., January 11, 1864. Lieut. W. L. SHAW, Actg. Asst. Adji. Gen., Cavalry Command: I have the honor to report that the scouts who brought the two prisoners from Dandridge report that the enemy have a division of cavalry near that place, and a battery planted about one-half mile the other side, commanding the road. I am, respectfully, E. M. MCCOOK, Colonel, Commanding First Dirnsi~om. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, STATE OF TENNESSEE, Nashville, January 11, 1864. Major-General ROUSSEAU, Commanding District of Nashville: GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to inclose dispatch received yesterday from General Thomas, and will make it convenient to call upon you to-morrow. A. JOHNSON, Governor. [Inclosure.] CHATTANOOGA, January 10, 1864. Governor ANDREW JOHNSON: I believe you can re-establish civil authority throughout Tennessee, and it is my earnest advice that you do so. Confidence will be restored and many people brought under the Constitution who are afraid at this time to exhibit their real sentiments. I ordered Colonel Stokes to Nashville some time since to reorganize his regiment; and when his regiment was completely reorganized it was my intention to send it to Sparta to operate against Ferguson and other guerrillas. Please to let me know when the reorganiza- tion is completed. If you can do so I would advise a separation be- tween Stokes and Galbraith, making two regiments. hey will be more efficient than they are at present Page 65 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 I understand that General Rousseau has ordered Gaibraith to Mc- Miunville. He had no authority for doing so, the order for him to go to Nashville expressly stating that it was for the purpose of re- organization. Please show General Rousseau this telegram and say to him that I desire he will countermand his order. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 11, 1864. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on receiving the in- formation that the rebel force at Dirt Town had removed its camp, with designs to cross Lookout Mountain, with a view to makincr a descent on the railroad, I detached a portion of the Second Kentu~ky Cavalry with instructions to make a reconnaissance up the valley and also on the mountain as far as Valley Head. They returned last night, and report that a few men of the Alabama Home Guard came down the valley as far as Johnsons Crook a few days since, and returned. They saw and could hear of no force on the mountain. The captain further reports that there is a body of home guards camped about 35 miles from Trenton, in Alabama, commanded by Colonel Daven- port. The number he could not ascertain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, iVlajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, TWELFTH CORPS Maj. E. ~. GUINDON, Tullahoma, Tenn., January 11, 1864. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Twelfth Corps: MAJOR: In obedience to circular, Department of the Cumberland, September 5, 1863, I have the honor to report the state of defenses on my line as follows: Third Brigade: The redoubt, 1 mile south of Bell Buckle and also redoubt at Tank, 2~ miles north froni Wartrace, are com leted. The former is garrisoned by two companies, and the latter l~y one company of the Otie hundred and seventh New York Volunteers. The small fort at Wartrace bridge is completed, except bomb-proof, which is nearly completed. Garrison, four companies One hundred and seventh New York Volunteers. The stockade at Wartrace is not finished, the garrison at that point being small for the duty required. Nothing has been done on the stockade since last report; the other defenses at that point are com- pleted. Garrison, detachment of 80 men Third Wisconsin Volun- teers, one company One hundred and seventh New York Volunteers. Rations, water, and fuel on hand at all the above-mentioned points, seven days. At bridges, 1 mile south of Wartrace, the defenses are completed. Ten days rations, seven days water and fuel on hand. Garrison, two companies One hundred and fiftieth New York Volunteers. 5 R RIJOL XXXII, PT I Page 66 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 66 At Tank, 2 miles south of Duck River, and at Duck River, in de- fenses. Rations, wood, and. water on hand, ten days. No change. Garrison, at former point, one company, and at latter point, nine companies of ~hirteenth New Jersey Volunteers. The defenses at Normandy (a stockade), and at Tank; 2 miles sonth of that point (a block-house), are completed. Rations on hand, ten days, and seven days supply of wood and water. Garrison at Nor- mandy, seven companies, and at Tank, one company One hundred and fiftieth New York Volunteers. No change in defenses at Tullahoma and at trestle bridge, 2 miles south of that point. The garrisons at these points are supplied with rations, wood, and water sufficient for seven days. There is a large supply of rations in commissary depot at Tullahoma. Since last report, five companies of the Second Massachusetts Vol- unteers have left the post at Elk River and Tank, 1 mile north of that point, on furlough as veteran volunteers, leaving a detachment of about 160 men as garrisons for those points. No change in de- fenses. Rations, woo , and water on hand, seven days. Report of First Brigade as follows: At Decherd and Cowan no changes have been made since last report. The garrison at Tantalon has been changed by substituting the Twentieth Connecticut Volun- teers for the One hundred and forty-fifth New York, the latter regi- ment having been broken up. The infantry forces at Stevenson and Bridgeport have been relieved by troops of the Second Division of this corps, but the artillery still remains at both the posts named. The commanding officer of the First Brigade reports no further changes on his line since last report. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. F. KNIPE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Divzston. IIDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, 11femphis, Tenn., January 11, 1864. Colonel HURST: COLONEL: You will proceed with your entire command, camp and garrison equipage, by the most direct route, to Purdy, where you will establish your camp and proceed to the destruction of all armed enemies to the United States Government. You will subsist your command upon the country, and take all serviceable animals which may be found, mounting your own command, and turn the balance over to the nearest post quartermaster, in every case giving receipts (not transferable) for whatever may be taken. Peaceable and loyal citizens will be kindly treated and protected, and your whole energy will be given to the destruction of guerrilla bands which now infest the country. You are particularly warned against allowing your men to straggle from camp or go to their homes. No foraging parties will be sent out except in charge of commissioned officers, who will be held responsible for the actions of the men. You will send your tri- monthly and monthly reports as heretofore by special messenger to Col. J. K. Mizuer, commanding First Brigade, and will report your whereabouts and progress from time to time by telegraph, via th Page 67 Cii.& p. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~WNIoN. nearest telegraph station, to these headquarters. This order is not intended to confine you to any particular loc~dity, but you will move your command in any part of West Tennessee where, in your judg- ment, it can be used most effectively. All loyal home guards will come under your control, and will be organized so that they can be used effectively if needed. By order of Brigadier-General Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Gomdg. District of Columbus, Columbus, Ky.: GENERAL: Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding department, orders that two divisions, of at least 5,000 each, of infantry, and a division of cavalry of the same number, be forwarded at once from this corps for a special expedition. You will receive herewith your orders. I need not say to you that rapidity of execution is necessary. Both General Sherman and myself rely upon promptness on your part. I desire that you will procure and bring with you as much of the Spencer rifle ammunition as practicable, as we have another regiment just coming in armed with that weapon. There is at Saint Louis a battery of Napoleon guns in hands of the quartermaster for transportation. They are for the Second Iowa Battery, with Gen- eral Tuttle, and will be much needed. You will oblige me by tele- graphing in my name for that battery to be sent at once by rail to Cairo, and thence hurry it forward as soon as practicable. General Sherman desires that you will send the regiments forward that have .been longest in garrison, and that you will come down yourself, either with the infantry or cavalry force, as you prefer. Three wagons will be allowed to a regiment. All baggage to be reduced to a mini- imum and superfluities thrown away without remorse. Send for- ward all spare transportation for brigade and division trains. Twelve boats are ordered down. If you have at Cairo or Columbus any quan- tity of stockings and army shoes, bring them down; also, all the horse and mule shoes and nails you can lay your hands on, as we are almost out. Require strict inspection and report of the state of your command as to clothing, especially drawers, shirts, stockings, and shoes. We have a heavy march before us, and the command must be fully prepared. It is the intention of General Sherman to move with the artillery and infantry and such troops as he can get from Vicksburg direct on Demopolis and Selma, the cavalry moving down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad to meet us near Meridian, thus forcing the enemy to let go of their hold on Dalton or endangering the loss of. Selma, and perhaps Mobile. Close attention is therefore necessary to the fitting out of the individual soldier and will be impressed upon field and line officers. You will notify the citizens of Paducah and Columbus of the necessity of their standing upon their own defense, and give such instructions as will bring about this result. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General Page 68 68 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., AlA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. LA FAYETTE, TENN., January 11, 1864. Major-General HUELBUT: A negro came to camp this morning; says Forrest is building bridges across Coidwater at three different places to attack this line in two or three days at least; says Forrest, Lee, and Chalmers are this side of Tallahatchie. Negro says that Mitchells company is encamped at Jim Houses plantation, near Moscow. Confederate soldiers were in Mount Pleasant yesterday conscripting. I am sta- tioned here with only 20 men. If I only had sufficient number of men I would constantly patrol the roads south. Respectfully, ANTHONY R. MOCK, Captain, Commanding Detachment Ninth Illinois Cavalry. CORINTH, January 11, 1864. Major-General HUELBUT: I learn from a citizen that Ferguson with his brigade has moved to the southeast corner of Pontotoc County, near Bentonville. For- rest has sent part of his force to Panola, on railroad. You doubt- less are advised of this move if it has taken place. My advices are that there is no force at Okolona atyresent. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. LA GRANGE, TENN., January 11, 1864. General GRIERSON: Lieutenant-Colonel Dodds, First Alabama, learns from a citizen from Carroliville, just in, that Ferguson, Lowry; and Ham are encamped 18 miles southwest of Fulton, near Hollidays old ferry on Tombigbee. Patrols toward Holly S p rings and Salem discovered nothing. They met patrols of Seventh Illinois on guard duty. The Third Michigan are hard at work building quarters and stables. They have as yet no means of shoeing horses and fitting them for ice roads. I would like to have the Seventh Illinois to scout to Coidwater until Third Michigan gets settled. J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding First Brigade. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 11. 1864. Lieutenant BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Collierville: The rebels are reported bridging Coldwater at Lockharts Mill and half mile below at Rhoads farm, and at some point between Lockharts Mill and Hudsonville. You will send patrols to all points on the Coldwater west of Lockharts Mill and obtain all possible information of the movements of the enemy. Also send patrols to Olive Branch and well toward Hernando B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General Page 69 CHAP. XLIV.] COR1~E5PONDENCE, ETC.UNIOX. 69 SOLDIERS HOME, Maj. Gen. ~. T. SHERMAN, Memphis, Tenn., January 11, 1864. Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Since I made application for the building known as the Union Hospital (now vacated), I am informed by the quarter- master (Captain Eddy) that a portion of the lower part of the build- ing is leased to private parties. This, however, will not interfere with its use for a soldiers home, provided one of the large rooms on the ground floor, together with the wing on Court street and the upper part of the main building, can be obtained. If this building cannot be turned over, I am informed by the rental agent there are others soon to be vacated, which will answer the purpose, although not quite so centrally and conveniently located. The building we now occupy is situated distant from the steam- boat landing about 147 miles. Only 100 men can be comfortably quartered; we frequently have from 200 to 300, and often compelled to send men away. Owing to the distance from the river the S~ni- tary Commission found it necessary to build a temporary lodge near the landing to accommodate those who stop over only for a few hours. By having the home nearer the river this additional expense will be saved, and the number of soldiers detailed in this service. The home has now been in existence eleven months, during which time we have entertained over 16,000 soldiers, furnished nearly 40,000 meals, and 13,000 lodgings. It gives me great pleasure to mention that during that time, with but one instance, soldiers have conducted themselves in a most respectful and gentlemanly manner. We require no guard; soldiers come and go as quietly as if they were entertained at a hotel, never remaining longer than to obtain orders, transportation, or attend to such business as brings them to the city. I have trespassed upon your time, trusting, however, that the few simple facts may be interesting to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. E. WATERS, Superintendent Soldiers Home. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE Memphis, Jonuary 14, 1864. These p apers are referred to commanding officer of Memphis, through General Hurlbut. Soldiers homes are only necessary at a point where soldiers dis- charged, going on furlough, and returning are liable to delays. Cairo, Memphis, and Vicksburg are such places, but all must be watched lest they become receptacles of idlers and loiterers. If the quartermaster has a suitable building not in public use I approve the application of it to the Sanitary Commission as a soldiers home. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 11. Knoxville, Tenn., January 11, 1864. * * * * * * * XV. Brig. Gen. T. T. Garrard, U. S. Volunteers, will relieve Brig. Gen. 0. B. Willcox, U. S. Volunteers, in the command of the Distric Page 70 70 KY., SW. VA., TENN~, MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. of the Clinch. Brigadier-General Willcox at once will turn over the command of~ that district to the senior officer remaining, who will assume temporary command until the arrival of Brigadier-Gen- eral Garrard. Brigadier-General Willcox will report to Major- General Parke, commanding Forces in the Field, for duty in the Ninth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 11. Memphis, Tenn., January 11, 1864. * * * * * * * 1X.1. Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding District of Colum- bus, will immediately upon the receipt of this order move all the available cavalry in his command, except the Tennessee regiments, to the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, reaching the railroad at the nearest practicable point to Memphis. Three wagons to a regiment will be allowed for transportatlon. 2. The infantry force of his command will be moved by river to Memphis, except following garrisons: For Paducah, three companies; for Cairo, seven companies; for Columbus, one white regiment and the Second Tennessee Heavy Artillery, of African descent. The regiments at Fort Pillow will be sent forward to Memphis and that post abandoned. He will also send forward to Memphis the two best of his three batteries of light artillery. All public property at Fort Pillow to be sent to Cairo or Memphis. 3. Provisions, forage, and ordnance at Columbus will be shipped to Memphis, except such as will be required by the garrison proper and the troops dependent on Columbus for supplies. 4. The infantry will bring with them 120 rounds of ammunition; the artillery with full limbers and caissons. The reserve, for supply for the cavalry to bring them up to 120 rounds, to be sent by steamer. 5. Transportation trains, except such as are strictly necessary for post use, will be sent forward by steamer to Mernphls. X.1. Brig. Gen. J. D. Stevenson, commandlng District of Cor- inth, will proceed, immediately upon receipt of this order, to dismount and send to Memphis the heavy guns an I ordnance stores at Corinth preparatory to evacuating that post. He will send in by trains first the guns and ordnance of every description, except so much as will be requisite for his command in cartridge-boxes. The battalion of siege artillery will accompany the guns, reporting to Colonel Kapp- ner at Fort Pickering, Memphis. 2. He will send forward all public property of any value, and es- pecially provisions and quartermasters stores. As far as practlcable he will cause all lumber used for building, & c., to be sent forward by trains, and will at or before abandoning the place destroy thor- oughly what cannot be moved. 3. Sick in hospitals and hospital stores must be removed to Mem- phis, first due notice being sent, that they may be provided for Page 71 CHIP. XLIV.] iJ0RRESP0~DENCE, ETc.UNION. 71 4. When ready to evacuate, General Stevenson will march his command, or move them by rail as transportation may be obtained, to the city of Memphis. 5. This movement must be executed with the greatest prompti- tude, so that it may be completed at the earliest moment. 6. When this movement shall have been completed, Brigadier- General Stevenson will report in person to these headquarters for assignment to conimand. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 11. Scottsborough, Ala., January 11, 1864. * * * * * * * II.. Brig. Gen. Hugh Ewing, commanding Fourth Division, is charged with guarding the railroad and telegraph line from Scotts- borough to Stevenson, Ala. III. Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, commanding Second Division, is charged with guarding the railroad and telegraph line from picket- line of Brig. Gen. Hugh Ewing, on the line of said railroad west of Scottsborough, to the plantation of Mr. Dodson, about midway be- tween Larkinsville and Woodville. IV. The commanding officer of the First Division is charged with guarding the railroad and telegraph line from Dodson to Hurricane Creek bridge. s plantation V. Brig. Gen. John E. Smith, commanding Third Division, is charged with guarding the railroad and telegraph line from Hunts- ville to and including Hurricane Creek bridge. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan: R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General. KNOXVILLE, January 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The cold weather and high rivers have made things worse; many animals are dying daily; the pontoon bridge at this place has been broken twice since you left by high water and floating ice. As soon as the bridge at Strawberry Plains is done and weather moderates I shall move two corps to Dandridge to obtain forage and corn and wheat. Everything is eaten out north of Holston River, also nearly every- thing is eaten up at Mossy Creek. My move to French Broad River is therefore rendered imperative. Some quartermaster stores have arrived, but not in sufficient quantity. No rations by last boats. Am entirely destitute of bread, coffee, and sugar. Have telegraphed this to General Thomas. Trust yon may be able to raise the amount of supplies by river. The weather is intensely cold, with one inch of snow on the ground. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General Page 72 72 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. KNOXVILIIE, TENN., January 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Two deserters from Barksdales old brigade have come in and given us full details of the enemys position, strength, and condition. Longstreets main body is between Morristown and Russellville, with cavalry in front at Kimbroughs Cross-Roads. His strength is, as I gave you when here, 26,000 men, and 40,000 rations are issued daily. No re-enforcements from Virginia. The bridge at Union nearly completed; that at Carters Station, over the Watauga River, is commenced. The condition is every way bad. They lack clothing, especially shoes, rations, and forage. The country in their vicinity for nearly 20 miles is nearly exhausted. They have now to cross to the south side of the French Broad for forage. The talk among the officers and men is that they will ,soon have to retreat to Bristol. Some regimental commanders have not drawn tents, expecting to move back in a week. Our own condition is worse by far than when you were here; ani- mals dying; some clothing arrived; no forage by the last three boats. We are now entirely destitute of bread. Bridges at Strawberry Plains crossed by train to-day. Will be able to cross wagons on Thursday. Shall move nearly all the force over to Dandridge to enable us to live. The movement is now in progress. Hope to get the pontoon bridges at this place done to-day. Shall go to London to-morrow to hurry up the supplies of bread. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, January 12, 1864. Major-General THOMAS: The high water of the rivers and the rapid destruction of our teams by death of animals from starvation has rapidly diminished our supplies from the country, and we are now destitute of bread, coffee, and sugar. Please order forward some of these and see that the boats run as rapidly as possible. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, Jim Evans Ford, January 12, 186410 a. m. Lieutenant SHAW, A. A. A. G., General Elliotts Cay. Corps Hdqrs.: LIEUTENANT: I have had a careful estimate made by Mr. N. B. Swaun and Captain Sharp, responsible citizens of this district, of the amount of corn remaining on the south side of French Broad, from Tom Evans Ford (7 miles below Dandridge) to Brimers, at mouth of Bi~ Pigeon (4 miles above mouth of Chucky). The estimate only includes the large plantations of corn. It is as follows: Bu8hels. At D. M. Fains quarters 1,000 Fains Island 4,000 Jim Evans and Foxs 4,00 Page 73 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 73 Bushels. Swanns Island 3,000 Cowans, mouth Indian Creek 500 Beaver Dam 12,000 Nolans 8,000 Evans 3,000 Hedricks 3,000 Dutch Bottom 10,000 Irish Bottom 20,000 Total 63,500 This does not include any corn except that lying immediately on the French Broad River, and it does not include that on Tom Evans Island, 7 miles below Dandridge. A brigade of infantry on this side could prevent any crossing at the fords or ferries by the rebels to get this corn. The rebel cavalry has now no other dependence for forage. Yours, respectfully, WM. J. PALMER, Colonel, Commanding. Major-General THOMAS, January 12, 18643 p. m. Chattanooga, Tenn.: Your telegram of yesterday was shown to the Secretary of War, who says that Colonel McCallum has full authority to immediately adopt any measures he may deem necessary to put the railroad in efficient running order. He has authority to make any changes he may deem proper in its management. It is not necessary that he should make any previous explanations to the War Department. Tell him to go right ahead and e will be sustained by the Secretary. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: Your dispatch received. Stores will be forwarded you as fast as possible, but unless great care is exercised both armies will be suffer- ing. The boats are run from here as fast as possible, but the Paint Rock has now been up the river for six days. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 12, 186410.26 p. m. Major-General FOSTER, Knoxville: Your telegram of this date just received. Two of our largest steamers are up the river, with all the subsistence stores we can spare from here until they are returned. One, the Paint Rock, has been absent now six days, the Dunbar three days. Neither boat should ever be detained longer than four days in making the t GEO. H. THO1VFAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commandiiig Page 74 74 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SCOTTSBOROUGH, January 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. E. SMITH: A torpedo was exploded under the track on the railroad to-day, without, however, doing any damage, save to the cross-ties. It, however, shows the necessity of a well-organized patrol guard being established as directed in previous orders. You will therefore at once cause the guard to be put on that part of the road assigned to you. Acknowledge receipt. By order of Major-General Logan: R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Teun., January 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Gomdg. Dept. and Army of the Tennessee, lilemphis, Tenn.: GENERAL: Everything along my lines is quiet. All my regi- ments have re-enlisted that could do so under the orders; and eight of them, with three batteries, have gone home. Seven more are now ready to go, and have been for some time, but the blockade north of Nashville has stopped all transportation of our troops. I hope it will be so we can begin to move theni in a few days. Duck River bridge is all that we are waiting for to have our railroad running. Boomer is at work on it, but cold, stormy weather makes hard and slow work. The latest reliable news from south of the Tennessee is that Johnston is at Dalton, with not to exceed 2~i,000 or 30,000 effect- ive men. Wheelers and Morgans divisions of cavalry have been ordered back from East Tennessee. Martins division lies at Cave Spring. Rome is occupied by State militia; also at Coosaville and Gadsden. Roddey is in the Tuscumbia and Russellville Valley, with not to exceed 1,600 effective men. We picked up a good many prisoners. Our stock is in excellent condition and we continue to live off of the country. General Crooks cavalry division is here; a part has gone to West Tennessee. Some 600 head of stock that I had got together to send to General Logan I had to turn over to him. He came here with 1,~00 dismounted men. What exirna stock I get now, if any, I will send to General Logan. As my working parties finish up I will move them over to the Huntsville road so as to get communication by cars this way to that point as soon as possible. If we could make a lodgment at Decatur it would give an outlet to a large number of Union people who are seeking our lines and who would join our Alabama regiments, and if Colonel Spencers First Alabama Cavalry could be ordered to me, it would form a nucleus that would soon give us another mounted regiment. I fear that there will be a disposition to keep our veterans north longer than the thirty days. I already see the efforts to have them remain there to recruit, & c. I trust General Grant will see that they are ordered back as soon as the thirty days expire, as my position will not be secure unless they commence to return by February 15. My long lines with weak force will be discovered, and if I should hav Page 75 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON. 75 to concentrate suddenly, our heavy works on the railroad would be left exposed, unguarded, and no doubt would be destroyed. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your obe- dient servant, G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. P. S.General Crooks division of cavalry returned to-day from Huntsville. Some seven regiments re-enlisted and went home, and two went to West Tennessee with General Smith. G. M. DODGE. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 12, 1864. (Via Cairo, 14th. Received 4.30 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I think by the 24th I can make up a force of 20,000 men to strike Meridian, and it may be Selma. Infantry will move via Vicksburg, Jackson, and Brandon; cavalry down the Mobile and Ohio Road from La Grange, they meeting about Chunky River. If you think we hazard too much you will have time to notify me by telegraph. i[ shall aim to reach Meridian by February 8, at the furthest. The attention of the enemy in front of Chattanooga should be occupied by a seeming move toward Rome by Thomas and Logan. W. T. SHERMAN. Major- General. (Same to Grant.) GAYOSO [HousE], January 12, 1864. DEAR HURLBUT: Yesterday I was husky; to-day I am dumb; a cold house has silenced me. I wanted to come to your house to- day to see Mrs. Hurlbut. I find no boat in port for Vicksburg, and will go to-morrow about 4 p. m. for Vicksburg, touching at Helena and Skipwiths to see Generals Buford and Hawkins. I can take down any order for the former. I can go down and back in a week, and by that time you will have matters in fair progress. We oaglit to be off by the 24th at furthest, but better 22d. I think Tuttles division should be two brigades. I am sorry Veatch is sick. If I do not come up early to your office to-morrow send me a minute of your proposed command, that I may show it to McPherson. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 12, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Commanding Division of the Mississippi: SIR: I arrived at Corinth on the 9th instant with five regiments of cavalry and one of mounted infantry, numbering in all about 2, 500 men for duty. Notwithstanding the severe weather we made creditable marches and brought our stock through in good order. On the way we took up about 300 horses and mules, 33 armed gue Page 76 76 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. rillas, and 5 deserters from the rebel army. I am now collecting all the cavalry we can get hold of in West Tennessee for a move- ment in concert with the one which General Sherman proposes. He is organizing for it with his characteristic energy, and wishes the co-operation of our whole cavalry force. After Forrest had es- caped from West Tennessee I did not think it necessary or advisa- ble to bring Crooks division across the Tennessee River, except two regiments which reached Savannah before we crossed over. By seizing all the serviceable horses and mules within our reach we can mount and put into the field 4,000 of the cavalry of this district, and this, with the 2,500 I brought with me, will be ample. We are seizing ammals here just as we did in Nashville, and will get about 300 fine horses by the operation. Forrest, Lee, and Chalmers are re- ported to be along the Tallahatchie and in the country between that and the Coldwater, with an effective force of 5,000 or 6,000 men. I have been anxious to attack him at once, but General Sherman thinks I had better await his movement, and in the mean time collect, organize, and supply my command. Crook can collect and reorganize his division and complete his mounting and equipment in prepara- tion for the spring campaign. I must at once adopt some reform- atory measures to secure better care of horses, and I am inclined to think that we will have to muster out of service a great many cavalry officers who are neglecting existing orders on that subject before the stupendous evil can be reached and corrected. By my own personal attention to the stock on our march I have secured good care for it, and it is in as serviceable condition as when we started. Every effort should be made between this and spring to get our cavalry thoroughly mounted, armed, equipped, and organized. I will communicate with the ordnance and cavalry bureaus and make known our wants and endeavor to get them supplied. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Chief of Cavalry, Division of the Mississippi. CORINTH, Jannary 12, 18649.10 p. m. Major-General HURLBUT: In order to promptly execute your order I should not be embar- rassed by Colonel Mizner and command encumbering the road with trains of old shanties torn to pieces. In addition, he has orderedi First Alabama Cavalry to move to Memphis. This order should be countermanded until such time as I indicate that it should te made. Camp Davies is an important outpost to me and should be under my sole control for the time being. With prompt co-operation on part of General Webster your order can be speedily complied with; with- out it, then it will be a work of time. I have at least 600 wives and children of Federal soldiers that require to be cared for, and also about the same number or more contrabands, for whom Lieutenant- Colonel Phillips should immediately provide. What about traders with Treasury permits, and their stocks? We should dispose of them. JNO. D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General Page 77 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 77 COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 12, 1864. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division: Patrols have returned from Olive Branch; saw 3 rebels and heard of a force south of Coidwater, but could not ascertain the number. Nothing was heard of at Quinns Mill. Patrols to Mount Pleasant and south of there saw 1 rebel scout, but learned nothing of the presence of the enemy; saw several men who stated that there was no force of the enemy north of the Tallahatchie. Will send scouts out in morning. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. GERMANTOWN, January 12, 1864. Captain WOODWARD: CAPTAIN: The scout ordered by you has returned. They report the number of rebels at about 40 men. They had placed a shell under the track, which exploded as the last car was passing over. No damage done, except breaking a rail. They then left in the direction of Coldwater, but our men could not come up to them. I have a scout out toward Olive Branch at this time. J. COKER, Captain Sixth Illinois Cavalry. MEMPHIS, TENN., COMMANDING OFFICER, January 12, 1864. Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Germantown: Send 200 men immediately toward Collierville and ascertain the cause of the breaking of the telegraph and firing into the train. Pursue any enemy you find. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., Col. J. K. MIZNER, January 12, 1864. C~omdg. First Cavalry Brigade, La Grange, Tenn.: Move the balance of your command, withall camp and garrison equipage, from Corinth and other points east to La Grange. Com- mence with Corinth. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Maj. D. E. COON, Memphis, Tenn., January 12, 1864. Commanding Second Iowa Cavalry: MAJOR: In obedience to orders from headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps, you will detail a full company of your command, with five commissioned officers (about 73 men, a captain, and 4 lieute Page 78 78 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. ants), well mounted, armed, and equipped, with four days rations and forage in wagon, to report to headquarters Major-General iluribut promptly at 8.30 oclock to-morrow morning, January 13. By order of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOOD WARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, January 12, 1864. Brigadier-General STEVENSON, Corinth: You will receive important orders to-day. Set the movement going before you come in. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, lllernphis, Teun., January 12, 1864. [Col. A. G. BRACKETT ?]: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you will fit your whole command for active service as speedily as possible. Colonel Morgan has been ordered to turn over to your quartermaster the horses and mules upon which a portion of his command are now mounted; also, some pontoons now in his possession. You will make immediate reqnisitiou for any ordnance stores you may need upon Lieut. J. M. Caldwell, acting ordnance officer, at these headquar- ters. We are still unable to supply sufficient horses to mount your command. Keep your patrols moving south and guard well the line of the Coldwater. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., January 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Army and Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: No telegram of the 9th December from the Secretary of War, calling for report of veterans mustered, has been received at these headquarters. I have twenty-four regiments of veterans, over three-fourths of each regiment having enrolled themselves, and they are being mus- tered iii as fast as rolls can be procured. Five regiments are a read mustered. I am satisfied that I will have twenty-six or twenty-eight regi- ments in my command of veterans. All of the regiments that have served two years and upwards will re-enlist, with two or three exceptions. The muster-in rolls forwarded from the Adjutant-Generals Office, Washington, during the last three months, on requisitions from these headquarters, have never been received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General Page 79 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNJON. 79 GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 17. Washington, January 12, 1864. By direction of the President of the United States, Maj. Gen. S. P. Heintzelman, U. S. Volunteers, is placed in command of the Northern Department, which will be composed of the States of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, headquarters at Columbus, Ohio. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assisktnt Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 12. Knoxville, Teun., January 12, 1864. * * * * * * III. Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke, commanding Forces in the Field, will order home for furlough one-third of those regiments yet remaining in his command that have re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. He will report his action to these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 12. ]Ilemphis, Tenn., January 12, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen.. B. H. Grierson, commanding Cavalry Division, will detail one full company of cavalry, with 5 commissioned officers, well armed, mounted, and equipped, with four days rations and forage in wagon, to report at these headquarters January 13, at 8.30 a. m. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. ilurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., January ~3, 186411 a. m. (Received 1.40 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: lf General Foster is relieved General McPherson or General Scho- field would suit me to fill his place, but both are ranked by generals already in the Department of the Ohio. I would recommend, there- fore, the appointment of General W. F. Smith to major-general Page 80 80 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. and rank dated back to his first appointment, and he be given the command. If it is in contemplation to give General Smith a higher command, either of the officers named or General Parke will suit me. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., JGnuary 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Chattanooga, Tenn.: I have just received your telegram, recommending the appoint- ment of Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith to a major-generalcy. Your former recommendation was submitted to the Secretary of War, and I think the appointment will be made as soon as there is a vacancy. Not only is there no vacancy now, but by some error more than the num- ber authorized by law were made last summer, and some major- generals now in service must be dropped. Their names cannot be sent to the Senate. I hope it may not be necessary to relieve General Foster, as he is a good officer and a live man. There are some doubts about General Schofields confirmation. If ordered to your command I think you will find him an able officer for any position. No change of com- mands will probably be made till the Senate acts upon his case. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the Ohio: GENERAL: Your letter of the 8th instant is before me. From the condition of our supplies here I do not know how you can be supplied from this place with anything like half rations. It takes all the means we have to supply the troops here. The railroad management is entirely unequal to the emergency, and as that management is not under my control, I cannot say how we shall succeed after the road is opened to this point. All I can do is to promise you all the aid I can give after supplying our absolute necessities here. My animals are dying from starvation, too. And seeing this inevitable state of affairs, I have concluded to starve with them until we can better their condition as well as our own. My only hope is that we can stand it longer than the enemy. Very respectfully and truly, yours, GEG. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, Jim Evans Ford, January 13, 1864. Lieutenant SHAW, Actg. Asst. A~jt. Gen., Ildqrs. Cavalry Corps: LIEUTENANT: The enemy are foraging extensively on this side of the river with wagons, keeping close to the shore up in the Dutc Page 81 Cii~r. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOK. 81 and Irish Bottoms, and in the fork of Big Pigeon and French Broad Rivers; also, still niore extensively with wagons in the fork be- tween French Broad and Chucky. All these rivers are now forda- ble, and there is no ice running in them. The guards sent along with the wagons are light, but in consequence of the river being fordable at various places between Dandridge and the mouth of Pigeon, and Morgans and part of Armstrongs cavalry divisions lying within a short distance of the river bank at Dentons Ford and Dr. Boyds, it is risking rather too much for my small command to go so far up. There are also 150 cavalry at Gormans, near New- port, on this side of both French Broad and Pigeon. I earnestly recommend that one brigade of cavalry be sent here to-night, cross- ing at this ford, which is now in good order. If artillery be sent, we have a ferry-boat here to cross it. They should come down the Mutton Hollow road to Shady Grove (from Flat Gap), thence 2 miles across the river to this camp; total distance from Mossy Creek to my camp, 12 miles. They should not leave Flat Gap till about dark, so that information of the movement may not reach the enemy above Dandridge. Two or three roads, including the Mary- ville road (from Shady Grove to Dandridge), lead off from the Mut- ton Hollow road toward Dandridge, and small picket posts should be placed on each of these to prevent any citizens from carrying information of the movement. There are also three or four houses on the way that should be guarded. These will be pointed out by the guides, of whom I send you 6 herewith, to be used with the column if it is decided to send it. These guides also know the ford well, and there will be no danger in night fording. The ford is 30 yards wide and with a smooth bottom. The force can get a good feed here of both corn and hay, and start to-morrow with my command for the wagons and foraging parties. All the fords can be guarded as we go up, although if the Cavalry Corps makes its movement toward the French Broad to-morrow the attention of the rebels will be so much eiigaged that they will hardly attempt to cross to this side, even if they hear of our going up, which is doubtful. If they should cross a large force to menace us, it will be all the better for your command on the other side of the river; they can never catch us in these woods and mount- ains, as we have the whole population to guide and picket for us. If the plan is accepted I think we can take many prisoners and wagons and bring them off, thus crippling their facilities for for- aging permanently. If they should cross the river at about Dentons Ford to intercept us they will probably send a smaller force than ours, as they will deem it improbable that a brigade has got on the south side of French Broad without their knowledge. We would in that event have the smaller force at our mercy. There would be no risk to your main force in sparing this brigade, as our force of cavalry is certainly that much larger than the enemys, while theirs is scattered from mouth of Chucky to Dentons Ford. If the general movement to-morrow is prompt, some large foraging parties with wagons can probably be caught in the bend of the river at Swanns Island above Dandridge, by taking the Elletts Ferry road; the y are foraging there to-day with one regiment of cavalry. You ha d probably better retain Lieutenant Miller and Lieutenant McGuire, of Ninth Tennessee, who accompany this, as guides, to come with the main body when it starts; they are acquainted 6 R R--VOL xxxii, PT I Page 82 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. thoroughly with all the country, trails, & c., in the vicinity of Dand- ridge below and above to the month of the Chucky. I have arranged to have here at daylight to-morrow the latest in- formation from up the French Broad, as far as mouth of Chucky on this side. Please send me some of the Presidents proclamations; the rebel pickets at Swauns Island are asking for them. I am, lieutenant, yours, very respectful~y, PALMER, Colonel, Commanding. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 13, 1864. Brigadier-General Cox, Commanding Twenty-third Corps: In accordance with instructions just received from Major-General Foster, General Parke directs that you move your corps to the vicinity of Dandridge, leaving one brigade at Mossy Creek. The general commanding suggests that you allow the brigade now at Mossy Creek to remain there. I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant, 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant-Colonel, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, January 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that, in accordance with instructions from Major-General Foster for the disposition of this command, you will move your entire command (except a suffi- cient force to furnish Colonel Chandler the necessary details for completing the work on the railroad bridge at this place) to the vicinity of Dandridge on the French Broad, where you will take such position as you can best subsist your men and animals and maintain your communication with this place. You will at once construct such ferries for crossing the French Broad as you may need. You will also collect all possible subsistence and forage more than for need of your own command, this excess of supplies to be sent in boats to Knoxville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant-C~olonel, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS. Near Blains Cross-Roads, Teun., January 13, 1864. Major-General SHERIDAN, Comdg. Second Division, Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: In accordance with instructions just received fro~i headquarters Forces in the Field, the general commanding direct Page 83 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETc.UNION. 83 that you move your division from this place to vicinity of Dandridge, Tenn., starting early to-morrow morning. Upon your arrival at that place you will put your command in camp, and construct such fer- ries as may be necessary to cross the French Broad River, for the purpose. of procuring commissary supplies and forage on the other side thereof. The wagons, artillery, and horses of your command, save the horses of the general staff and field officers, will cross the Holston River at McKinney~s Ferry, while the infantry and the horses above excepted will cross on the railroad bridge at Strawberry Plains. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRs. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, Ala., January 13, 1864. Lieut. Col. C. HAPPEL, Corndg. 10th Missouri and 56th illinois Infantry Volunteers: COLONEL: In compliance with the inclosed Special Orders, No. 11, paragraphs S and 6, headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, of date January 11, 1864, you will also have the railroad and telegraph line guarded and patrolled daily, from and includinb the covered bridge at Hurricane Creek to Brownsborough, and for 2 miles this side of Browusborough. Any damage which may be done, either to the railroad or telegraph line assigned to you to guard, you will have repaired immediately. You will keep a sufficient quantity of wood prepared and on hand at the depot at Browusborough for railroad pur- poses. You will also repair and keep in repair the water-tank~, if any, upon your part of the line. By order of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith: M. ROCHESTER, Assistant A~jutant-Gener~d. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 13, 1864. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Commanding Second Cavalry Brigade, Collierville: You will keep your patrols well out south toward Coldwater. In case the road should be attacked, and communication with Memphis cut off, you will concentrate and attack the enemy vigorously wherever you may find him. Colonel Mizuer, commanding the First Brigade, is at La Grange, and will be ordered to co-operate with you. B. H. GRIIERSON, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 13, 1864. His Excellency THOMAS E. BRAMLETTE, Governor of Kentucky, Frankfort, Ky.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your tele- gram, dated Frankfort, and have repeated my previous orders o Page 84 84 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the subject of the citizens of Kentucky impressed into the military service of the United States, to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, command- ing District of Columbus, at the same time ins,tructing the com- manding officer at Island 10 to at once release any such persons. Very respectfully, your obedient servaut, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 13, 1864. Col. J. K. MIZNER, La Grange, Tenn.: Keep your patrols well ont along the line of the Coldwater and toward Ripley. In case the road should be attacked and communi- cation with Memphis cut off, you will co-operate with Col. A. G. Brackett, commanding Second Brigade Cavalry, at Collierville, and attack the enemy vigorously wherever he may be found. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. D. STEVENSON, The railroad transportation from Corinth is nuder your orders. I4old the First Alabama. Regulate all matters to your own will. Traders will be the very last thing considered. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 13, 1864. Col. J. K. MIZNER, La Grange, Tenn.: The First Alabama must remain at Corinth to cover Stevensons movement. They will move in when he does. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. GRAND JUNCTION, TENN., ~January 13, 1864. Oeneral GRIERSON: A citizen just in reports that 14 rebel soldiers passed Dr. Prewells farm near here on their way to Jackson; the soldiers reported For- rest on Tallah~tchie River ready to move, and said he was going there also. J. H. HOWE, (Jolonel, G~ommanding Third Brigade Page 85 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 85 Captain WOODWARD, COLLIERVILLE, January 13, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-& eneral, Cavalry Division: Scouts just in, sent from Germantown to Olive Branch this morn- ing, report that they have reliable information that the enemy is moving east. Will telegraph any further information we can get. W. P. CALLON, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, T. E. B. CAMERON, Memphis, January 13, 1864. Memphis, Teun.: SIR: Yours of November 26 did not come to hand till I was en route for Memphis, so I left the matter to be attended to here. Of course, it is not to be expected that I have time to read, much less attend to, such long communications. General Veatch was justified, as commander of a city in time of war, to destroy a gambling house, as it is the cause of crime and dis- order. His right to destroy involves the minor right to fine and exact bond. He was not bound to inquire who owned the house. If a Union man rents his property to an enemy or to rascals, he incurs the risk of losing it, as treason and crime taint all they touch. As to the property used by Colonel Hatch, and now used by Gen- eral Grierson, I will instruct the quartermaster to recognize the rights of property of all peaceable people, of course, to Union men, and either to vacate the premises or pay rent. I will refer by letter to Captain Eddy to inquire and act. Yours, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Gommanding. NASHVILLE, January 13, 1864. Governor THOMAS E. BRAMLETTE, Franlcfort, Ky.: I found your dispatch of January 6 at my headquarters on my ar- rival here last night, and in reply have the honor to inform you that General Fosters orders to General Boyle do not contemplate the abandonment of Kentucky to the enemy, either in organized or guer- rilla bands, but specially require a sufficient number of the troops now on duty in the State to be retained for the purpose of securing the safety of all important parts, as well as the security of our lines of communications. Kentucky is a portion of my command, and shall receive hereafter as heretofore all the protection that my forces are capable of giving. In all the dispositions of troops that I may make the importance of protecting her territoxy and securing her citizens from danger of internal disturbances will be kept steadily in view. But, while busy with so many other matters of equal importance, I am well aware that I may not be able to obtain a full understanding of all that concerns her interests, and have therefore to request that you will communicate frankly with me at all times upon any subject you may deem sufficiently important to demand my attention Page 86 KY., SW. VA., TLNN~ MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. I regret exceedingly not having seen you as I passed through Frankfort, but IL expect to be in Louisville next week, and, if possi- ble, will visit you at Frankfort. I desire to see you in person for the purpose of conferring more fully than is possible by letter upon the questions alluded to herein. U. S. GRANT, lIfajor- General. LA GRANGE, TENN., January 13, 1864. General TUTTLE: I have the honor to submit the following scout report: Leaving La Grange, Teun., Friday morning, the 8th instant, proceeded south by the Holly Springs road, crossed the Central Rail road at Lamar, Miss.; Saturday, the 9th, passed (6 miles south of Holly Springs) 60 rebel soldiers, armed with muskets only, but well mounted, who reported themselves as Captain Crafts command, raised in Marshall and Tippah Counties, for border service, but who had been ordered to report to General Chalmers at Oxford, at which they expressed great dissatisfaction. Found no force of the enemy at Waterford, on the Central Railroad. Met at this place a private of the Forty-third Mississippi, who left Canton on The 1st. General Lorings division is still at the latter place, on short rations of beef of a very inferior quality. There is at present no rebel force north of the Tallahatchie, owing to the scarcity of forage. On Thursday, the 7th instant, General Forrest was at Panola with about 3,000 men, Chalmers at Oxford with 1,500, and Richardson at Harrisburg, in Pontotoc County, with 1,500 more. Corn not being permitted to pass the Tallahatchie causes great destitution,north of that river. There is thought to be sufficient in the border counties to prevent suffering, but the great trouble is a proper distribution of it. General Forrest proposes to appoint a number of citizens, giving them passes to the Federal lines with cotton for the purchase of sup- plies, which shall be sold for greenbacks, or if for Confederate money, at a price of which an exchange can be effected without loss. Rebels still talk of success, and claim that they never can be con- quered, but that being starved into subjection is among the probabil- ities, and are not so sanguine as thirty days since. Want of confi- dence in Confederate money, with which alone corn can scarcely be obtained, and only at ruinous prices, has developed something of a Union feeling, ten dollars in Confederate being gladly exchanged for one Yankee dollar. There is still some cotton in the country, half of which is in the field. Planters will raise but little corn the coming season, but will turn their attention almost exclusively to cotton. LA GRANGE, January 14, 1864. General HURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: I send you inclosed [above] report of one of my scouts; he is one of my most reliable men. Some things I suppose you will want to take notice of. J. M. TUTTLE, Brigadier-General Page 87 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 87 GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 5. ~ Strawberry Plains, Tenn., January 13, 1864. I. The Second Division, Brigadier-General Manson commanding, will immediately go into position on the left bank of Mossy Creek, and will make huts for quarters, laying the same out with regu- larity, those of a regiment being similar in form and size and ar- ranged with a view to securing the most thorough policing and proper camping grounds for company parade and drill in the man- ual, & c. The brigade of said division now remaining at Strawberry Plains will march to-morrow morning, 14th instai~t, at 8 oclock, and the position of the camps will be located at Mossy Creek by the act- ing assistant inspector-general of the corps, with reference to proper position for the Third Division when ordered up. II. The portion of the Third Division not re-enlisted in the Vet- eran Corps will be concentrated by Brigadier-General Hascall, com- inanding, upon the left bank of the Holston River near Strawberry Plains, and await further orders. The Wilder Battery will, how- ever, as soon as possible turn over its guns and equipments to the Elgin Battery, of the Second Division, in accordance with former orders. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: G. M. BASCOM, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, STRAWBERRY PLAINS, TENN., No. 6. ) January 13, 186411 p. m. Paragraph 1 of General Orders, No. 5, current series, from these headquarters, is, in compliance with orders from department head- quarters, hereby countermanded. Brigadier-Genera I Manson, com- manding Second Division, will get his command in readiness to move to Dalidridge and will await orders to march. The brigade of Colonel Mott will be left at Mossy Creek. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: G. M. BASCOM, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF KY., 1ST DIv., 23D A. C., No. 11. * * Louisville, January 13, 1864. * * * * * VI. The commanders of the forces named below will report to General E. H. Hobson, at Lebanon, Ky., and receive orders from him: Eleventh Michigan Cavalry, Colonel Brown, Lexington. Twenty-sixth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Maxwell, Bowling Green. Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Colonel McManomy, Lebanon. Eleventh Kentucky Cavalry, Colonel Holeman, Camp Hall. Phillips Illinois battery, Lieut. G. W. Reed, Camp Nelson. By command of Brigadier-General Boyle: A. C. SEMPLE Assistant Adjutant- General Page 88 88 KY., SW. VA., TENX., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Dr. Kittoe lias been promoted as you requested. Orders were issued some time since that Brig. Gen. George Crook report for duty to General Kelley, Department of West Virginia. As he may have never received it, please give him such order. H. W. HALLECK General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, - Chattanooga, JanNary 14, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: I am assured by the engineer of the Running Water bridge that the road will be completed to this place to-day by 2 p. m. Day be- fore yesterday I telegraphed Colonel Donaldson to have trains loaded for this place and started from Nashville yesterday. We are to-day entirely out of forage and short of rations, the result of endeavoring to supply General Foster and ourselves by steam-boat. Now that the railroad is finished, Mr. Anderson should be required to have as many trains running as can be put on the road. So far, instead of getting ahead, our supplies are decreasing. With the railroad oper- ated to its full capacity we certainly ought to accumulate supplies here and be able to give two or three steam-boats to Foster. I will write you at length to-day. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Oomdg. Military Div. qf the Miss., Nashville, Tenn.: GENERAL: The engineers on the Running Water bridge have as- sured me that the railroad will be complete an in running order to this place to-day at 2 p. m. General Crook reports that the Nashville and Decatur Road will be completed by the 15th February. In anticipation of the comple- tion of the Nashville and Chattanooga Road, I telegraphed Colonel Donaldson to have all the trains to come from Nashville to Bridge- port loaded for this place, the first two with forage, as our animals were entirely without food, the next with provisions, so that we could send some to General Foster. In this connection I must say that I cannot possibly supply General Fosters demands and this command, too, unless Mr. Anderson does his share of the work. He ought to have had by this time some- thing like 200 or 250 freight cars at Nashville, with a corresponding number of motive power to put to work as soon as the road was open, yet the department at Bridgeport has never been properly supplied Page 89 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRFSPONDEXCE, ETC.JLTNJON. 89 but always out of or short in subsistence stores or forage. I have repeatedly urged him to exert himself; his excuse is that the cars are not unloaded properly on their arrival at Bridgeport and at way- stations. In ~eply to inquiry on the subject of unloading cars, Captain Le Duc asserts positively that with every obstacle thrown in his way by the railroad employ& , compelling him to move every train from the main track and back by man or mule power, he has managed to unload all the trains which have reached Bridgeport, and day before yesterday, when he made his report, there were up- wards of 30 empty freight cars lying on the track, and had been there for several days. I have not heard yet that Mr. Anderson has secured a sufficient construction and repair corps to keep his road in order. His track-master, who has charge from Bridgeport here, called on me two weeks since for assistance to place the road in condition, to commence as soon as the Running Water bridge was completed. I had previously ordered a large detail of soldiers to work along the road from here to Nashville, so as to help Anderson and put the road in order at once. General Slocum says he does not call on him for assistance, nor say what he would like to have done. The officer intrusted with the cutting of wood for the road between this ~nd Bridgeport reports that he has over 4,000 cords cut, and that he can supply the road with wood until a corps of wood-cutters is hired by Mr. Anderson. As yet I do not see that any steps have been taken either to get section-hands or wood-cutters for this part of the road; therefore, infer from the unusual delay in putting the road between Bridgeport and Nashville in order that but little has been done for that. But for the timely arrival of Colonel McCallum, with something over 200 of his men, from Virginia (Army of the Po- tomac), I doubt if the bridge over Running Water would have been completed for ten days to come. Colonel McCallum informed me on his arrival that on the receipt of General Meigs dispatch ordering him out here he inferred from the nature of the order that a strong corps of workmen was much needed. He therefore hired 1,200, and was expecting their arrival early this week, but that Mr. Anderson with rfdnctance consented to take 500 of them. I ordered him to put the other 700 to work on the Northwestern Road and complete it as rapidly as possible, and after repairing thoroughly this road as far to the rear as Nashville, with the remaining 500 and the bridge party of 200 which have been at work on the Running Water bridge to commence work on the road from here to Knoxville. After hearing Colonel McCallums report I determined to telegraph to General Halleck the state of affairs, and received in reply the accompanying telegram,* which will explain to you his position. I will direct him to call on you in Nashville, and I feel confident that if anybody can help us out of this railroad difficulty he can. He is thoroughly practicable and willing to obey orders and receive sug- gestions. Besides, he fully comprehends all the difficulties in the way, as well as the magnitude of the undertaking, to supply by rail- road the force we are compelled to have at this point. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, AJiajor-General, U. S. Volunteers, Gommanding. *Seep 73 Page 90 90 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HDQRS. CHIEF OF ARTY., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., January 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. M. BRANNAN, Chief of Artillery, Department of the Gumberland: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following written re- port of my inspection of a portion of the artillery in this department, between the 25th of December, 1863, and 9th of Jannary, 1864; in addition to which I snbmit a regular inspection report: FORT DONELSON. The fort is in good condition, except the curtain on the river side, the scarp and exterior slope of which are giving way, but it is being repaired by the garrison. The magazine is large and in good condi- tion, frequently aired, and the ammunition well looked to and in good order. The fort is armed with four 22-pounder sea-coast and two 12- pounder iron guns, and one 8-inch siege howitzer. There is one old 6-pounder iron gun, on a broken carriage, lying near the fort. The men understand the drill very well, and the guns and imple- ments are well taken care of; military appearance, discipline, and police, good. The men are in comfortable huts. Battery C, Second Illinois Artillery, stationed here, has four James rifles. This battery is in very good condition, everything neat and well cared for; horses in excellent condition; stables not very good, but expect to make new ones soon. Men are in comfortable huts. Garrison consists of left wing of Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Brott. CLARK5VILLE. The fort is in very nice order. The magazine is slightly damp overhead, but the ammunition is in good condition, being frequently examined and aired. The fort is armed with two 24-pounder siege guns, which are kept in good order, and the men drill very well. There are two 6-pounder field guns in the fort belonging to Battery C, Second Illinois (with carriages, limbers, and caissons complete), and also one iron 6-pounder taken out of the river and not mounted. Battery H, Second Illinois, stationed here, has two 6-pounder gnus and four Janies rifles; drill at manual pretty well. Battery well taken care of; very comfortable stables, and horses in flue condition. Military appearance and police very good. Men in comfortable huts. The garrison consists of the right wing Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, Colonel Smith commanding. GALLATIN. The fort is in good condition and the magazine in good order. The Thirteenth Indiana Battery, having one 6-pounder, one 12- pounder howitzer, and four 3-inch guns, are at the fort (the guns inside). There are also three rebel field guns, with carriages, lim- bers, and caissous, in the fort, viz: One 6-pounder bronze, one 3-inch (not U. S.), and one howitzer, iron, probably a 12-pounder. Drill at manual very good; military appearance, discipline, police, care o Page 91 CEAP. XLIV.] COI~RESP0NI)ENCE, ETC.IJNIOK. 91 guns and battery very good. The horses are in very good condition, iii a good stable, well stacked with fodder. Men ill comfortable quarters. A lieutenant and 113 men from this battery are at CARTHAGE, in charge of two 3-inch guns. The guns do not belong to any par- ticular battery. Garrison at Gallatin, Seventy-first and One hun- red and sixth Ohio, General Paine commanding. FRANKLIN. Fort is in very good condition. The magazine is large and leaks badly, but a shed was being put over it to try to keep it dry. The ammunition did not seem to be damaged from dampness, it being frequently taken out and aired. The magazine is used for a com- missary store-house as well as to keep ammunition. The fort is armed with one 30-pounder Parrott, two rifled 24- l)ounders, and three 8-inch siege howitzers; another 8-inch howitzer is in a small work a few hundred yards northwest of the main work. The men are in comfortable huts inside the fort; they drill well. Military appearance, care of guns and implements, and police very good. The garrison, consisting of two companies of the Fourteenth ~Jichigan Infantry, are also quartered inside the fort. The lieutenant- colonel commands the post. COLUMBIA. Lieutenant Gifford, with a detachment from the Fourteenth Michi- gan, has charge of a section, one 6-pounder gun and one 12-pounder Wiard gun, with limbers, caissons, horses, and implements completed. Garrison, Fourteenth Michigam Colonel Mizuer commanding. NASHVILLE. Fort Negley seems to be in good condition. The magazines (of which there are two) are in good order, and the ammnnition is well looked to. The fort is armed with one 30-pounder, rifled (on a bar- bette carriage with a circular platform) ; three 24-poun~1er siege guns, two 24-pounder howitzers (field), and two 6-pounder field guns, manne~zl l)y the Twelfth Indiana Battery. The guns and implements are well taken care of, and the men drill very well indeed. The mens quarters are not first rate. Tents are old and lumber very scarce. Military appearance, discipline, and police very good. The Seventy-third Indiana Infantry has charge of all the 6ther guns that are in position at Nashville. At the capitol there are four 30-pounder and two 20-pounder Parrotts. At Fort Houston one 24- pounder siege gnu and four 6-pounder field guns (this work is unfin- ished). At Fort Morton one 30-pounder Parrott, one 32-pounder sea-coast, and one 24-pounder siege gun (the last two are mounted on carriages like casemate carriages without the chassis). There is a 24-pounder siege gun at the termination of Broad street, one 100- pounder Parrott, between termination of Broad street and officers hospital (in the camp of the One hundred and twenty-ninth Illinois Regiment), one 100-pounder Parrott near officers hospital, one 24 Page 92 92 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. pounder siege gun near Lebanon pike, one 100-pounder Parrott at water-works, and one 24-pounder siege on river bank. These isolated guns are mounted like the two before mentioned at Fort Morton, carriage of casemate gun without chassis. At the capitol the magazine is a portion of the basement. The ammunition keeps well, though complaint has been made that it is too damp. Such is perhaps the case in summer rather than in win- ter. The magazines at Forts Morton and Houston are in good order. At each isolated gun there is a small magazine capable of holding about 100 rounds of ammunition. They are very indifferent, but 50 far the powder has kept pretty well by being taken out and aired as often as the weather would permit. There were from 80 to 100 rounds with each gun, and in one or two, ammunition belonging to other guns. I directed Captain White, chief of artillery, to leave 50 rounds per gun and send the balance to one of the large maga- zines. The men are generally very comfortable, some in tents and some in huts. A squad of about 10 men are with each isolated gun. The military appearance, police, and discipline very fair; drill, good; guard duty seemingly well performed. Battery E, First Michigan, belongs to the artillery of the post. Battery drill, general appearance of the battery, care of guns and carriages, packing ammunition, & c., very good; camp not in first- rate order, and police horses not iii good condition as they should be, having been at Nashville since August; no stable for animals. I told Captain White that he must see that Captain Ely had suables built, even if he had to get out the material with his men. Captain White is a young, energetic officer; lie also has charge of the Twentieth Indiana Battery, which is stationed, one section at Stockade No. 1, 6 miles from Nashville, one section at La Vergue, and one section at Stewarts Creek. This battery has two 6-pounder guns and four James rifles. Captain White~ reports this battery to be in first-rate condition. I did not inspect it. Col. James Barnett is at Nashville with six batteries of the reserve artillery. His men are comfortably hutted in a nice camp, and their stables were about half completed on the 31st December. The men got posts, rafters, & c., and timber, which they split into boards, from the woods. He had drawn no horses yet, he was waiting till the stables were finished. Four of his batteries had drawn their guns. Captain Stokes has four reserve batteries and three batteries belong- ing to the Eleventh Corps nuder his command; the latter are in good condition, horses in good order, and ready for the field if necessary. Captain Stokes had not yet established his camp for the winter. One of his reserve batteries had drawn guns and two of them had drawn horses. He expected to get lumber from the quartermaster in a few days td build his stables. Captain Stokes has drawn no mules for his caissons yet, and does not like the idea of using them in the place of horses. Colonel Barnett also very much dislikes to draw mules for his caissons, and while speaking upon the subject he called my attention to the fact that a great number of Government wagons in Nashville were drawn by fine horses, which would be excellent for the artillery, and at the time a Government wagon was passing drawn by as fine horses as I nearly ever saw, and while I was at Nashville I saw quite a number of Government wagons drawn by fine horses Page 93 Ci~p. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.JJNION. 93 MURFREESBOROUGH. The fort is manned by the First Kentucky Battery and about 800 convalescent officers and soldiers, all under the command of Major Houghtaling, First Illinois Light Artillery. The guns are divided into batteries of from three to nine guns each, under the charge of a commissioned officer, and from 60 to 108 enlisted men present. Battery Mitchell is commanded by Lieutenant Irwin, of the First Kentucky Battery, and is armed with one 12-pounder and one 6- pounder field gun, and two 8-inch siege howitzers. Battery at Lunette Palmer, by First Lieutenant Jones, Seventy- Ninth Indiana Volunteers, armed with four 6-pounder Parrott field guns and one 8-inch siege howitzer. Battery at Lunette McCook, by Capt. J. R. Fiscus, Seventeenth Indiana, armed with one 24-pounder, rifled, four 6-pounder Parrott field guns, and two 8-inch siege howitzers. Battery at Lunette Negley, by Capt. D. M. Roberts, Seventy-fifth Illinois, armed with two 6-pounders, one 3-inch, one 6-pounder James rifle field-guns, and one 8-inch siege howitzer. Battery at Lunettes Rousseau, Sheridan, and Reynolds, by Capt. W. A. Gregory, Twenty-second Illinois, armed with three 6-pounder field gnus, one 24-pounder, rifled, and one 8-inch siege howitzer. Battery at Lunettes Granger and Crittenden, by Capt. W. N. Doughty, Thirty-seventh Indiana, armed with one 6-pounder and one 3-inch gun, and one 12-pounder field howitzer. Battery at Redoubt Johnson, by Lieut. William Pool, Eighty- seventh Indiana, armed with four 24-pounders, rifled. Battery at R doubt Schofield, by First Lieut. William H. Leamy, Nineteenth U.S. Infantry, armed with one 30-pounder Parrott, four 24-pounders, siege, and one 6-pounder, field guns. Battery at Redoubt Wood, armed with four 24-pounders, rifled. Battery at Redoubt Brannan, by Second Lieut. J. D. Williams, Ninth Michigan, armed with three 30-pounder Parrotts, two 12- pounder field guns, and one 8-inch siege howitzer. The First Kentucky Battery (Captain Thomasson), besides its own guns, two 6-pounders, one 3-inch and two 6-pounder James rifled field guns, has charge of one 24-pounder, rifled, and three 8-inch siege howitzers. Each battery, except the one at Lunettes Granger and Crittenden, has a magazine, all of which are in good condition. A little dampness can be seen in three or four of them after a long, heavy rain. At Redoubt Schofield the magazine leaked slightly, but will be fixed as soon as the weather will permit. Major Houghtaling told me that this magazine had heretofore been considered the best in the fort. I could not get into the large magazine, the man who had the key could not be found. General Van Cleve and Major Houghtaling, who were in it a few days before, said that it was in a very good condi- tion, but that there was slight dampness after long rains. The gal- lery around this magazine has fallen in in two places, but can be easily repaired. The military appearance, discipline, drill, police, care of guns and implements, very good. The men are in comfortable huts. Mess arrangements good. The First Kentucky Battery, 54 horses, some of which are conva- lescent horses, and the others are such as could be bought in th Page 94 94 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. LOHAP. XLIV. country around Murfreesborough. They are not in good condition, and are generally too light for artillery. The battery is kept in good order and the horses have a very good stable. The scarps of the redonbts are giving way badly where galleries were to have been made. Some of the traverses are also falling down; one of them has been almost entirely rebuilt by the garrison. The block-houses all leak badly, and are therefore little used even for store-honses. Garrison, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio and Twenty-second and Thirty-first Wisconsin. TULLAHOMA. The Ninth Ohio Battery is at the fort, and has fonr 12-pounders (light) and two 3-inch guns. There are two 24-pounders (rifled) on barbette carriages, one 24-pounder (smooth-bore) not mounted, and one 3-hich rebel gun with carriage and caisson, also under charge of Ninth Ohio Battery. The magazine is reported to be in good condition; the lock was filled within and it could not be unlocked. Military appearance, discipline, and police only tolerable; men in comfortable huts and tents ;guns and harness well cared for; horses in very fair condition and under good shelter. The work seemed to be in good condition. Garrison, Twenty-sev- enth Indiana and four detached companies, division and corps head- quarters. ELK RIVER AND DECHERD. The Second Kentucky Battery has two 3-inch guns in the fort at Elk River and two 3-inch guns in a little redoubt at Decherd. The magazine at Elk River is in good condition (no magazine at Decherd). The horses, most of which are with the section at Dech- erd, are not in good condition. They have very good stables. Military appearance, drill, discipline, and police fair. Care of guns, harness, and ammunition good. Men in comfortable huts. The work at Elk River is in good condition; that at Decherd small and falling to pieces. Garrison at Elk River, Second Massa- chusetts Regiment, seven companies of which were to start home on furlough next day (the 8th instant); at Decherd, the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiment. STEVENSON. Battery F, Fourth Artillery, six Napoleon guns; horses hr bad condition for want of rough forage, otherwise the battery is in very good condition. Military appearance, discipline, police, very good. Care of guns, implements, and harness good. Men in comfortable log-huts. Horses under good shelter. Garrison, Colonel Irelands brigade, Brigadier-General Gearys division. BRIDGEPORT. Battery K, Fifth Artillery, four Napoleon guns in very good con- dition. Horses in pretty good order. No stables, but will hav Page 95 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 95 soon. Guns, implements, and harness well cared for. Men in com- fortable huts. Military appearance, discipline, and police very good. Battery M, First New York, four 10-pounder Parrotts, in fair condition. Horses in pretty good order; building stables. Guns and harness well cared for. Men in comfortable huts. Police, & c., not first-rate. The guns are in a small work near the river. Maga- zine dry and small, nothing in it. This battery has charge of two 3-inch guns and one 12-pounder howitzer, which were shipped down from Murfreesborough about the 1st of October. Four guns were shipped but only three are at Bridgeport; the missing one is a 3- inch ordnance. Major Lawrence is at Bridgeport with two batteries, of reserve artillery. He has the men in comfortable huts, and they are build- ing stables for the horses. Garrison, General Gearys division, two brigades. I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN MENDENHALL, Assistant Chief of Artillery. HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, Jim Evans Ford, 12 Miles from Sevierville, January 14, 18647.30 p. m. Lieutenant SHAW, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., General Elliotts Headquarters, Cavalry Corps, Mossy Creek: A force of rebel cavalry entered Sevierville this afternoon, coming from the direction of the Great Smoky Mountain on the Gatlin- burg road at 2 p. m. The provost-marshal of the place who sent me word stated that he was in the court-house and saw them pass by, and that he estimated their number at 300. It appears that they immediately started out on the Newport road after two small wagon trains, of thirty wagons in all, which had gone out after wheat. One of these has with little doubt been captured; the other I have just heard of as being 5 miles from here making the utmost speed for Tom Evans Ford. Some rebels have also crossed the river to this side above here, near Hays Ferry, to-day. I could attend to the case of the Sevierville party, but do not like to be between two fires. Please send the bri- gade at once, and we will capture more game. The 300 may capture other wagon traiiis, unless some assistance comes. I have but about 200 men. Please send me word at a gallop what will be done. Yours, WM. J. PALMER, C~olonel, Commanding. P. S.There are about 200 rebel infantry encamped on south side of French Broad at Hays Ferry. A scouting party of rebel cavalry caum down the road on this side, as far as Nick Swauns, 10 miles from here, this morning. WM. ~. PALMER, Colonel, Commanding Page 96 KY., SW. VA., TENS., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Mossy CREEK, TENN., January 14, 1864. Col. A. P. CAMPBELL, Commanding First Brigade: The Second Brigade will move in advance. Have your trains pulled out on the road ready to move. The entire division train will move in advance of the division. Colonels Wolford and Garrards divisions precede us. Have your brigade in readiness to move, and await orders. You will have a strong rear guard and protect your rear with flankers. We move on the Dandridge road. By command of Col. E. M. McCook: JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit a copy of a telegram just received. Will you be here to-morrow? I also inform you that General Foster says the regiments of your corps at London and Knox- ville shall be ordered to you as soon as regiments arrive from Ken- tucky. GENERAL PARKE: * * * * * * I have decided to come up to-morrow to see you and Granger upon a certain point which is important. * * * * * * * J. G. FOSTER. Very respectfully, ~. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Nashville: The bridges south of Duck River are mostly completed. Duck River bridge will probably be done in three weeks, and by that time all the bridges will be completed to the junction. I am pushing the work under my command as fast as possible. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, Pocahontas, Tenn., January 14, 1864. General HURLEUT, Memphis: GENERAL: A scout who left my lines has returned. He reports that General Forrest has recrossed the Tallahatchie with a larg Page 97 Ciup. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.1JNION. 97 force and twenty-two pieces of artillery, some heavy guns. The force consisting of the following commands had crossed the river on the 11th instant: Richardson, three regiments cavalry; General McCulloch, six regiments cavalry, Kentucky; Forrest, two regi- ments mounted infantry and three regiments from Lorings division; Ferguson, five regiments State troops. Orders were issued for ten days cooked rations on the 11th; intend attacking Memphis, Collierville, and Pocahontas. Ferguson, Poca- hontas; Chalmers, Collierville; Forrest, Memphis. Forrests head- quarters, Panola; building railroad bridge across Tallahatchie. I will send scout to corps headquarters by to-morrows train. JAS. L. GEDDES, Colonel, Commanding Pocahontas. HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAvALRY, MIL. Div. OF THE Miss., Memphis, Teun., January 14, 1864. Brigadier-General HATCH, In Charge of Cavalry Bureau, Saint Louis, Jib.: Sin: As our cavalry in West Tennessee and North Mississippi will be called upon for very active service within a few days, I am very anxious to complete their mounting and equipment as rapidly as possible. To that end I have ordered Captain Hudson, of General Grants staff, temporarily assigned to duty with me, to proceed to Saint Louis and ask you to hurry forward horses and equipments de- signed for this department as rapidly as possible. Please give this department the preference for the present as far as you can consist- ently do so. Time is everything. Yours, most truly, WM. SOGY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cay., JAfil. Div~. of the Miss. CORINTH, January 14, 1864. Major-General HURLEUT: Lieutenant-Colonel Dodds, First Alabama Cavalry, reports that a recruiting partySergeant Mayfield, Company H, and 9 menon 2d instant surprised five wagons loaded with arms 7 miles south of Decatur and burned them and contents. JNO. D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIvIsION, Collierville, Teun., January 14, 1864. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Cay. Div., Memphis, Teun.: CAPTAIN: I consider it of the utmost importance, if not necessity, that a regiment of cavalry be stationed at La Fayette; the small force at this place and the amount of work to be done render it im- possible to send an adequate force from here to that place. We have one company there now, which in case of attack can make but feeble 7 R RVOL XXXII, PT I Page 98 98 KY., sw. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. ~CIIAP. XLIV. resistance and is really not safe. There is quite a force of cavalry at La Grange, IL am informed, and I think the Seventh Illinois Cavalry could well be spared from there and that it should be sent to La Fayette. Stationed at that place it would be in better position both for defensive and aggressive operations. Nothing but what I consider an actual necessity induces me to suggest and urge the removal of a regiment at this time. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant ALBERT G. BRACKETT, Colonel Ninth illinois Cavalry, Comdg. Brigade. r{DQRS. CAVALRY DIvISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, JJifemphis, Tenn., January 14, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: Permit me most respectfully and earnestly to recommend to your consideration Col. Edward Hatch, of the Second Iowa Cavalry, for promotion to brigadier-general. He has been under my com- mand for the past twelve months, and for the last eight months has commanded a brigade of cavalry. He has proved himself to be an efficient and skillful officer, and has rendered invaluable services to the country. I consider his promotion not only due to himself but to the best interests of the service. He is now slowly recovering from a wound through his lungs received in a recent engagement at Moscow, Tenn. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, B. H. GRIERSON. Brig. Gen., Comdg. Cay. Div., Sixteenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Natchez, Miss., January 14, 1864. Lieut. Col. GEORGE H. ENGLISH, Provost-Marshal: COLONEL: General Grants Orders, No. 57, prohibiting all trading or bartering in cotton, either directly or indirectly, has never been revoked. That order provides that planters who are well disposed toward the Government of the United States may ship their cotton to New Orleans or Memphis, and also provides that all persons found en- gaged in buying cotton shall be sent beyond the lines of the depart- ment. When you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a man is here to barter in cotton, you will arrest him and send him beyond the lines. If there is any cotton now in Natcliez that has been bought or offered for sale, in violation of General Grants Orders, No. 57, you will seize the same and hold it subject to orders from these head- quarters. The agents of the Treasury Department have no power to license men to trade at this post in violation of General Grants orders. By order of Brig. Gen. W. Q. Gresham: GEORGE S. BABBITT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 99 ChAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 99 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 12. Strawberry Plains, Tenn., January 14, 1864. I. Chapins brigade, Second Division, will move at once to Dand- ridge, where it will go into camp in such position as may be selected by Lieutenant-Colonel Sterling, acting assistant inspector-general of the corps. II. Motts brigade, Second Division, will remain at Mossy Creek till further orders. It will occupy the strongest available position, keep close watch of all movements of the enemy, and if attacked by very superior forces of the enemy will retire slowly toward New Market and Strawberry Plains, giving full and timely notice of such movement. III. The batteries now belonging to the brigades respectively will move with them under the above orders. IV. Brigadier-General Manson, commanding Second Division, will establish his headquarters at such point as may be most convenient for transacting the business of the division. V. The portions of the Third Division not already ordered else- where will also immediately move to Dandridge, where Brigadier- General Hascall will establish his headquarters, putting his men in camp in positions indicated by Lieutenant-Colonel Sterling, acting assistant inspector-general of the corps. VI. On and after to-morrow, 15th instant, corps headquarters will be established at Dandridge. VII. Lieut. M. S. Root, One hundred and third regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, having reported at these headquarters as assist~ ant commissary of musters of the corps, and his appointment not having been recognized by the War. Department, he is hereby re- lieved and ordered to report to his regiment for duty. VIII. The division quartermasters will at once turn over to the post quartermaster all the surplus clothing in their possession for which they have no transportation. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: ED. D. SAUNDERS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIvISION OF THE MIssISSIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., January 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I reached here the evening of the 12th on my return from East Tennessee. I felt a particular anxiety to have Long- street driven from East Tennessee, and went there with the inten- tion of taking such steps as would secure this end. I found, however, a large part of Fosters command suffering for want of clothing, especially shoes, so that in any advance not to exceed two- thirds of his men could be taken. The difficulties of supplying these are such that to send re-enforcements at present would be to put the whole on insufficient rations for their support. Under these circumstances I only mad~ such changes of position of troops as would place Foster nearer the enemy when he did get in a condition to move, and would open to us new foraging grounds and diminish those held by the enemy. Having done this, and seen the mov Page 100 100 KY., SW. VA.~ T]~NN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAr. XLIV. across tlie Hoiston at Strawberry Plains commenced, I started on my return, via Cumberland Gap, Barboursyille, London, and Rich- mond, to Lexington, Ky. The weather was intensely cold, the thermometer standing a portion of the time below zero; but being desirous of seeing what portion of our supplies might be depended upon over that route, and it causing no loss of time, I determined to make the trip. From the personal inspection made, I am satisfied that no portion of our supplies can be hauled by teams from Camp Nelson. While forage could be got from the country to supply teams at the different stations on the road, some supplies could be got through in this way; but the time is nearly at an end when this can be done. On the first rise of the Cumberland 1,200,000 rations will be sent to the mouth of the Big South Fork. There I hope teams will be able to take [them]. The distance to haul is materially shortened, the road is said to be better than that by Cumberland Gap, and it is a new route and will furnish forage for a time. In the mean time troops in East Tennessee must depend for sub- sistence on what they can get from the country and the little we can send them from Chattanooga. The railroad is now complete into Chattanooga, and in a short time (say three weeks) the road by Decatur and Huntsville will be complete. Steamers then can be spared to supply the present force in East Tennessee well, and to accumulate a store to support a large army for a short time if it should become necessary to send one there in the spring. This con- tingency, however, I will do everything in my power to avert. Two steamers ply now tolerably regular between Chattanooga and Lon- don. From the latter place to Mossy Creek we have railroad. Some clothing has already reached Knoxville since niy departure. A good supply will be got there with all dispatch. Then, if necessary, and subsistence can by possibility be obtained, I will send force enough to secure Longstreets expulsion. Sherman has gone down the Mississippi to collect at Vicksburg all the force that can be spared for a separate movement from the MississipDi. He will probably have ready by the 24th of this month a force of 20,000 men that could be used east of the river; but to go west so large a force could not be spared. The Red River and all the streams west of the Mississippi are now too low for navigation. I shall direct Sherman, therefore, to move out to Meridian with his spare force (the cavalry going from Corinth) and destroy the roads east and south of these so effectually that the enemy will not attempt to rebuild them during the rebellion. He will then return unless the opportunity of going into Mobile with the force he has appears perfecily plain. Owing to the large num- ber of veterans furloughed I will not be able to do more at Chatta- nooga than to threaten an advance and try to detain the force 110W in Thomas front. Sherman will be instructed, while left with large discretionary powers, to take no extra hazard of losing his army or of getting it crippled too much for efficient service in the spring. I look upon the next line for me to secure to be that from Chatta- nooga to Mobile, Montgomery and Atlanta being the important intermediate points. To do this large supplies must be secured on the Tennessee River, so as to be independent of the railroads from here to the Tennessee for a considerable length of time. Mobile would be a second base. The destruction which Sherman will do to the roads around Meridian will be of material importance to u Page 101 cHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJMO~. 101 in. preventing the enemy from drawing supyilies from Mississippi and in clearing that section of all large bodies of rebel troops. I do not look upon any points except Mobile, in the south, and the Tennessee, in the north, as presenting practicable starting-points from which to operate against Atlanta and Montgomery. They are objectionable as starting-points to be all under one command, from the fact that the time it will take to communicate from one to the other will be so great; but Sherman or McPherson one of whom would be intrusted with the distant command, are officers of such experience and reliability that all objection on this score, except that of enabling the two armies to act as a unit, would be removed. The same objection will existprobably not to so great an extent, howeverif a movement is made in more than one column. This will have to be with an army of the size we will be compelled to use. Heretofore I have abstained from suggesting what might be done in other commands than my own in co-operation with it, or even to think much over the matter; but as you have kindly asked me in your letter of January 8, only just received, for an interchange of views on our present situation, I will write you again in a day or two, going outside of my own operations. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. KNoXvILLE, January 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The Strawberry Plains bridge is completed; also the pontoon bridge at this place, so that it will stand, I think. I am about com- mencing the bridge at this place on the piers of the railroad bridge. A regiment is ordered to London to work on the railroad bridge at that place. No supplies have arrived for a week by river. The bread rations are entirely exhausted. I am forced to abandon all idea of active operations for the present, and to place the army where it can live by foraging. The Fourth Corps are now moving for Dandridge, and the Twenty-third Corps for Mossy Creek. Gen- eral Sturgis, with all the cavalry, is in front of Dandridge, near Kimbroughs Cross-Roads. I propose to hold all the country and the forage in it on the south and east of French Broad, as Long- street has exhausted all the supplies in his vicinity, and is now forced to send across the river for forage and grain. I presume some portions~of our forces will be in almost constant collision if we suc- ceed in holding, as I expect Longstreet cannot long remain where he is. He is now building a pontoon bridge across the Nola Chucky, near Warrensburg. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. Maj. Gen. ~. G. FOSTER, NASHVILLE, January 15, 1864. Knoxville, Tenn.: Suspend your order for the movements of twelve-months Ken- tucky men until I can see Governor Bramlette, which will be withi Page 102 102 KY., SW. ~tA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. a few days. This is not to affect the change you have made in the commander of the District of Kentucky. Over 1,000,000 rations will be sent to Big Sonth Fork on first rise. U. S. GRANT, ]lfoJor- General. KNOXVILLE, January 15, 1864. General GEORGE H. THOMAS: It is reported that the Dunbar is agronnd on White Shoals, about 30 miles below Kingston, and it may be that the Paint Rock is stqp- ping to aid her, as she has not yet arrived at London. I fear the pilots of these boats are not expert; if so, good pilots can be ob- tained from Colonel Byrds command at Kingston. My necessities are so great that I am forced to distribute my army to forage, and abandon for the present all idea of active operations. Many thanks for your kind efforts in my behalf. J. G. FOSTER, illiajor- General, Commanding. CHATTANOOGA, January 15, 18648 p. m. Major-General FOSTER: As soon as you deem your position secure, order the Fourth Corps to return to Chattanooga. They will return the earliest and most practicable route, taking as munch time for the march as the condi- tion of the roads, men, and animals may be necessary. U. S. GRANT, ]Ifajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY, Strawberry Plains, January 15, 1864. General SHERIDAN: General Granger and I will be detained here to meet General Foster to-morrow. On reaching Dandridge you will please assume command of all the troops there and make such disposition as you deem best. General Cox moves to Dandridge with a portion of the Twenty-third Corps, and you will please make such disposition and distribution of the mills as will best enable the whole command to supply itself with meal and flour and prevent anything tending toward clashing between subordinate commanders. General Sturgis is now in front of Dandridge and one brigade of Twenty-third Corps is at Mossy Creek. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CHATTANOOGA, January 15, 18643 p. m. Major-General GRANT: The railroad is now completed to this place and there is a prospect of getting some forage here. I would therefore like to have Elliotts cavalry, now in East Tennessee, moved down to Charleston on th Page 103 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJOX. 103 Hiwassee, where he can procure some forage, and with what he can get from here his horses can be kept in condition to demonstrate on the enemys position at Dalton and completely occupy his atten- tion. As soon as Grangers command can be sent back other move- ments can be so made as to withdraw the enemys attention from operations from the direction of Memphis or Vicksburg, should you contemplate making any from either. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. NASHVILLE, January 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Can you not order General Paine to the command of a brigade in the front? He is entirely unfit to command a post. General Rousseau will send you by mail some statemeiits of his administration of affairs. If nothing better can be done, I advise that you send a staff officer to investigate fully and report upon his administration, and if then found advisable I will relieve him. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, January 15, 18641.30 p. m. Major-General GRANT: I do not think it advisable for General Paine to come to the front. His rank will entitle him to a division, and if not placed in command according to rank, I should have constant trouble with him. I think it better to have his conduct inquired into and his position fixed according to deserts. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. NASHVILLE, January 15, 18(34. Brig. Gen. ROBERT ALLEN, Quartermaster, Louisville, Ky.: There are abundant rations here for one hundred days. You can use, therefore, transportation for forage to the exclusion of rations until the rivers are navigable. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Huntsville, Ala., January 15, 1864. Lient. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Nashville: General Crook with his cavalry has arrived at this place and they are stationed in and around town. Will you please inform me if they are to remain here long. The difficulty of procuring supplies and forage prompts this inquiry. We have been attempting to supply the Fifteenth Corps with forage from this neighborhood, an Page 104 104 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cimi. XLIV. the condition of our stock will not at present allow us to send a great distance from this point, but we have hauled forage from the immediate country and ship it back to the other divisions by rail- road. If a force of cavalry is placed here to forage the country near by, also, we should soon be in want. This cavalry belongs to another command and do not appear to be subject to orders from this post, and difficulty unpleasantly arises in this respect also. Respectfully, R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. STEVENSON, January 15, 1864. Brigadier-General WITIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General: I established a picket-post at Crow Creek bridge, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, to-day, of 1 commissioned officer and a com- pany of men. All quiet at this post. No enemy have been reported in the vicinity during the past twenty-four hours. DAVID IRELAND, Colonel, Commanding Post. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. U, January 15, 1864. Lieut. Col. L. C. EASTON, Chief Quartermaster, Army of the ~iJumberland, Chattanooga: COLONEL: I sent to Capt. Arthur Edwards, in charge of steam- boats building at Bridgeport, a copy of a pamphlet by Mr. Norman Wiard, descriptive of an armed transport for shallow water, which he has devised and of which one or two have been purchased by the quartermasters department for service in the shallow bays and sounds and rivers of our eastern coast. General Grant was very desirous of having some gun-boats on the upper Tennessee River. The chance of those waiting at the Muscle Shoals getting over them within any short period is small. I wish therefore that two of the steam-boats being constructed at Bridgeport, say one stern-wheel and one side-wheel, may be finished on the general plan of those de- scribed by Mr. Wiard; the hulls to be built after the style of the Lookout and of the side-wheel steamer now on the stocks, but the cabins, the yawls, the derricks, and other accessories to be prepared for the reception of an armament and of a crew, according to Wiards plan. Upon consulting the Navy Department this morn- ing, I am informed that, if desired by General Grant, Admiral Porter will furnish armament and a crew for these armed steamers. I ordered whilst in Louisville contracts to be made for six more engines, two side-wheel and four stern-wheel, of the same size as those heretofore ordered. Contracts were made accordingly. The small engine ordered for the Missionary, ready to launch about the 2d of January, was nearly completed. Captain Edwards expected to launch the Missionary about the 2d of January. We had a large p art of the frame of a side-wheel boat, 27 feet beam and I 70 feet long, up, and was to lay down immediately four other boats. In Louisville I saw Captain Clements, sent from Kingston to procur Page 105 OHAP. XLIV] CORRESPOIiDENCE, ETC.TTNTOTh 1105 tools and materials for construction at Kingston by General Foster of three steam-boat hulls, which, when finished, will be sent to Bridgeport to receive their engines. He had shipped all his mate- rials and tools. I wish you therefore to instruct a tam Edwards to build the yawls and provide the fittings necessary to prepare not less than two of the large class steam-boats for such an armament as is described in Mr. Wiards pamphlets. The Navy Department will advise Admiral Porter to supply the armament and the crew if de- sired by General Grant, to whom I write by this mail. I am, very respectfully, your obedieht servant, M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General. rlndorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, April 24, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, command- ing Military Division of the Mississippi, with the request that he will notify Admiral Porter that there are now four gun-boats nearly ready for the reception of their armaments, and with the request that he will supply the same and provide crews, according to the understanding with the Navy Department referred to within. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers. Commanding. NASHVILLE, January 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: Inclosed I send you copy of a letter just received from General Halleck,* one from him to Steele,* and my letter of this date to Hal- leck. * The latter contains all the instructions I deem necessary to you in your present move. Your dispatch suggesting the move on Meridian is received and approved. Nearly all the troops in Thomas and Dodges commands having less than one year to serve have re-enlisted, and many of them have been furloughed. This, with the fact that Longstreets presence in East Tennessee makes it necessary for me to keep always ready a force to meet them, will prevent me doing much more than is indicated in my letter to General Halleck. I will have, however, both Thomas and Logan ready, so that if the enemy should weaken himself much in front they can advance. I see no special reason now for keeping up the force from Memphis to Corinth any longer. If you think proper, therefore, you may advance the whole of that line. Should you do so order all the locomotives and cars on the road shipped to this place at once. Whilst you are at Vicksburg, order the shipment of all cars that can be spared from that road also. One locomotive and ten cars are sufficient to keep there. U: S. GRANT, Major- General. * See pp. 40, 42, and 99 Page 106 106 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. rCnAP. XLIV~ WASHINGTON, January 15, 186411.30 a. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenrt.: I have just received a telegram from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, in regard to his proposed movement and the co-operations of Generals Thomas and Logan. I have directed him to telegraph directly to you on the subject. * H. W. HALLECK General-in- Chief. WASHINGTON, January 15, 186412 m. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Memphis, Tenn.: Your telegram of the 12th received. The policy of your proposed movements depends upon General Grants general plan in regard to co-operation, and must be decided on by him. It is very different from what he last proposed. He is now at Nashville. Communicate directly with him on the subject. H. ~. HALLECK General-in- Chief. POCAHONTAS, TENN., January 15, 1864. General TUTTLE, La Grange: They crossed at Panola and Rocky Ford; I do not know the name of the other point. The main body nuder Forrest at Panola. This information was got from a lieutenant-colonel of Fergusons com- mand. JAS. L. GEDDES, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, Pocahontas, Tenn., January 15, 1864. General TUTTLE, La Grange: My scouts report this morning that the enemy have crossed the Tallahatchie in force at three points on the 11th instant, Ferguson moving on Ripley with five regiments of State troops. Can you give me any further ~information? JAS. L. GEDDES, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Teun., January 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, Commanding Arkansas Expedition: GENERAL: I am ordered by Major-General Sherman to strip my e~ntire line of nearly all its available force and proceed on an expedi * Copy of Shermans dispatch of January 12 sent with this to Grant Page 107 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 107 tion south toward and probably to Selma. This will be done by river from here to Vicksburg, so far as infantry is concerned. The cav- alry will go down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, joining at Meridian. The programme of this movement reduces the garrison of Memphis to two light regiments of white infantry, three black, and 1,400 negro artillery in the fort, and two light regiments of native cavalry. This is wholly inadequate, but is done under peremptory and specific orders. Forrest is at Panola with 8,000 or 10,000 men, and, unless he follows off our cavalry, will ride into Memphis. If it be possible, I request that you will send over two regiments of infantry and Vaughns battery, the balance of Trues brigade, to report to Mem.. phis. This, of course, is dependent upon your situation. I again strongly recommend to you a cavalry movement to the Mississippi, on the south side of Arkansas River. Yours, very truly, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General. COLUMBUS, Ky., Col. I. R. HAWKINs, January 15, 1864. Going. Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, Huntingdon, Tenn.: You will immediately march your regiment to Dresden, Tenn., at which point you will find further instructions from me; also rations for your command. Bring everything with you. I hope you will reach Dresden Sunday evening. Bring the Sixth Tennessee with you. A. J. SMITH, Brigadier-General. COLUMBUS, Ky., Col. J. K. MILLS, January 15, 1864. Commanding at Paris, Tenn.: You will immediately march your whole command to Dresden, Tenn., at which point you will find further instructions from me; also rations for your command. Bring everything with you. I hope you will reach Dresden Sunday evening. A. J. SMITH, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 17TH ARMY CORPS Big Black Bridge, Miss., January 15, 1864. Capt. J. C. DOUGLASS, A. A. G., 3d Division, 17th Army Corps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that according to statements of deserters and refugees, the cars have been running from Brandon to Pearl River about a fortnight; the trestle is built to the river, but high water has prevented the rebuilding of the bridge, and that ten days ago there were no signs of an attempt to repair the gap of 10 miles, from Jackson toward Canton, in the railroad. Six days ago the baggage of McNairs brigade was sent east fro Page 108 108 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CaAP. XLIV. Brandon by rail, and the men ordered to have three days rations. The men behind say they were going to Chattanooga to ~re-enforce Johnston; some supposed they were going to Charleston. A negro from Mobile reports our troops landing in the neighborhood and rebel re-enforcements pouring in. He met troops on cars on their way there. Ectors (I dont know the spelling) brigade remains at Brandon, a provost guard at Jackson, aud Jacksons body guard at Clinton. Starkes and Pinsons regiments (of Cosbys old brigade) are near Brownsville, and some detachment, I dont know what, at Raymond. I have no definite information of other troops in front. Wirt Adams still at Liberty and Logan at Gallatin. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. F. FORCE, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 15, 1864. [Col. J. K. MIZNER:] COLONEL: In obedience to orders from Major-General Hurlbut, the Seventh Kansas will prepare immediately to go north. Their horses and equipments are ordered to be turned over to your quar- termaster for issue. The general commanding wishes you to use them in mounting the rest of your command. Several regiments of cavalry have been ordered from Union City, Tenn., and upon their arrival here a portion of them will be assigned to your command. The Third Illinois has been assigned to a new brigade by order of General W. S. Smith. the brigade to be commanded by Colonel McCrillis. It will probably be ordered to Collierville in a few days. The general desires you to bring your whole command to La Grange as speedily as possible and fit it for active service. In moving your command into La Grange you wiJi have in view the protection of such points as you are now guarding until the troops and stores shall have all been drawn in. Have you heard anything from Hurst since his departure for Purdy? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. COLLINS DEPOT, Miss., January 15, 18642.30 p. m. Hon. A. LINCOLN, President United States: DEAR SIR: I have but recently arrived from Central Mississippi (near Jackson), and send you this note to give you an item of infor- mation that may be of service to the country. I learned from Maj. John S. Mellon, chief commissary at Grenada, Miss., that he was the author of the plan to burn all the steam-boats on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and that his plan had been approved of by the authorities at Richmond. There is a reg- ularly organized band of boat-burners at Memphis, Saint Louis, and other places. The plan of operations is to go on board the steam- boats as deck-hands or passengers, and, as soon as opportunit Page 109 CHAP. XLIV.] C0RRESPO~DENCE, ETC.UNION. 109 affords, set fire to the boat and then escape. The boat being de- stroyed, the individual proceeds to Richmond and there receives his reward. I could give other information of the civil and military status of the South, but I forbear. S. W. SPEER. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 16, 18641 p. m. (Received 6.50 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Longstreet is said to be moving toward Knoxville by the main Virginia road, re-enforced by one division from Ewells corps; another division expected. I have advised General Foster to keep between Longstreet and Thomas, and the latter to use every exertion to forward supplies. The question of supplies makes it impossible to re-enforce Foster where he now is, and will, I think, defeat the enemy. ~. S. GRANT, Major- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 16, 1864. (Received 7 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have directed General Thomas to relieve General Crook, and order him to report to General Kelley. I would respectfully ask that General Ransom, now in the Department of the Gulf, be ordered here to take his place. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. 0 NASHVILLE, TENN., January 16, 18642 p. m. (Received 7.20 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I would respectfully suggest the propriety of ordering such new troops as have been organized in the Western States to report to me for orders at once. I could replace veterans with them, and enable all re-enlisted troops to take their furlough and return by spring. They would also have better opportunities for drilling during the winter season in the. South, and would be improved by contact with old troops. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. NASHVILLE, January 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: I am advised that Longstreet has been re-enforced by a division of Ewells corps, and that another division is expected. Longstree Page 110 110 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. is said to be moving toward Knoxville by the main Virginia road. I could send you re-enforcements, but they cannot be subsisted. I think if this is true you had better keep your forces between Long- street and Thomas. I will telegraph Thomas to make extra exertions to feed you. U. S. GRANT, ]Jlajor- General. NASHVILLE, January 16, 186412.30 a. m. Major-General THOMAS: Longstreet is said to be marching toward Knoxville, re-enforced by one division from Ewells corps, with another expected. I have ad- vised Foster to keep his force between Longstreet and you. Should he be forced back south of the Tennessee it may become necessary for you to re-enforce him from your command. In that case I would fill the place by troops taken from Maj. Gen. W. T. Shermans com- mand. Send Foster all the provisions you can. The question of pro- visions alone may decide the fate of East Tennessee. GRANT, Major- General. NASHVILLE, January 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: It is impossible to spare Granger or Elliott from East Tennessee until Longstreet is driven out. It may be necessary even to send additional troops there. I will write you more fully Orders are again received directing Crook to report to Kelley. Relieve him at once. Crooks cavalry cannot be foraged about Huntsville. It had better, therefore, be ordered to some point where they can get forage. ~. S. GRANT,, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 16, 1864. Major-General GRANT: Your dispatch of 12 m. to-day received. Will send all the provis- ions I can possibly spare without starving my own men. Will in- crease number of boats as soon as railroad is in full operatiom Have given directions about repairing the Hiwassee and London bridges. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteer8. KNOXVILLE, January 16, 1864. General GEORGE H. THOMAS: The steamer Dunbar is aground on White Shoals, 25 miles below Kingston. Think too great draught for the up-river navigation. I earnestly request that you will send a light-draught boat to take of Page 111 ChAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 111 a portion of her load, and then allow the Dunbar to return to Chat- tanooga and the light-draught to bring up what she can. General Grant promised to tnrn over two light-draught boats to me. Please inform me if he has done so, and what are they named. J. G. FOSTER, ]lliajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, Str wberry Plains, January 16, 1864. Major-General SHERIDAN, L7ommanding Fourth Army Gorps: GENERAL: Your communication is just at hand. I do not under- stand the matter, for I know of no orders directing you to take com- mand, & c. General Parke is at Knoxville. Will be back this a. in., when I will show him your communication. In the mean time your own judgment of military right and wrong will guide you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 16, 18642 p. m. Major-General GRANT: Mr. Anderson arrived here last night. I have had a conversation with him in which he has assured me that he has things as far ad- vanced as is possible. I have told Colonel McCallum to call and see you as soon as he can get affairs in order here. He appears to me to be a practical railroad man. Since forwarding my report to you on the prospects of the road, General Halleck has directed that a report be made to him before making any change. GEO. H. THOMAS, Jiifajor-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. PULASKI, January 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I have just returned from examination of work on bridges from here to Decatur. All south of here will be done by February 1, if weather holds good. Duck River is in Boomers hands. I put in two spans; he is putting in two more. Have finished all bridges, including the seven north of Duck River to Elk River. No work is being done west oLHuntsville, and there are four pretty large bridges to build. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 16, 1864. Capt. J. C. CRANE, Assistant Quartermaster, Nashville: The Fiftieth Illinois will be at Columbia to-morrow, the Sixty-sixth Illinois the day after. I have two more regiments and one battery ready to start, and would like to send them as soon as possible. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. Page 112 112 KY., ~W. VA., TEI~JN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. NASHVILLE, January 16, 1864. Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General: General Crooks cavalry has been ordered away from Huntsville. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. POCAHONTAS, TENN., January 16, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT and Brigadier-General TUTTLE: Scouts have just returned from Ripley. Were at that p lace last night. They report thirteen brigades of the enemy 6 miles south- west of Ripley and moving toward Oxford. Faulkner has a regi- ment of State troops north of Ripley. JAS. L. GEDDES, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 16, 1864. Col. J. L. GEDDES, Pocahontas, Tenn.: The report of the scouts this morning is an exaggeration. The enemy has no such force in this section. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 16, 18641.41 p. m. Colonel MORGAN, Comdg. Third Brigade, Cavalry Division, Grand Junction: Prepare your whole command, camp and garrison, for immediate movement to La Fayette. Train has been ordered and, if possible, will report at 4p. m. to-day. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 16, 1864. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Collierville, Tenn.: A force is reported moving from the east toward Holly Springs. Send a patrol from Seventh Illinois Cavalry at La Grange to ascer- tain the truth of this and watch their movements. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General Page 113 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, FTC -UNION. 113 GRAND JUNCTION, January 16, 1864. General GRIERSON: If the train arrives in time we will endeavor to get off to-night or early in the morning. WA. H. MORGAN, C~olonel, Gommanding. MEMPHIS, TENN., Col. A. G. BRACKETT, January 16, 1864. Collierville, Teun. Colonel Morgans brigade has been ordered from Grand Junction to La Fayette; as soon as it arrives you will withdraw your Cavalry from that point. B. H. GRLERSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Colonel MORGAN, Memphis, Teun., January 16, 1864. Grand Junction: March by road to La Fayette, and go into camp. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS, Columbus, Ky., January 16, 186~t Col. K H. WOLFE, Conunctnding Fort Pillow: COLONEL: I am directed by the general commanding to state that you will at once equip and prepare your command for the field. The post at Fort Pillow will be abandoned. Have both regiments ready for the field and to embark by Tues- day, the 19th instant. Transportation by river will be furnished from here. The regiments will take the usual allowance of camp and garrison equipage, ordnance stores, and land transportation for regiments in the field. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOUGH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksburg, January 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Comdg. Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.: DEAR GENERAL: I arrived here yesterday from Chattanooga, hav- ing come via Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, Cairo, and Memphis. En route a letter from General Halleck overtook me, directing me to 8 R RvoL XXXII. PT I Page 114 114 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. inquire into certain seizures here and at Natchez of horses, stores, & c., destined to you from Saint Louis, and to make such orders as would prevent a recurrence. I have already directed a minute report of all the facts by General McPherson, and have received verbal explana- tion that satisfies me your chief quartermaster (Colonel Holabird) has much exaggerated the facts and indulged in unwarranted criminations. His assertion that he can protect his stores in transitn against the guerrillas, but not against our own officers, is hardly the province of a quartermaster, however bellicose; but I assure you that both cour- tesy and a sense of right will cause me to make such orders as will prevent any of your stores being disturbed in transitu, and further- more, I assure you we will gladly share with you anything we pos- sess. Corn and forage are very scarce now above. There was a par- tial failure of the corn crop, and the severe winter has closed up all the water channels. I left Cairo in floating ice, and it was with in- finite difficulty we forced our way through it. Navigation above Memphis is impossible, and below Memphis most difficult. We are compelled to hunt for corn and fodder wherever it can be found, and I doubt if you will receive anything by the river for a month to come. I must return to the army in the field in all [sic] February, but propose to avail myself of the short time allowed me here in the department to strike a blow at Meridian and Demopolis. I think I can do it, and the destruction of the railroad east and west, north and south of Meridian, will close the door of rapid travel and con- veyance of stores from Mississippi and the Confederacy east, that will make us all less liable to the incursions of the enemy toward the Mississippi River. In order to raise the necessary force I must strip some of my posts and lines, but the objects aimed at are so impor- tant as to justify the risks. I will return to Memphis to-morrow, start a cavalry force down the Mobile and Ohio Road, bring down to Vicksburg certain troops now preparing at Memphis, and aim to leave Yicksburg for Jackson, Brandon, and Meridian about the 25th instant, and hope to be at or near Meridian February 8th or 10th. Now, the sudden movement of troops in this object~ will threaten Mobile. I know not what you are doing in that quarter, but if you could have boats maneuvering about the mouth of Pascagoula and near the passage between Fort Gaines and the main shore about that time, it would keep up the delusion and prevent the enemy drawing from Mobile a force to strengthen the points aimed at by me. A feint kept up there for a week might be most useful, for if we de- stroy Meridian and its railroad connection as I did those of Jackson last summer effectually, so as not to admit of repair in six months, Mobile would have no communication to the interior save by the Alabama River, and would to that extent be weakened. You know the Memphis and Charleston Road is either ruined or in our hands, and that the single track from Meridian to Selma is the only link that unites Mississippi to Alabama and Georgia, and will agree with me ~ihat its destruction will do more to isolate the State of Mississippi than any single act; therefore I shall attempt it, and think I shall surely succeed if General Polk is not too heavily re-enforced from Mo- bile and Atlanta. Of course I want to preserve the utmost secrecy, which I can do unless some of the free press steal it from some of our clerks, who derive their knowledge from letters placed in their hands for record. I think this movement, and one similar on Shreve- port as soon as the Red River rises, would pretty well settle the main question in th~ southwest, and I would like nothing better than t Page 115 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115 unite with you in such a movement, but I expect soon to be required by General Grant to hasten back to Huntsville, where I left the Army of the Tennessee. In this department I pay but little attention to guerrillas. They have never attacked any place of note, and are chiefly engaged in harassing their own people, who merit little at our hands. Those will in time beg us to save them from their own irregular soldiery, and even then it will be well to let them continue to suffer the pro~ tection of Jeff. Davisthe protection the wolf gives the lamb. Inasmuch as I must be absent from the department a good deal of my time, I beg you will correspond directly with General McPher- son, who has my entire confidence, and whom I clothe with all my power in this part of my command. I left General Grant about Christmas at Nashville, but he was about starting for Knoxville. He seems to think that Lee, in Vir- ginia, may push the repairs of the Virginia Valley Railroad down to Longstreet, re-enforce him, and make East Tennessee the scene of the next great battle. I left my own troops busy patching up the railroad from Nashville to Decatur and from Decatur to Stevenson, with the view to complete the circuit so that stores could be accumu- lated along the line of the Tennessee, the base of operations for the next grand campaign. I should like much to hear from you as early as the 24th, by which time I hope to be here again. Your friend and servant, W. T. SHERMAN, ilxliajor- General. WASHINGTON, January 17, 18641 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.: As fast as new troops are organized they will be sent to the depart- ments where most needed at the time. A general order cannot be given beforehand without interfering with the arrangements of the War Department and the governors of States. Some troops are being raised for a special service, or under promises to be sent to a particular corps or command. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 17, 18641 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Will it be practicable for you to spare General Wilson for a time to come here and get the Cavalry Bureau into order and honesty? Of course the Department will make no order which will deprive you of the services of such an officer without your full consent, but the necessity for him is very great, and I know of no one else who can perform the duty as well as he. It is a question of saving mill- ions of money and rendering the cavalry arm everywhere efficient. You can have him again as soon as he gets the machine in goo Page 116 116 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANII N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. working order, say in sixty days. If you spare him let him come directly. He will be appointed chief of the bureau. Please answer by telegraph. ~. A. DANA. KNOXVILLE, January 17, 1864. General GRANT: Dispatch received. I sent orders some time since for the twelve- months Kentucky troops to remain in that State, and so notified Governor Bramlette at the time. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Cavalry. KNOXVILLE, January 17, 1864. Major-General GRANT: General Sturgis occupied Dandridge and the country for 5 miles in front on the 14th. As soon as Granger arrives in support with the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps, Sturgis will push the enemy in front and occupy as far up the north bank of the river as possible. I shall cross the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps to the south slde, and oc- cupy the entire country to the south and east of the French Broad River. This being done, I shall make a threat with cavalry on Long- streets rear. These dispositions will give us good foraging ground, where we can live for six weeks, and it also gives us an advantage in position. I do not expect to hold it without some fighting. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General. KNOXVILLE, January 17, 1864. Major-General GRANT: The Fourth and Twenty-third Corps are at Dandridge. The enemy is in some force near Kimbroughs Cross-Roads. Sturgis skirmished heavily with them yesterday. I shall cross all the infantry of these two corps to the south side of the French Broad to obtain food and forage to keep Longstreets foragers out of that section, and also to threaten his flank. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. DANDRIDGE, January 17, 18646.30 p. m. General FOSTER: Tjiere is no doubt but that Longstreets whole force is immediately in our front on the Bulls Gap and the Bend of Chucky roads. They advanced on us this evening. We have no means of crossing the river. I shall fall back on Strawberry Plains. Your obedient servant, JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General Page 117 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 117 NASHVILLE, January 17, 1864. General FOSTER: Your dispatch of 16th * received. I highly approve. Have you been able to drive the enemy from Jonesville, Va. ? U. S. GRANT, Major- General. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 17, 1864. General E. E. POTTER: General Parke telegraphs me from Dandridge, 7.30 p. m. yester- day: Sturgis had a skirmish with the enemy, who were evidently on a reconnaissance. Sheridan arrived with infantry, and the enemy withdrew. No news from other sources. 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 17, 1864. Brigadier-General POTTER: General Manson, at Mossy Creek, reports heavy artillery firing toward Dandridge since 4.20 p. m. No report heard here. I have notified General Willcox, commanding Ninth Corps. 0. K. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 17, 186412.30 a. m. Major-General MEADE: Army of the Potomac: General Grant reports that one division of Exvells corps has joined Longstreet in East Tennessee, and that another division is expected. H. W. HALLECK, General-im.Chief. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 17, 1864. (Received 3.30 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Your telegram to General Meade has just been received. General Meade has not returned. Scouts from these headquarters returned this morning. Report Longstreet has had no re-enforcements from Lee of late, and that Heths division that went to Staunton on Christ- mas is returning to its old camps. A deserter from the First Mary- land Cavalry (rebel), who left his regiment on the 13th instant, states no re-enforcements have been sent away from Lees army to Long- street of late, and everything is quiet. JOHN SEDGWICK, Major- General, G~ommanding. * SQe Part I, p. 73 Page 118 118 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 17, 1864. General M. C. MEWS, Quartermaster.. General: Can you send me at once an efficient and fearless quartermaster? I wish for a rigid inspection of the acconnts and administration of disbursing and depot quartermasters in the Department of the Cum- berland. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. M. PALMER, ~.Jornrnanding Fourteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send a force of three regiments to make an expedition as far as Harrison for the double purpose of protecting our steam-boats, and, if possi- ble, capturing some of the rebel cavalry which is scouring the country inside of our lines. The town of Harrison was yesterday entered and plundered by 20 rebel cavalry, and 1 surgeon and 2 soldiers of Tennessee regiments taken prisoners. You will direct the officer commanding the expe- dition to take possession of the records of the assessment of property of Hamilton County, if they are to be found at Harrison, and bring them to this place, that they may be turned over to the tax commis- sioner of the State of Tennessee. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. C. DAVIS, (Jorndg. 2d Div., 14th A. C., Camp at Church beyond Rossville: GENERAL: It is reported that Wheeler, with rebel cavalry, is scouring McLemores Cove. Force seen yesterday between 2 oclock and night, 1,500 strong. Be on your guard and notify commander at Rossville. Very respectfully, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. 5.Harrison was also plundered yesterday by 20 rebel cavalry, and 3 of our soldiers (1 surgeon) taken prisoners. PULASKI, TENN., January 17, 1864. Capt. J. C. CRANE, Assistant Quartermaster, Nashville: The Fifty-seventh Illinois will be at Columbia on 19th; the Twelfth Illinois on the 20th. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General Page 119 CHAP. XLIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 119 HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 17, 1864. Col. F. A. KENDRICK, La Grange, Tenn.: Shove your column to Moscow as soon as you can. There are re- ports of contemplated attack there. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. MosCow, January 17, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT: From information gained this morning there is a large force of rebels 4 miles from here southwest. Say they are to attack me from two sides. F. A. KENDRICK, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Col. ~. H. MORGAN, Memphis, Teun., January 17, 1864. Moscow,, Tertn.: Move one regiment into La Fayette in the morning. You will receive further orders to-niorrow. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. LA GRANGE, January 17, 18644.16 p. m. General GRIERSON: A reliable citizen, whose statement may be credited, states that Colonel Neely and 40 captains from Forrests command are north of the railroad for the purpose of conscripting, and that Colonel Tan- sil and Major Forrest were reported at Stanton Depot on the 15th, with 300 men, of whom only 150 were armed; Richardson, with one company under Captain Currie, at same place; Captain Hall con- scripting near mouth of Clover Creek and Captain Anderson at Brownsville. Major Bennett was sent by Forrest to Gibson County to collect 500 men. Forrest promised to send him 1,000 picked men to bring them through our lines, if necessary. J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Captain WOODWARD, COLLIERYILLE, January 17, 1864. Assistant A~jutant- General, Cavalry D~viswn: Lieutenant Shear has returned. He has been down with two com- panies of cavalry near Lockharts Mill, within half a mile of Cold.. water. Saw 7 rebel soldiers about 5 miles beyond Mount Pleasant Page 120 120 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the rebels picket the ford at Lockharts Mill and the one above. No larger force this side of the Coldwater. I can hear nothing of the large force which yon report near here. A. G. BRACKETT, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Moscow, January 17, 1864. Major-General HUELBUT: A negro who escaped from a small party of rebels jnst come in; says this force came from the direction of Holly Springs. There has been some force north of me all night; I have heard their guns. They may have been our men, but I think not. F. A. KENDRICK, Colonel, Commanding. LA GRANGE, January 17, 1864. General GRIERSON: Scouts retnrned from Hudsonville last night, reporting all quiet. Have sent strong scont southwest to-day. Can only depend on tile Tlnr(l Michigan as snbject to my orders. Besides the scouts sent by them they have 200 animals to guard, horses to shoe, & c. The Seventh Illinois, a much stronger regiment, is here. doing bnt little. J. K. MIZNER, C~olonel, ~3~omrnand ing Brigade. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 17, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel COOK, Comdg. Second Tennessee Caralry, Collierrille: If Colonel McCrillis has not arrived you will assume command of the troops which have lately arrived with General Smith, and report your command to Colonel Brackett. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 17, 1864. Colonel BRACKETT, C~olliervilie: Have you discovered any force of the enemy? Send me any in- formation you may have. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 17, 1864. Colonel BRACKETT, C~omdg. Second Brigade Cavalry, Collierville: Let me know as soon as possible what the force is that is reported moving north. Watch their movements closely and advise me. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General Page 121 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. * 121 MEMPHIS, TENN., Colonel BRACKETT, January 17, 1864. (Jollierville: The enemy are reported in force 4 miles southwest of Moscow. They may attempt to cross the railroad or destroy Grissoms Bridge. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 17, 1864. (iomdg. Qtjlcer First Brigade Cavalry, La Grange, Teun.: Send out scouts south and west immediately to watch the move- ments of the enemy, who are reported mlpring in large force. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. (Same to Commander Second Brigade, Collierville, Tenn.) MEMPHIS, TENN., Brigadier-General TUTTLE, January 17, 1864. La Grange, Teun.: Has Colonel Morgan moved from Grand Junction yet? B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. Captain WOODWARD, COLLIERVILLE, January 17, 1864. Assistant A~jutant- General, Cavalry Division: The following has just been received: LA FAYETTE, TENN., No additional information here. January 17, 1864. J. M. TIIORNBURGH, Colonel Fourth Tennessee Garairy. Patrols have gone ~n all roads southeast and west, but nothing of importance reported. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain WOODWARD, COLLIERvILLE, January 17, 1864. Assistant Ac0utant- General, Gavalry Dmvmsmon: Patrols have been sent to all points south, east, and west, but no enemy has been discovered. No information of importance. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistctnt Adjutant-General Page 122 122 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., XLA., AND N. ~4A. [CHAP. XLIV. COLLIERVILLE, January 17, 1864. Captain WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division: Scouts from Coidwater, sent from Germantown, have returned; found no force of the enemy this side of Coidwater. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade Cavalry. CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. 0., January 17, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: GENERAL: It would seem from General Shermans dispatch to me that he proposes to move with all his disposable force on Meridian and perhaps on Selma. Does he fully understand your plans, and is that a part of your proposed winter campaign? I have not so understood it. Moreover, I fear that Shermans views are based upon the supposed condition of affairs in East Tennessee when he left Knoxville. I do not wish to change any instructions you may have given to him; I merely desire to call attention to Shermans proposed movements in connection with the present position of the enemy and his probable operations this winter and the coming spring. The rebels seem to be making the most desperate efforts for the next campaign. Almost every man, of whatever age, capable of bearing arms, is being pressed into their ranks, and by spring their armies will be very considerably increased. Our people, on the con- trary, are acting on the mistaken supposition that the war is nearly ended, and that we shall hereafter have to contend only with frag- ments of broken and demoralized rebel armies. Such is the tone of the public press and of the debates in Congress. The latter has been in session six weeks, and the draft bill has not yet passed the Senate. Six weeks more may elapse before it becomes a law, and then it will require several months to execute it and get the men ready for the field. It is therefore very probable that our military force in the spring may be relatively much smaller than it now is. Under these circumstances it seems very important that we should act with caution and keep our troops well in hand, so as to prevent the enemy from fighting us in detachments. General Banks represents the condition of affairs in his depart- muent to be such as to require all the re-enforcements that we can possibly send him. As soon as I found that he had divided his force by operating upon the Gulf coast, I urged that troops should be sent to him from South Carolina and that the attack on Charleston be abandoned. It was decided otherwise. My opinion has been, and still is, that all troops not required to hold our present positions in Virginia and on the Atlantic coast should be sent to you and General Banks for operations this winter and as preparatory to a spring campaign. I hoped that by this means Tennessee, Arkansas, Mis- sissippi, and Louisiana would be secure, and the rebel force in Texas be so reduced and hemmed in as to give us but little trouble here- after. Our armies in the west and south could then have been so concentrated, or at least could have been so co-operated, as to inflict some terrible blows upon the rebels. But I fear that the unexpecte Page 123 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 condition of affairs in East Tennessee will prevent the accomplish- ment of these objects, or at least a part of them, this winter, and that we must soon prepare for a spring campaign. The furlough- ing of so many troops has greatly reduced our forces in the north, but I hope to send some more to General Banks. There, however, is much difficulty and delay in obtaining transportation by sea. This makes it still more important that the navigation of the Mississippi should be well protected, and that Sherman and Steele should so operate as to assist General Banks as much as possible. I leave it entirely to your judgment to determine how, and to what extent, such assistance can be rendered. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, In the Field, Memphis, Tenn., January 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Military Div. of the Miss., Nashville, Tenn.: SIR: Since my arrival here I have been working away with all my might to get the cavalry of this district into effective condition. I found it even worse off than the cavalry of Middle Tennessee. The grand aggregate pf mounted men reported to General Grierson is 12,417, and the aggregate oI~ serviceable horses 7,000, leaving dis- mounted 5,417. There are absent from this command 1,435 officers and men within this department, and beyond its limits 734, making in all 2,169. absent from duty. Five thousand four hundred and sev- enteen, less 2,169, equal 3,248, the number of serviceable horses required to complete the mounting of Griersons command. There are, however, 1,318 horses reported unserviceable, which we are still using, and which will answer for the cavalry or mounted infantry that may be required for garrison and escort duty. Three thousand two hundred and forty-eight, less 1,318, equal 1,930, the number of horses which can be made to answer our immediate necessities. This city will afford nearly that number of horses, and if I cannot pro- cure them from the country when General Sherman is ready to have me move I will, if he approves, seize the whole of them. Nearly all the cavalry in this district needed a great deal of shoeing after their racing about after Forrest, and this we are putting through with all diligence. Commands were greatly scattered, and I am col- lecting them and organizing them into brigades and divisions. The command I brought over with me made the march during that severe weather, and yet, by the care bestowed upon it, it kept in first-rate condition. I will endeavor to secure the same care for all the cavalry commands in our division, and with a view to this I have promul- gated the inclosed order,* which I think will go far toward accom- plishing the desired result. I will ask a summary dealing in the case of all officers reported for habitual neglect of their duties. A few dismissals from service will have a magical effect upon the officers who are responsible for the killing up of the horses of their com- mands. I inclose a chart, * prepared by the scout Bell, whom you * Not f0und Page 124 124 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. may recollect as having come from General Huribut through John- stons army and into onr camps at Vicksbnrg. He is jnst from Forrests camp, and gives the result of his own observations and inquiries. He thinks that Forrest has about 4,000 effective men, 2,000 or 3,000 conscripts, and twenty-two pieces of artillery. Nearly all of his men are north of the Tallahatchie and near the line of the road from Memphis to Panola. As soon as I can get our cavalry together and in shape I will attack him, moving rapidly by way of Chulahoma to Panola, or if I find he can withdraw across the Talla- hatchie I will cross above him, as at Wyatts or Tobytubys Ferry, 6 miles lower down. As General Sherman desires me to sweep on down toward Columbus and Meridian, he wishes me to time my movements with those of his infantry, and on this account our delay in preparations is less irksome. I turned the Third Kentucky Cay- alry,C olonel Murray commanding, loose upon the guerrillas between Duck River and the Cumberland, and I see they have caught Hawkins and some other prisoners. We have also given Colonel Hurst a rov- ing commission with his regiment (the Sixth Tennessee Cavalry), and directed him to grub up West Tennessee. I think he will reduce that district to order. I would like to be devoting my whole energy to fitting up all our cavalry for the spring campaign, but I hore to strike a telling blow with that which I am now getting in hand here. I can then visit quartermaster and ordnance officers. Pardon the length of this communication. I trust it will pay you for perusal. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gem., Chief of Cavalry, lliliil. Div. of the ilfiss. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 1)7, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: SIR: I would most earnestly request that during our preparations for the movements in contemplation no passes whatever be granted to persons not in the employment of our Government to go south of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and I would respectfully suggest that all intercourse between the people living north and those living south of our line should be immediately and as perfectly as possible prevented Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WN. SOQY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Division of the 1JiIiississtpp~. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CORINTH, Corinth, Miss., January 17, 1864. [General HURLBUT:] GENERAL: Immediately upon the receipt of your order (Special Orders, No. 11), I caused all the heavy guns and all ordnance stores at this post, with battalion of heavy artillery, to be shipped by rail to Memphis. Since then I have pushed forward quartermasters an Page 125 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 125 commissary stores as fast as furnished means of transportation. I have still to send forward about eighty car-loads of quartermasters stores and about 100 car-loads of commissary stores. I shall then have to send forward (if all the lumber at this post is sent forward) about 250,000 feet of lumber, requiring fifty cars in addition. I shall have to send forward about seventy-five cars of contrabands and refugees, after which it will require all the rolling-stock of the road to move the command. I am now furnished about forty cars a day. At this rate it will take at least eight days to move the com- mand. If the passenger trains were suspended for three days and the engines used for freight the movement would be very much expedited. I shall permit no delay here. Trains shall be loaded and dispatched as rapidly as they arrive. The post agent, Mr. Hud- son, advises me that the motive power of the road is taxed to its utmost capacity. Of this, however, you can be fully advised by General Webster. I desire specific instructions from you in regard to the private houses in the town. Is it your purpose that the town shall be destroyed, or only such barracks as have been erected for the troops? I shall as far as practicable destroy the works we have erected for the defense of the post. We have had all day a contin- uous rain, and the prospect is that Corinth, for a few days at least, will be environed by impassable streams. Respectfully, JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTJ~RS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Corinth, January 17, 1864. Major-General HuRLBuT: I am pushing everything as fast as transportation is furnished. Nothing lays over. Unless more rolling-stock is furnished I shall be at least eight days. My reliable scout, in from below, reports Fergusons cavalry 10 miles below Okolona, on railroad, recruiting his stock. Owens and another rebels battery (ten guns) moved from Okolona last week to Pontotoc. They were subject to orders of General Forrest. I send you by morning train Mobile papers to 9th instant. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Viclcsburg, Miss., January 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HAWKINS, Commanding District of Northeast Lou~swtna: GENERAL: As soon as boats can be providedprobably within a weekthe posts at Millikens Bend and Goodrichs Landing will be broken up and the troops transferred to another location. You can take the necessary initiatory steps. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General Page 126 126 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. POCAHONTAS, January 17, 1864. General TUTTLE, La Grange: Two hundred men of Newsoms regiment crossed the road last night 1 mile east of Middletoll. A citizen who was pressed as a guide reports that about 800 more will Cross to-night at the same point. Captain Burmeister, Thirty-fifth Iowa, who commands at Middleton, reports the above in person. I should like to intercept them. Can I get a train from Coriilth to take a regiment from Pocahontas? JAS. L. GEDDES, Colonel, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, RS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 17. HDQ Knoxville, Teun., January 17, 1864. * * * * * * * V. Brig. Gen. T. T. Garrard, U. S. Volunteers, will, with the Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, proceed to headquarters District of the Clinch and assume command of that district. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 17. Memphis, Tenn., January 17, 1864. * * * * * * * V. * ~ ~ 5. The Sixth Tennessee Cavalry and First Alabama Cavalry will report to commanding officer at Memphis for duty. The Seventh Tennessee and Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry will re- port to the commanding officer at Columbus, Ky., for duty. VI. 1. Brig. Gen. J. M. Tuttle, commanding First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, will, as soon as informed that the evacua- tion of Corinth is completed, immediately proceed to move his command to Memphis by rail or marching, as transportation can be provided. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 18, 1864. MajorGeneral GRANT, Nashville or Chattanooga: GENERAL: Your last telegram in regard to General Foster has caused new anxiety here in regard to our position in East Tennessee Page 127 ChAr. XLIV.] 127 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UINION. As I have before remarked, the holding of that country is regarded by the President and Secretary of War of the very greatest impor- tance, both in a political and military point of view, and no effort must be spared to accomplish that object. While we hold Chatta- nooga (and it is supposed that place will be rendered impregnable during the winter) and the passes of the mountain range which separates East Tennessee from Georgia and North Carolina, the enemy cannot molest Kentucky or Tennessee, except by wide flank marches through Alabama or Mississippi and by the valley of Virginia, which would give us very great strategic advantage by enabling us to move on central and interior lines. Again, if we resume the offensive we shall have the advantage of operating from a central position against their long line of defense and of selecting our point of attack. I fully agree with you in the great importance of being able in the next campaign to select our theater of operations and fields of battle instead of having them forced on us by the rebels; but we cannot do this unless we have the control of East Tennessee. I also fully agree with you that our greatest difficulty at present is to supply our troops in that country. Every possible effort should be made to increase the supplies at Chattanooga and to open and protect the line from that place to Knoxville. The project of Gen- eral Burnside, adopted in part I understand by General Foster, to build a new railroad and to open new lines of communication with Kentucky across the mountains, does not seem to me to be feasible; at least it will not obviate the difficulty, for these roads cannot be built and opened in time to be of any use in this campaign or the next. General Thomas seems to fully appreciate the importance of in- creasing the means of transportation between Nashville and Chatta- nooga and thence to Knoxville, and Colonel McCallum has full powers from the Secretary of War to repair and improve these lines and to increase the rolling-stock. The matter will also, no doubt, receive your personal attention. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General -in- Chief. KNOXVILLE, January 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Your telegram received. Generals Parke and Granger have been forced to fall back from Dandridge before Longstreet. I shall con- centrate on this place. It is impossible to retire farther toward General Thomas, without sacrificing one-half of our artillery and forces; besides I look upon this point as of too much value to be abandoned without a desperate fight. If we are besieged here a relieving force can advance up the Tennessee, and be well supplied all The way to London by steam-boats on that river. We have a rumor that John Morgan is advancing toward Maryville. I have ordered General Sturgis to meet him at the crossing of the Little Tennessee. J. G. FOSTER, ]Jfc~jor-General Page 128 128 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, January 18, 18649 p. m. (Received 11 p. in.) Brigadier-General Cox, Commanding Twenty-third Corps: GENERAL: You will move your command to this side the Hoiston River, bringing all of your artillery, ambulances, and trains. Gen- eral Manson is encamped on south side of the river, not far from the railroad bridge and np the river from the bridge. You will commence tbe movement early in the morning. By command of Major-General Parke: 0. E. BABCOCK, Licut. Col. and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, Strawberry Plains, January 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: In accordance with orders received from department headquarters, you will at once order a brigade of your command to proceed to Knoxville without delay, there to report to Major-General Foster. You will order your trains to proceed at once to Knoxville with all sick and wounded. By command of Major-General Parke: SAML WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Strawberry Plains, Tenn., Jan. 18, 1864. (Recd 19th.) Maj. G. M. BASCOM, Assistant Ac0utant-General, Twenty-third Army Corps: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I arrived here from Mossy Creek, with the First Brigade of this division, at 10 oclock a. in. to- day. General Coxs di& patch to Colonel Mott, directing that he quietly retire with his brigade and the cavalry in his front from Mossy Creek and fall back to this place, was received at 11L45 oclock last evening. With as little delay as possible the order was obeyed. Some time was necessarily required to make disposition of public property, for which there was not sufficient transportation. The sick and wounded of my command were brought from New Market in ambulances, except a few wounded men who would not bear transportation by this means. These latter were, as I am in- formed, placed on board a train of cars which went to New Market this morning, and carried to Knoxville. I made every exertion last night, before leaving Mossy Creek, to procure a train for this purpose. On arriving here I was directed to report to Brigadier-General Willcox, commanding Ninth Corps, for orders. General Willcox instructed me to remain here till further orders. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. D. MANSON Brigadier- General, Corn mand ing Page 129 CHAP. XLIv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 18, 18648 p. m. Major-General FOSTER: I arrived at 6 p. m. Received your dispatch in reference to Long- street being re-enforced and moving on Knoxville. Sheridans division is here; also Mansons, of the Twenty-third Corps. Has- calls and Woods divisions are encamped about 3 miles out. Owing to the condition of the roads the wagons, artillery, and ambulances detained the infantry. Will have them all moved in early in the morning. The heavy artillery, sick and wounded, and ammuni- tion will be sent to Knoxville to-morrow, and your instructions in reference to concentration of troops, preparations for destroying the bridge will be carried out. General Willich reports that the enemys cavalry followed him, but did not press him. One brigade of Fourth Corps has been ordered to proceed to Knoxville. Shall I move this corps and the Twenty-third to Knoxville as they arrive here, or wait further orders? JOHN G. PARKE. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER: Telegram received. General Parke has not arrived. I have di- rected General Granger to send the brigade and his train. I have sent out to General Parke. Will there be a train of cars sent for the ammunition and artillery here without horses? I have taken measures to destroy the bridge. General Spears scouts report cav- alry crossing at Dyers Ferry. 0. P. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel, & c. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. P. POTTER, Chief of Staff: General Sheridans advance, General Wagners brigade, is here. I have suspended the order for General Willcox, for they would block the roads. I have sent an officer to communicate with Gen- eral Parke, and hold the Ninth Corps ready to move at moments notice.. We have a portion of the Ninth Corps in position on the other side of the river. Officers report that no general action occurred yesterday. 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutenant- Colonel. WASHINGTON, January 18, 18642.30 p. m. Maj. Geii. G. H. THOMAS, Chattanooga, Teun.: In the absence of Major-General Grant, you will please give par- ticular attention to the situation of General Fosters army in East Tennessee, and give him all the aid which he may require and you may be able to render. 9 R RvOL XXXII, PT I Page 130 130 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND . GA. [cHAP. XLIV. The line of Knoxville and Cumberland Gap must be maintained at all hazards. Communicate freely with General Foster, and give me such information as may be important. It is reported from the Army of the Potomac that no troops have left Lee recently to re-enforce Longstreet. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 18, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Knoxville: The Dunbar has been back four or five days. The Lookout is now up river, and I will send you the Chattanooga and Kingston b They are now on the way up. Have also ordered the railroad to be repaired as rapidly as possible. Work will be commenced to- morrow. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 18, 1864. Maj. Gem J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the Ohio, Knoxville, Tenn.: GENERAL: I have been informed that there are great facilities of every kind for turning out lumber at Kingston. I am in need of lumbar for the construction of store-houses at this point for a depot from which to supply not only this army but also that of the Ohio. As you are interested in this work as well as myself, you would oblige me if you would give the officer in charge of the saw-mills at Kingston orders to supply such lumber as may be required for by my engineer officer, who, if he can get it, will have it floated down the river to this place. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS Major- General, Commanding. P. S. Will commence recoustracting the railroad from this place to London next week. G. IT. T. NASHVILLE, January 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: General Wilson has been ordered to take charge of Cavalry Bureau, and cannot, therefore, relieve Crook. I have asked for Ransom, who is as fine an officer for the place as can be found in the service. If we ~et him, however, it cannot be under twenty or thirty days. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 131 C~p. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 131 NASHVILLE, TENN., C. A. DANA, Esq., January 18, 186411.30 a. m. Washington, D. C.: I will order General Wilson at once. No more efficient or better appointment could be made for the place. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Teun., January 18, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: I would like to know the names of the brigadiers ordered to report to you before I can decide whether II want any. If Brigadier-Gen- erals Harker, Kammerling, or Miller are ordered to report to you I would be glad to get them. I would also like to have Brigadier- General Wilson for the cavalry, or Wilder if he has been promoted. The colonels I have in command of brigades are all efficient men, and I would not care to exchange them for worthless brigadiers. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 18, 1864. J. B. ANDERSON, Esq., Military Manager: SIR: The Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad being now com- pleted to this place it is desirable to work the road to its full capacity, not only to accumulate supplies here for a depot from which this army is to be supplied in its advance farther south, but also to sup- ply the Army of the Ohio, now concentrated near Knoxville, East Tenn. To supply the Army of the Cumberland, and accumulate a supply in this place, will require at least thirty-six trains. To sup- ply the Army of the Ohio at Knoxville will require twenty-four ad- ditional trains, and thirty-six trains will be required to follow up this army when the spring campaign commences. In your letter of appointment the Secretary of War authorizes you to make such pur- chases and arrangements as are necessary to place the railroad in a thoroughly efficient condition. I therefore hope, if you have not already done so, that you will take immediate steps to provide the rolling-stock necessary to operate the three above-mentioned roads to the greatest advantage. You will please inform me, as early as practicable. what number of locomotives and freight cars you now have on hand, and what number have been contracted for, as well as what means you have at command for manufacturing and repairing freight cars. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U~ S. Volunteer.s~ Page 132 132 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [ChAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. C. DAvIS, Commanding Second Division, Fourteenth Corps: GENERAL: It has been reported as coming from deserters that the rebel cavalry intend making a raid upon this side of the Chickamauga for the purpose, among other things, of capturing the Thirteenth Michigan, engaged in cutting saw-logs. The places now fordable are: First. The Shallow Ford. Second. About 300 yards above the crossing of the Chattanooga and Knoxville Railroad. Third. At the crossing of the main road from Chattanooga to Har- rison. Fourth. The crossing of road leading to Friars Ford, up the Ten- nessee River. The major-general commanding directs that you place strong pickets at each of these fords. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 18, 1864. Col. T. R. STANLEY, Commanding Brigade: Information brought by rebel deserters says that the rebel cav- alry intend making a raid upon this side of the Chickamauga, principally for the purpose of capturing the Thirteenth Michigan, engaged in cutting saw-logs. Send word to that regiment not to stray over that country, but to keep together and be always ready for a fight. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. ONE HUNDREDTH INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Bellefonte Station, Ala., January 18, 1864. Capt. GEORGE NELSON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th A. C.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding that on the night of the 16th some 10 or 12 guerrillas came across the river and secreted themselves at the house of a Mrs. McKinney, about 14- miles south of Bellefonte, where they remained until about 10 oclock and then proceeded to Bellefonte village and surrounded the house of Leander A. Brig- man, first sergeant Company B, First Alabama Cavalry, Capt. G. F. Allen commanding, they having learned from Mr. McKinney that Sergeant Brigman had come to Bellefonte after deserters from his company and would probably stay at bis house in the village that night, and demanded his surrender. There were two citizens in the house with Sergeant Brigman, bnt neither of them were armed, sergeant Brigman had only his revolver with him. The Page 133 CHAP. XLIV.] COLIU~SP0NDFNCE, ETC .UNIO~. 133 did not, however, succeed in capturing any one and were obliged to content themselves with stealing two horses, one belonging to Gov- ernment and the other the private property of Sergeant Brigman, as they were made to believe that I had sent a party of my force to capture them. Sergeant Brigman informs me that he knew the following-named persons to have been with the party: David Clark, resides across the river. Henry McKinn~y, resides 1-i- miles south of Bellefonte, stays prin- cipally on the other side of river; his mother harbors and extends guerrillas all information possible. William Lindsey, resides 4 miles south of Bellefonte; his family harbors bushwhackers. George Wilson, resides 2~ miles from Scottsborough, and between that point and river. All of these men, Sergeant Brigman informs me, are deserters from the rebel army, and stay along the valley on the other side of the river, and could be easily dislodged therefrom by a small force of cavalry scouring that section. He says he is acquainted with the roads and knows their haunts, as well as the men, and could and would, if desired by the general commanding, conduct a proper force of mounted men across the river opposite Scottsborough and aid in the capture of such of the parties as may be found, and he thinks lie can discover their whereabouts. I think Sergeant Brigmnan pretty reliable, as he enjoys a ~,ood reputation among citizens around here, and General Stanley .indorsed his papers authorizing him to come to this point to arrest deserters. The sergeant further informs me that Mrs. Bryant, wife of a guer- rilla, resides in Bellefonte village, and makes herself busy in fur- nishing all the news and information of interest to the guerrillas on the other side of the river. The Bryant, Lindsey, McKinney, and Wilson families are the principal haunts of the bushwhackers on this side of the river, the points from which any and all information obtainable relative to our movements are transmitted to the rebels across the Tennessee. I would respectfully suggest that those several families should be sent across the river to receive the kind care of their protecting hus- bands and sons in the valley of said mountains. If permission be granted me, I will as soon as I complete my defense, now in progress, place the Tennessee River between them and their present places of abode, and set them beyond the limits of the Federal lines. I believe that justice to the refugees who have sought and are now daily seek- ing protection beneath the broad folds of the Federal banner requires at our hands the carrying out of my suggestion in their behalf by our authorities, that receipts in full may be given those bushwhackers who have so largely preyed upon the families of men loyal to our cause. The point on the river where the rebels cross is about 4 miles from this place and their means of crossing are canoes or dug-outs, which they keep during the day on the opposite shore from us. They have but few of these, and hence cannot cross many men at a time if they had a force of respectable numbers on that side. The river is not fordable at this season, and is some 900 yards wide. We mieed have no fear of an attack by any heavy force from that side at present, but I am using this sunny time to prepare my command to defend this place against heavy odds if an occasion should require it. To this end I am building a stockade and rifle-pits in my front, protect Page 134 134 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XIAV. ing my flanks by log breast-works, and my rear by an abattis easily formed by felling the trees in that direction. Bnt I have not snifi- cient tools to effect my pnrpose as rapidly as I desire. I need for im- mediate use 50 spades, 20 axes, and 20 picks. I also need a qnantity of ordnance and ordnance stores to render my command efficient by a fnll snpply of eqnipments, as will be seen by my report of inspec- tion for Jannary 17, 1864, herewith forwarded. To obtain these several articles I have ordered my assistant regimental qnarterinas- ter to proceed to Scottsborongh by to-days train and draw them if possible. If he cannot draw them from the proper departments there, I desire him to borrow the spades, axes, and picks from the Pioneer Corps, and to this end yon will give him snch assistance as yon may deem proper to effect his pnrpose in that behalf. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfnlly, yonr obedient servant, R. M. JOHNSON, Major, Commanding Regiment. [Indorsements.] HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH Div., 15TH ARMY CoRPS, Scottsborough, Ala., January 20, 1864. IRespectfnlly forwarded. REUB. WILLIAMS, Golonel Twelfth Indiana, Commanding Brigade. HDQRS. FOURTH DIvISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Scottsborongh, Ala., January 21, 1864. Major Johnson will nse his discretion in all the premises. EWING, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. D. 5TEVE1~SON, 61orinth, Miss.: The whole available rolling-stock of the road is ordered to be nsed in removal of stores and troops from Corinth. In withdrawing from the place bring away or destroy all public property, bnt do no injury to private property. I am satisfied with the progress you are niak- ing, and will cause every possible facility to be given you. Every- thing on this side waits on Corinth. Very respectfully, S. A. IIURLBUT, Major- General. COLLIERVILLE, January 18, 1864. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant- General, c~avalry Division: Lieutenant-Colonel Thornburgh, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, has returned from a scout. Left Mount Pleasant 12 oclock in.; passed down by Quinns Mill and reports no enemy. No force this side of Coldwater. Took one prisoner. L. F. McCRILLIS, Commanding Third Brigade Page 135 CHAP. XLIVI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 135 COLLIERVILLE, January 18, 1864. Captain WOODWARD: The scout has returned from buy Springs and reports Itaving found 250 men of Forrests command in that vicinity on Pigeon Roost road. No other force found. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 18, 1864. Col. T. P. HERRICK, Corinth, ]Jfiss.: Bring your command to La Grange to-day by train. Turn over vonr quartermasters property and camp and garrison equipage to Colonel Mizuers quartermaster; your medical to his chief surgeon, and your ordnance stores, except pistols, sabers, and side-arms, to Lieutenant Caldwell, ordnance officer at these headquarters. Orders covering the case will be sent you to La Grange to-morrow. If the mustering officer is at La Grange have him muster your command at once. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 18, 1864. Col. L. F. MCCRILLIS, Collierville: Order the Third Illinois Cavalry to come by wagon road from Pocahontas to Collierville immediately. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. CORINTH, January 18, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT: Lines have been fast closed for three days. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Gun-boat Silver Cloud, January 18, 1864. Capt. E. K. OWEN, Comdg. Div. Miss. Squadron, Skipwiths Landing: DEAR CAPTAIN: I have instructed General McPherson to occupy Haynes Bluff in some force, and to send a couple of regiments in transports up the Yazoo to reconnoiter and threaten the enemy, who may be anywhere between the main land east of Yazoo and the Mis- sissippi River. I would be obliged if you would send a light-draught boat to Vicks- burg within the next five days, to report to General McPherson, to vover the move I have named. I am certain that the Mississipp Page 136 136 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cRAP. XLIV. can be more safely guarded from the east by an occasional trip up the Yazoo, if possible as far as Greenwood. I am en route for Memphis and will soon return, and will attempt a movement that will, I trust, have a permanent effect on the move- ments of the enemy, and especially so far as heavy masses with artillery are concerned. I am, with great respect, yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Miajor- General, Commanding Department. [JANUARY 18, 1864.] Statement of Rev. Hiram Donglass, who says that from reliable information, which he has recently come in possession of, that Gen- eral Wheeler lost 70 per cent. of his forces since he has had coin- mand of the rebel cavalry, and that at the recent fight at Charles- ton, Bradley County, their losses were heavy and it was the most perfect stampede they ever experienced, Wheeler being in command in person. One of my reporters says that Wheeler, after the above fight, was cashiered for drunkenness in the time of the fight, and the other one says if he was not would be, and that Buckner would succeed him if he had not done so already; and further that the commanders of the rebel army had now forwarded a petition to their authorities at Richmond asking them to petition the U. S. Government to grant them an armistice for six months for the purpose of seeing if some definite terms of a treaty of peace could not be agreed upon. They also stated to their authorities the destitute and demoralized con- dition which their troops were in, their rations being exceedingly hard and getting worse, it being composed at least one-half of the time of dry corn-bread. All the meat they have is a small quantity procured from the Everglades in Florida. And further, that if th~e Presi dent~ s proclamation, with General Grants order, was freely circulated among them, that in a few months it would entirely depopulate their army. They are now beginning to get copies of it. The officers state publicly that it is a lamentable fact, which they cannot hide any longer from their own people, that their ranks are becoming wofully thin by desertion, and that dozens are now wear- ing ball and chain, having been caught in the act of desertion, and many are from time to time being shot. They are now giving pub- licity to the following statement in their ranks: That deserters who are now leaving them are going into Middle Tennessee to join For- rest, who was there at the head of 20,000 cavalry, and that lie, For- rest, had completely destroyed the Nashville and Chattanooga Rail- road. These rumors are currently circulated in their camps for the purpose of still holding them together, which is only one of the many means of intrigue and deception which they have made use of to deceive their own people and restore confidence in their fast sink- ing cause, but all to no avail. H. DOUGLASS. P. S.They have now in contemplation a desperate raid, soon to be made up the Tennessee Valley, dividing at Georgetown, one por- tion going to Cleveland and one to Harrison, in which raid they intend sweeping everything before them. H.D Page 137 CHAP. XLIV.] CORR~SPo~DENc~, I~TC.tINIoN. 137 [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., Janua/y 18, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. GEO. H. THOMAS, ]lfajor- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 27. Washington, January 18, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. Brig. Gen. John M. Corse, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Army of the Tennessee, and assigned to the com- mand of the depot for drafted men, at Springfield, Ill. He will at once enter upon the discharge of his duties. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Halleck: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 11. Memphis, Tenn., January 18, 1864. I. By direction of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding Depart- ment and Army of the Tennessee, the control of the commerce and of commercial intercourse on the Mississippi River is committed exclu- sively to the agents of the Treasury Department, who will be re- ~ponsib1e for the amounts, character, and disposition of the supplies permitted, and of the character of persons to whom the same are given. No permits will be hereafter required or given by military officers, except in the cases of purely military and sutlers supplies. IT. In cases where information received satisfies any military offi- cer of this command of the insecurity of any point or district on the Mississippi or its tributaries, it will be competent for him to notify the Treasury officers not to permit goods to such point or district until further notice, which caution it will be the duty of the Treasury officers to respect. III. The inland tradle through the lines of pickets of a military post will be controlled by such system as may be agreed upon by the local officers of the Treasury and army, to prevent the undue passage of articles designed for, or which may be used by, rebels in arms. IV. In addition to the articles declared contraband of war by regulations, boots, shoes, blankets, woolen socks, leather of all de- scriptions, medicines, gray and mixed woolen cloths and jeans, and all descriptions of saddlery are among the articles to be zealously watched and not permitted, except to persons of established loyalty in safe neighborhoods and for their own use. V. Whenever military officers have information that articles con- traband of war are being sent, even under permits, or that differen Page 138 1~8 KY., SW. VA., TENX., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. articles from those mentioned in the permits are being taken out, they will seize the same, and proceed to investigate the case; in any other cases J~he matter will be left wholly to the Treasury officers. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 19, 18642 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: For the special inspection you desire I recommend that you detail temporarily one of the following officers: Lient. Col. E. Ni~h chief quartermaster Sixteenth Army Corps, Memphis; Lieut. Col. L. C. Easton, Army of the Cumberlan d; Lieut. Col. J. Condit Smith, Fifteenth Army Corps; or, if none of. these can be detached for the time necessary, W. G. Le Duc, who is now depot quarter- master at Bridgeport, and who would, perhaps, be better fitted for inspection than for charge of that department. I have no officers available here whom I could recommend and detach for the duty. M. C. MUGS, Quartermaster- General. KNOXVILLE, January 19, 1864. Major-General GRANT: The enemy does not press very hard, probably on account of the roads, which are very bad. I am gathering in all the stores I can, and can stand him out here for ten days quite comfortably and for ten days more on horse-flesh if necessary. Your telegram directing me to keep my army between those of Longstreet and Thomas does not, as I understand, mean to evacuate Knoxville. I cannot do that with- out a direct order. J. G. FOSTER. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. D. STURGIS, Commanding Cavalry Corps: SIR: You will take your whole cavalry force, with the exception of two regiments which will be left with General Parke for picket duty, and cross the river to operate in the country between the Little Tennessee, French Broad, and Hoiston. One brigade sparsely mounted and all dismounted men to operate along the French Broad, watching and guarding the fords of that river~ the dismounted men to be left in charge of a good officer, to be mounted as soon as horses can be furnished. With the remainder of the command you will operate against any mounted force which may attempt to advance from the southward, and also against any body of cavalry which may force its way over the French Broad Page 139 CHAP. XLIV.] COkRI~SPONDE~C , ETC .UNION. The nature of these movements, and time of making them, will depend npon your discretion. You will take every advantage to furnish yourself with information concerning the movements of the enemy. both for your own benefit and for the information of the general commanding. The main object of this movement is to keep the enemy as far from the city as possible and to subsist your men and horses. Another important point to be considered by you is to secure the safety of the foraging parties, which can be done by the force left to watch and guard the fords of the French Broad. These suggestions are given for~your general guidance, but much is left to your own discretion and skill, in which the general com- manding has every confidence. By command of Major-General Foster: J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. S. FRY, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you move your command (with the exception of the regiments detailed to work on the roads) to Kingston. After reaching Kingston you will pro- ceed to put that place in a condition for defense. All your artillery will be placed in position and the troops assigned their positions as in case of attack. You will throw up intrenchments for the infantry, and construct one or two small redoubts in which your artillery can be placed. All the wagon trains that have come this side of Chitwoods will proceed with your command to Kingston. Order any trains farther back to return to Bnrnside Point. Immediately upon your arrival & t Kingston you will report to these headquarters. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, Colonel GARRARD, January 19, 1864. ~Jommanding District of the Clinch: COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to communicate to you the following information: On the 1,7th instant the cavalry corps under General Sturgis had a sharp engagement with the enemy near Dandridge, fighting his cavalry and infantry, and holding his ground till night. The Twenty-third and Fourth Corps were in tl4e same neighbor- hood, the entire force being under Major-General Parke, a general movement being in progress, but only the cavalry engaged the enemy. On the 18th our forces fell back to this point without fighting; we fell back at the same time from Mossy Creek. Last night Major Page 140 140 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. General Foster telegraphed that he had received reliable information of the re-enforcement of Longstreet by one division of Ewells corps, and the advance of the combined forces by the direct road on Knoxville. General Parke was ordered to send all trains to Knox- ville, and to prepare to fall back on that place with his whole force shonld the enemy advance. General Parke has no information of an advance npon this place this morning. General Spears, who is on the Knoxville and Rutledge road at Fl at Creek, reported a rumor yesterday that the enemys cavalry was crossing in force at Dyers Ferry. This has not been confirmed. General Foster has a report that Morgan is advancing from Dalton in command of cavalry. This p lace will be held until the enemy threatens seriously, when we will fall back npon Knoxville. The general commanding desires you to take every precaution to guard trains, and yon will keep open the courier-line as long as possible with this place and with Knoxville should this line be in- terrupted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, No. 6. ~ Strawberry Plains, Teun., January 19, 1864. The undersigned assumes command of the Ninth Army Corps, to date from January 17, 1864. Heads of staff departments will remain unchanged, with the fol- lowing exceptions: Capt. Robert A. Hutchins, U. S. Volunteers, assistant adjutant- general. Surg. P. A. OConnell, U. S. Volunteers, acting medical director. Surg. A. M. Wilder, U. S. Volunteers, acting medical inspector. Lieut. L. Curtis Brackett, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volun- teers, and Lieut. William V. Richards, Seventeenth Michigan Volun- teers, are announced as aides-de-camp on the staff of the brigadier- general commanding. By command of Brig. Gen. 0. B. Willcox: ROBT. A. HUTCHINS, Gaptain and Assistant Adjutant- General. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 19, 186410 p. m. (Received ~.20 a. in., 20th.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Your dispatch of yesterday received. Will render General Foster all assistance in my power. Commenced repairing the Chattanooga and Knoxville Railroad to-day. While repairing the road will be able to send Foster three steam-boats, and hope to be able to partially supply his army. Have notified J. B. Anderson that he will be ex- pected to be prepared to operate the railroad in four weeks from this time. The information I get from the front is that no re-enforce- ments have gone to Longstreet from Johnstons army, which is en Page 141 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~UNIO~. 141 Camped around Dalton, at Resaca and Allatoona Hills, on the Etowah, abont 40,000 strong, and still very much demoralized. Will forward my report on the Condition and prospects of the Nashville and Chat- tanooga Railroad as soon as I can get a report from Anderson of the number and quality of his locomotives and cars. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, January 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Wilson is ordered to Washington in charge of Cavalry Bureau. None of the officers named by you are among those awaiting assign- ment. I have asked for Ransom to be sent here. He has always proved himself the best man I have ever had to send on expeditions. He is a live man and of good judgment. He will not, of course, be sent to command Crooks cavalry if you have an officer at the time who gives full satisfaction. I wish you would give me from time to time the information obtained from scouts and deserters; also send me Southern papers when you get them. U. S. GRANT, lJfajor- General. [From General G. H. Thomas journal.] JANUARY 19, 1864. Statement of B. F. Remington, captain and acting commissary of subsistence (deserter): I was brigade commissary, Grigsbys bri- gade, headquarters of the brigade at Tunnel Hill. The brigade is in Kellys division, Wheelers corps. My brigade is composed of the following regiments: First, Second, and Ninth Kentucky, two bat- talions of Morgans men, and Allisons squadron. There are 1,511 men in the brigade, and 900 fit for duty. There are two brigades in Kellys division, Grigsbys and Wades. Wades brigade will num- ber about as many as Grigsbys. Not certain, but think there are four divisions in Wheelers corps, commanded by Kelly, Wharton, Martin, and Armstrong. Martins and Armstrongs divisions are with Longstreet in East Tennessee. Davidsons brigade of Whar- tons division is to relieve Grigsbys brigade at Tunnel Hill on the 25th. Polks brigade of Cleburnes division was ordered to Mobile from Tunnel Hill on the 17th instant. I dont think that Johnston has more than 25,000 troops. After a review about one week before Christmas I heard Colonel Grigsby say he was astonished, for he thought there was a great many more troops there. The army is very much disspirited; in fact, I think it is demoralized. In my brigade the privates talk frequently and boldly about going home; numbers are deserting daily. Leading officers think the contest will be ended by May, 1864; that they will be whipped by that time. Rations are very scarce. The regular ration that I issue is as fol- lows, viz: 125 pounds meal, 33~ pounds bacon, 4~ pounds salt, and 15 pounds rice for 100 rations for one day. Salt is not issued (usually) with bacon. We have had bacon only twice since the Mission Ridge fight. Seventy-five pounds beef and 4~ pounds sugar constitute 100 rations for one day. Commissary supl)lies all come from below Page 142 142 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Sugar is issued in lieu of beef. Flour has been issued twice this month; one hundred pounds constitute 100 rations for one day. The prospect for getting supplies is getting darker and darker every day. I think that the scarcity of supplies and the depreciation of currency (it being worth 4 cents on the dollar) are doing more to break up the rebellion than anything else. I consider the Southern Confederacy a complete failure. CHATTANOOGA, January 19, 186411 p. m. Major-General GRANT: I have no objection whatever to General Ransom. My applicatior~ for Wilson was made before I knew that you had applied for General R. I have efficient colonels commanding cavalry brigades and pre- fer keeping them to having brigadiers who know nothing about cav- alry service. I also prefer efficient colonels to command infantry brigades to brigadiers who are of doubtful efficiency. I sent you a very interesting statement to-day. Will send another to-morrow, made by an officer who came in this evening. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, NASHVILLE, January 19, 1864. Chattanooga: The following dispatch just received from General Dodge: PULASKI, January 19, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General: A force of mine started from 6 miles west of Florence yesterday. They found one regiment of Roddeys on this side of the Tennessee foraging. All reports of prison- ers, scouts, and citizens show that Roddey has and is building fiats and hiding them in Little Bear Creek, where he now has over twenty; also in Spring and Town Creeks, with one near Courtland. He has several in each of these creeks, and has been over two months building them. Roddey has about 1,600 effective men. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. You will direct General Crook to organize an expedition at once of sufficient force, and proceed without delay by the most practica- ble route and drive Roddey out from where he now is, and destroy all boats and materials he can find that might in any contingency be used by the enemy in crossing the Tennessee River. By order of Major-General Grant: JOHN A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, January 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Owing to the presence of Longstreet still in East Tennessee it will be impossible to attempt any movement from present positions while he remains. The great number of veteran volunteers now absent and yet to be furloughed will be another difficulty in the way of an Page 143 143 CI~4i. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC,UNION. movement this winter. Sherman, however, will be able to collect about 20,000 men from that part of his command now along the Mississippi River available for a movement eastward from Vicks- burg. He expects to have these ready to start about the 24th instant. He will proceed eastward as far as Meridian at least, and will thoroughly destroy the roads east and south from there, and if possible will throw troops as far east as Selma; or if he finds Mobile so far unguarded as to make his force sufficient for the enterprise, will go there. To co-operate with this movement you want to keep up appearances of preparation of an advance from Chattanooga; it may be necessary, even, to move a column as far as La Fayette. The time for this advance, however, would not be before the 30th instant, or when you might learn the enemy were falling back. Logan will also be instructed to move at the same time what force he can from Bellefonte toward Rome. We will want to be ready at the earliest possible moment in the spring for a general advance. I look upon the line for this army to secure in its next campaign to be that from Chattanooga to Mobile, Atlanta and Montgomery being the important intermediate points. I look upon the Tennessee River and Mobile as being the most practicable points from which to start and to hold as bases of supplies after the line is secured. I have so written to the General-in-Chief, only giving my views more fully, and shall write to him to-day giving my views of the co-opera- tion we should have from the Eastern armies. I shall recommend that no attempt be made toward Richmond by any of the routes heretofore operated on, but that a moving force of 60,000 men be thrown into New Berne or Suffolk (favoring the latter place), and move out, destroying the road as far toward Richmond as possible; then move to Raleigh as rapidly as possible; hold that point, and open communication with New Berneeven Wilmington. From Raleigh the enemys most inland line would be so threatened as to force them to keep on it a guard that would reduce their armies in the field much below our own. Before any part of this programme can be carried out Longstreet must be driven from LEast Tennessee. To do this it may be necessary to send more force from your coin- mand. I write this to give you an idea of what I propose and at the same time to hear such suggestions as you may have to propose. U. S. GRANT, llfajor-General. CHATTANOOGA, January 19, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I am instructed by Major-General Halleck to report the pres- ent condition of affairs connected with the United States military railroad service in the Department of the Cumberland, and in doing so I beg to state that, while the duty is an unpleasant one, the interest of the service and my personal reputation demand a plain statement of the case. By order of General M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General, a large number of men were engaged and forwarded with tools and equip- ments to Nashville, Tenn., there to report for duty. Having myself been ordered to report to General Meigs, at Chattanooga, I called upon Mr. J. B. Anderson, general manager, & c., Nashville, Tenn. Page 144 144 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N.. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. and informed him that I had been ordered to aid him in repairing the railroad between Bridgeport and Chattanooga. This I at once proceeded to do. When this dnty was completed, presnming that the whole force would then be pnt upon the whole line between Nashville and Chattanooga, it was tendered to Mr. Anderson, but for some reasons, to me unknown, he declined to adopt this course. It was therefore ordered by Major-General Thomas, with the concurrence of Mr. Anderson, that the force be taken from the Nashville and Chattanooga lines and put npon the repairs of the road between Chattanooga and Knoxville, Mr. Anderson taking the whole responsibility of repairs of the road in use, and to make such requisition for men and tools as might be in my power to meet. The road between Nashville and Chattanooga is still in bad condi- tion, and in my opinion no energetic means have been taken to put it in repair. The iron and cross-ties on the McMinnville and Trenton branches are to be taken up and used in repairing the main lines, but as yet, as far as my knowledge extends, no movements of that sort have been made, and although the trains are run only at the rate of 8 miles per hour between Nashville and Chattanooga, accidents are frequent. In my opinion, it will be true economy to relay the whole line with new rails as soon as the latter can be procured. I would recommend that the rolling-mill, partially constructed by the rebels at this place, be completed as soon as possible, for the pur- pose of rerolling the worn-out rails, coal being contiguous and abundant. This would not only be economy, but would enable thc Government to have rails on hand for any probable contingency. The cost of rerolling the old iron would iiot be greater per ton than the expense of transporting new rails from the sea-board to this point, thus saving the original cost of the iron, besides the great advantage of having the rails on hand when and where required. It is reasonable to assume that the railroads south of this are badly worn out, which furnishes an additional argument in favor of the rolling-mill. I am informed that this point will be used as an im- portant base of supplies; this will cause a large amount of rolling- stock to center here, requiring the necessary shops and machinery for repairs. I cannot discover that measures have been taken to meet this want. The shops at Nashville are very deficient, and immediate means should be taken to increase the facilities there. When the Northwestern Railroad and the line from Chattanooga to Knoxville are completed the following lines will be in operation Miles. Northwestern Railroad, from Nashville to the Tennessee River 72 Nashville to Chattanooga 151 Nashville to Stevenson, via Decatur 185 Chattanooga to Knoxville 111 Whole distance 519 To work these lines I am informed that there is on hand, or will be soon, seventy locomotives and six hundred freight cars. This supply is entirely inadequate. I may say here that on certain emer- gencies we have had in use between Washington and Culpeper sixty locomotives and eight hundred cars, a distance of 70 miles. It is true this was an extreme case, but one not unlikely to occur on all military railroads. The railroad from Aquia Creek to Falmouth, distance 14 miles, required at times fourteen locomotives and one hundred and sixty-five cars Page 145 CuAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~tTNION. 145 The ordinary supply of rolling-stock in use upon the various rail- roads in this country will average one locomotive and twelve freight cars to every 2 miles in length of road in use, and on many lines the supply is even greater. Thus, according to the above statement, the seventy locomotives will be barely sufficient to stock 140 miles, and six hundred cars sufficient only to stock 100 miles of railroad; add to this the liability to destruction by raids, and the necessity of being prepared, if possible, for sudden and rapid movements. It is apparent that with the present equipment no advance of the army can be made, if I am correct in assuming that it must depend upon railroads for supplies. There should be on hand in this department not less than two hundred locomotives and three thousand cars, which should be added to as the army advances southward from Chatta- nooga. I regret to be compelled to report the railroad organization of this department as decidedly defective, and, as far as I have been able to discover, there is a lack of well-directed energy and seeming want of ability to comprehend the magnitude of the undertaking. The ex- periment of supplying an army over a long line of railroad, through an enemys country, is yet to be tested. The most perfect organiza- tion and the best practical talent in the country will be indispensa- ble to success. A construction corps of at least 1,000 men, under a competent head, with a full supply of tools and materials, will be as essential as the permanency of the roadway. The line should be worked in divisions of proper length; each division put in charge of an expe- rienced officer, directly responsible to the head of the operating de- partment, with such a system of reports by telegraph and otherwise as will at once detect delinquencies and as will insure perfect disci- pline and full co-operation throughout. In conclusion, permit me to say that I have thus briefly given my views in the case, which nothing but a plain sense of duty to the War Departmant and the service could have induced me to do. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant D. C. McCALLUM, Colonel and Aide-de-Camp. HDQRs. LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, Pulaski, Tenn,, January 19, 1864. Maj~ Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have with me the One hundred and eleventh Regi- mnent Illinois Volunteers, belonging to your corps. It was my inten- tion to have ordered it to Huntsville on the arrival of the corps at that point, as that would have been the first opportnnity for it to join ~ts conimand; but the necessities of the service, arising from the fact that the larger part of my force has re-enlisted and gone home, ha~ forced me to retain it. The length of road I have to guard and the ancionnt of work to do are more than my present force can do. The moment my troops begin to return I shall order the regiment to joimi you, which no doubt will be before you will need it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General, 10 ~ RVOL XXXII, PT I Page 146 146 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cnAi~ XLIV. COLLIERVILLE, January 19, 1864. Captain WOODWARD, Assistant Ac~jutant- General: Major Cheek, Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, has returned from scout; reports no enemy this side of Coidwater; about half a mile the other Si of oldwater, at Quinns Mill, there are about two companies of rebels on picket. He captured 1 soldier and 2 or 3 suspicious char~ acters, supposed to be in the contraband trade. L. F. McCRJLLIS, Golonel, Commanding Third Brigade. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 19, 1864. Captain WOODWARD: The following telegram has just been received at these head~ quarters: PocAHoNTAs, January 18, 1864. Col. L. F. McCRILLIs: Teams cannot go through by land. It is impracticable to go through by land with our column yet; possibly, via Ripley, in four days time. Have you fine weather? It is very bad for marching here. A. B. KJRKBRIIDE, Third Illinois Cavalry. L. F. MCCRILLIS, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Steam-boat Silver Cloud, January 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Via Nashville: DEAR GENERAL: I am now on my return to Memphis, which we shall reach to-morrow, the 20th, and if I find all things as I expect shall start all hands by the 25th. The river is now clear of ice thus far up and we hope to find none this side of Memphis, but the water is from 12 to 20 feet lower than it was at same period last year and therefore to ascend Red River will be impossible. But the other trip will do most for our department and your army; there- fore I do not regret it. The guerrillas seem to let the boats pass unmolested, and, so long as they do we can afford to encourage the people to reoccupy their lands and resume their industrial pursuits. I found General McPherson in fine health; his troops in like condi- tion, only 4 per cent. on the sick report. He has 21;000 effective men, so that he can take with him 10,000 and leave Vicksburg and Natchez, the only points in his district fitted with stationary artil- lery, safe against any probable danger. As near as I can ascertain, General Polks command at Meridian, with Loring at Canton~ his division has not over 8,000. Conscripts at Brandon and Enterprise. Forrest has North Mississippi, and not over 2,500 irregular cavalry. Cosbys and Whitfields brigades are still watching on their old ground from Yazoo City via Brownsville, Canton, Jackson, Bran- don, and Port Gibson, a thin line of guard, to prevent intercourse with Yicksburg. Logans old command, now commanded by Wir Page 147 CHAP. XLTV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 14~ Adams, is down behind Port Hudson and Baton Rouge, doubtless to prevent the people from becoming too familiar with the Yankees. I have one of my best Memphis private spies out, who will be back in time to let me know all we want. I observe you were right in your calculation that Longstreet would be re-enforced in East Tennessee and make a struggle for that mountain region. Halleck should compel a movement in North Carolina on Weldon and Raleigh, if possible, which would, in connection with active demonstrations against the Alabama border, force the enemy to call back the re-en- forcements or to allow these valuable districts to be overrun by us. If we could draw all of Lees army into East Tennessee they would be bound to go ahead or fall back. The mountains on either flank will restrict their line to the railroad, and the army which is on the defensive has the advantage. I will write to Logan and Dodge to hurry the railroad and try and be there in all [sic] February. The fortifications of Vicksburg are nearly done, the redoubt at Mrs. Lanes house being the only one incomplete. McPherson tells me those of Natchez are equally advanced. I am, with great respect, ~. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. Boat trembles, and my writing is more illegible than ever. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, ON BOARD GUN-BOAT SILVER CLOUD, In motion near White River, January 19, 1864. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding ]Ifississippi Squadron, Cairo: DEAR ADMIRAL: You will have learned ere this of our safe arri- val at Memphis in the Juliet. The ice was very bad, almost gorging at many points, especially at Randolph, but we got through all safe by the good management of Captain Watson. I found him a most agreeable and courteous commander, and he did everything possible for our comfort and safety. After staying two days at Memphis making the necessary orders for my troops, and finding no transport bound down river, Captain Phelps, who happened at Memphis, most kindly offered to send me to Yicksburg in this boat, the Silver Cloud, Captain ONeil. I have been to Vicksburg and find all things well there, and am now returning to Memphis, where I pro- pose to embark about 10,000 men for Vicksburb,, whence, re-enforced by about a like force, I will move due east to reach Meridian and Demopolis. I have about 6,000 available cavalry, which I propose to move down the Mobile and Ohio Road from La Grange to meet me at Meridian. The object you will appreciate at a glance. If I can destroy the railroad at Meridian, as we did those ~at Jackson last summer, it will be impossible for the enemy to maintain any consid- erable force in Mississippi. I think I can do it; at all events will try. I find the main river about 12 feet lower than it was last winter, therefore any attempt to reach Shreveport till a considerable rise would be idle; but I learned that the Yazoo is navigable to a point up Sunflower, and therefore I instructed General McPherson to send two regiments up Yazoo to reconnoiter and divert ~ttQn4QT~ Page 148 148 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. In passing Skipwiths I saw Captain Owen, and requested him to let General McPherson have one tin-clad, which he agreed to do within five days. He explained to me that he would have to leave Greenville exposed for the time, but I know that the mere appear- ance of a force up Yazoo will do more to prevent the enemy show-. ing himself at Greenville than a boat at Greenville; besides, if nec- essary, General McPherson can send the Marine Brigade to that point. I would use the brigade up Yazoo, but their boats draw too much water. I can hear of no real attempt to permanently threaten the Mississippi. The firing on boats at Greenville and Rodney was the work of the enemy, who was engaged in passing a lot of muskets from the east to the west bank of the river. In this they partially succeeded, but it amounts to little. If on arrival at Memphis I find my arrangements have not been delayed by the ice above, I expect to put all my forces in motion by January 25 and to be at Meridian February 8 or 10. I would like to be back by the 20th, at which time I should return to Huntsville. If by that time you calculate Red River will be in condition, and you want to make the Shreve- port move, if yon will procure General Grants orders Twill be most happy to go along. Excuse apparent haste, but boat trembles. As ever, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Vicksbmrg, Miss., January 19, 1864. Col. E. D. OSBAND, Skipwiths Landing: COLONEL: I send this up by the steamer Madison, which, together with the Era and Chenango, now up the river, and which have been ordered to Skipwiths, will be sufficient to move your command. As soon as the boats arrive you will embark and proceed directly to Snyders Bluff, on the Yazoo River, where you will disembark as rapidly as possible and direct the boats to report to Captain Fort, master of transportation at this place. Snyders Bluff will be your station for the present, and in disembarking you will place your command in a good defensive position and make your men comforta- ble. You will bring down all your stores, camp and, garrison equipage, sick, & c., completely breaking up the post. You will also bring what forage you can, as we are very short and it is scarce in the vicinity of Haynes and Snyders Bluffs. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL EAST TENNESSEE, Knoxville, January 19, 1864. Mr. W. P. Eddington, having just reported at this office from Sevierville, Sevier County, Tenn., makes the following statements: Learned from several reliable persons that a force of rebel cav- alry, presumed to be 4,000 strong, crossed the French Broad a Page 149 CHAP. XLIV.1 COI~RESPONDENcE, ETC.tTNIO~. 149 Evans Ford, 4 or 5 miles below Dandridge, yesterday forenoon, and proceeded down the south side of the river in the direction of Knox- ville. Lient. Col. James P. Browniow, First Tennessee Cavalry, and Colonel Palmer, whose commands were near and east of Sevier- ville, returning from the pursuit of Colonel Thomas Indians, were apprised of the facts as above stated, and were understood to design falling back toward Knoxville or Maryville. Mr. Eddingtons own opinion is that Brownlow and Palmer would engage the eneniy last evening somewhere between Sevierville and the French Broad. Learned that skirmishing was going on at Hudsons Branch, 8 miles below Dandridge, on the north side of French Broad, yesterday even- ing about 3 or 4 oclock, between some of our own and the enemys cavalry forces, and that our force engaged at that point were falling back toward Strawberry Plains, being greatly outnumbered by the rebels. Some deserters, who left the vicinity of Hudsons Branch late yesterday evening, report that Longstreet has been heavily re- enfcrced from Lees army, by troops under General A. P. Hill. Mr. Eddington conversed with James Randolph, esq., who is the deputy provost-marshal of Cocke County, but now a refugee staying at Brabsons store, near Brabsons Ferry, 8 miles below Sevierville, on the French Broad, who gave it as his opinion, from all the informa- tion that he had obtained, that Longstreet has been heavily re-en- forced and now proposes to renew the siege of Knoxville. S. P. CARTER. Brig. Gen. and Provost-Marshal-General of East Tennessee. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIvISIoN, Big Black, Miss., January 19, 1864. Capt. J. C. DOUGLASS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Division: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that Lieutenant Brooks, of the rebel service, crossed the Big Black, near Messinger s, in a row~ boat last night; went to his mothers (WidoW Brooks), about 1~ niiles outside of the cavalry pickets, about midnight, and ran off 18 negroes. The party was reported to me at 3 oclock a. in. I at once sent Lieutenant Foster after them with part of the cavalry picket, but too l~te to intercept the party or their captives. I am tobi there is a flat about 15 miles above Birdsongs. Citizens use it to bring corn over from east of the Big Black. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. M. F. FORCE, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Brigade. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., January 20, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief of the Army: GENERAL: From dispatches j iist received from General Foster, the siege of Knoxville is about to be reliewe(i. It was a great over- sight in the first place to have ever permitted Longstreet to come to a stop within the State of Teniiessee after the siege was raised. M Page 150 Kr., SW. VA., TI~NN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CIIAIX XLIV. instructions were full and complete on this subject. Sherman was sent with forces sufficient alone to defeat Longstreet, and, notwith- standing the long distance his troops had marched, proposed to go on and carry out my instructions in full. General Burnside was sanguine that no stop would be made by the enemy in the valley. sherman then proposed to leave any amount of force Burnside thought might be necessary to make his position perfectly secure. He deemed two divisions ample. These were left, numbering about 11,000 men for duty, besides Elliotts cavalry division of about 3,000 present effective men. All this force is still with Foster. I regretted from the start that Longstreet was permitted to come to a halt in the valley, but was in hopes the judgment of General Buruside would prove correct. General Wilson and Mr. Dana were both present at the interview between Generals Buruside and Sherman on this sub- ject, and can give all the reasons assigned for the course pursued. My official report will be accompanied by all the dispatches and orders given to Burnside and Sherman, but I write this now more particularly to show that the latter-named officer is in no wise to blame for the existing state of affairs in East Tennessee. I feel no alarm for the safety of East Tennessee, but the presence of Long- street has been embarrassing in forcin0 me to keep more troops there than would have been otherwise necessary, and in preventing other movements taking place. It has also taxed some of the most loyal people in the United States to support a cause they detest. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NAsIIvILLE, TENN., January 20, 1864. (Received 11 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: I have ordered the cipher operator to give the Washington cipher to Colonel Comstock. The necessity of this I felt whilst in East Tennessee, receiving dispatches I could not read until I returned. The operator has received the following dispatch from Colonel Sta- ger to Captain Bruch: LOUISVILLE. Beckwith must not instruct any one in the cipher. An order will be issued and sent to you on this subject. I protest against Colonel Stagers interference. I shall be as cau- tious as he possibly can, that improper persons do not get the key to official correspondence. ~. ~. GRANT, Major- General. NASHVILLE, January 20, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: I will go to Chattanooga, and do all in my power to help you out by pushing forward supplies, and re-enforcements if necessary. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 151 ~OESPO~DE~CV~, ETC.IJMON. 151 NASHVILLE, ThNN.,January 20, 186411 a. m. (Received 1.45 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK General-in- Chief: Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster is falling back from Dandridge toward Knoxville. He can hold the place as long as supplies can be got to him. I shall go to Chattanooga and make every exertion for fur- nishing the supplies, and will send re-enforcements if necessary. Under existing circnmstances I will not go to Saint Louis. U. S. GRANT, Jliliajor- General. NASHVILLE, January 20, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FoSTER, Knoxville: Should you be besieged in Knoxville I will strain every nerve to get sufficient force from Chattanooga to relieve you. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. *~INO)~ZVILLE, January 20, 186412 in. Major-General GRANT: No evidence has reached me to prove that either Ewell or A. P. Hill have re-enforced Longstreet, although scouts and deserters re- port troops from both corps. I am not convinced that he has received anything but the Third Division of his corps. I am doubtful of his intention to attack us here. He will certainly meet with defeat if he does. I am now moving cavalry up the south side of the French Broad to secure the forage grounds in that section. As soon as the infantry can retire from Strawberry Plains, after first taking down the bridge and sending the material here to be used in the bridge at this place, I shall send the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps to for- age up the French Broad, retaining the Ninth Corps as garrison at this place, Lenoirs, and London. J. G. FOSTER. NASHVILLE, January 20, 186412 in. Major-General THOMAS: Major-General Foster telegraphs that he is being forced back from Dandridge toward Knoxville.General John Morgan is also said to be advancing from toward General Johnstons army. If Foster should be besieged it will be necessary for you to send a force from Chatta- nooga to his relief. They can subsist on the country as far as the Hiwassee in such a contingency, and send forward to Loudon, by steam-boat, all supplies possible. GRANT, Major-General Page 152 152 1~T., SW. VA., TI~NN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. tOHAP. XLIV. JhJADQtTAR1~ERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, Strawberry Plains, January 20, 1864. Mad. Gen. 0-olmoN GRANGER, Commanding Fourth eJbrps: G1~NERAL: Jin accordance with in~truction~ just received from Major~General i~oster you will move yoftr command to Sevierville, passing through Knoxville, Tenn. By eomiliarid of Major-General Parke: 0. E. BABCOCK, Lieutant& olonel, Assistant Inspector-General, & c. SThAWBERtLY PLAINS, January 20, t8~4. ~ri~gadiet-d~neral POTTER: General Spears reports that his scouts and officers sent out cannot find any enemy on the north side of the Holston, and from informa- tion regarded as reliable, though indirect, there are none of the enemy saVe barefooted and sick at New Market and Morristown. All reported to have passed toward and crossed the French Broad. The direction taken after crossing is not known. J. G. PARKE, lllicf4,or- Generat. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 20, 1864. General FOSTER: No reports have been received this morning. The enemy did not follow the rear guard yesterday. Have no evidence that Longstreet has been re-enforced. The Fourth Corps is in camp near the crossing of Flat Creek; a division Twenty-third Corps and five regiments Ninth Corps still on other side of river. Before removing the bridge men- tioned these troops must all be withdrawn. Have you any orders for the Fourth or s and for the other two corps when withdrawn to this side? You know there is no forage here, and our supply of rations will soon be exhausted~ JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 20, 1864. Major-General PARKE, Strawberry Plains: Order the Fourth Corps to march to Sevierville through this place. Order the troops on the other side of the river to retire to this side. Then take down the bridge, sending as much of the material as pos- sible to this place. Order either the Twenty-third or Ninth Corps~ to be ready to follow the Fourth Corps to Sevierville. The remain- ing corps will garrison this place, Lenoirs, and London. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. * The Twenty-third Army Corps so ordered by General Parke Page 153 CO1fl~ESPOXDEXC1~~ ~TC~-~4JMO~6 153 HEAD0TJARtT~rnS, General W. L. ELLTOT1~, KnoxVille, January 20, 1864k Chief of Gavairy, Department of the Gumberlctn,d: GENFImAL: From information this morning received there i~ no remaining doubt as to the fact that Longstreets forces are still in vicinity of Morristown, and no intentions are entertained by him of advancing. 1I~he question, then, With us is one purely of forage, and every mile gained now by us in that direction by rapid marching Will be so much the less to fight for. You will please, therefore, pnsh as vigorously forward in the general direction of the French Broad as is consistent with the necessary rest and feeding of your men and animals. The divisions of Garrard and Wolford are still crossing and will move up as rapidly as they can. The Fourth Corps (infantry) has been ordeiied to Sevierville at once, via this place. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, Waylands, 15 J$iliiles from Knoxville, Col. K M. MCCOOK, January 20, 18644 p. m. Commanding First Division: COLONEL: I have just heard from General Sturgis that Long- street is still in the vicinity of Morristown, with no apparent inten- tion of advancing. The question, then, with us is one purely of forage and subsistence, and every mile gained now by us in that direction by rapid marching will be so much the less to fight for. You will please, therefore, push as vigorously forward in the gem. e~ral direction of the French Broad as is consistent with the neces- sary rest and feeding of your men and animals. Garrard and Wolford follow as rapidly as they can. The Fourth Corps has been ordered to Sevierville, via Knoxville. It will be advisable to hold the fords of the French Broad roads leading from that stream toward Sevierville. More than general directions it is unnecessary to give you. I will overtake you to-morrow at Sevierville. Let me know where you have your headquarters, and any news you may have. Respectfully, & c., W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRsT DIvIsION CAVALRY, Twelve Miles from Knoxville, January 20, 1864. Lient. W. L. SHAW, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: The Second Brigade encamped here last night. I was compelled to put the battery and First Brigade in camp 4 miles from Knox- ville about dark. Captain Lilly sent forward for more horses, stat- ing that his were exhausted. I instructed him to move as far as Sevierville if possible, and there I would have forage collected for him. I also instructed Colonel Campbell to leave the battery, wit Page 154 154 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [~ThAP. XLIV. sufficient guard, if it impeded his progress, and push on to where his animals can get forage, which will be near Sevierville. I will go on to Sevierville with the Second Brigade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. M. McCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Division. The rOads over here are the worst I ever saw. I have ordered captain Wilson to bring up all the train, subject to your approval. E. M. McCOOK, Colonel, & c. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIvIsIoN CAVALRY, Cannons House, Pigeon River, 2 Miles from Sevierville, January 20, 18646.30 p. m. Lient. W. L. SHAW Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: Your dispatch is just received. I have been pushing forward as fast as the state of the roads admit. The artillery is behind. Browniows regiment I left with Colonel Palmer to-night. I will order him to move in the morning at daylight. I started the mill here and will have enough ground in the morning for one days rations. I will start the Sevierville mill in the morning, and move with part of the command to the Dutch Bottom as soon as I can get some rations ground out. There is no meat in this section of the country. I can hear nothing of any rebel force on this side of the river, except small foraging parties. Citizens inform me also that Dand- ridge is not occupied by the enemy. There is nothing else new. The main difficulty we will have to contend against in the subsist- ence line will be that the best mills are in this section, and meat will be almost impossible to procure. ~. M. McCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Division. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 20, 18649.45 p. m (Received 6.30 a. in., 21st.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have just received an order relieving Brigadier-General Crook from duty in this department and ordering him to report to General Kelley. I have no general officers competent for cavalry service, except Generals Elliott and Crook, and if lie is ordered away shall be very much embarrassed. Cannot the order be countermanded? GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. NASHVILLE, January 20, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Scottsborough2 Ala.: Build bridges from Huntsville to Decatur with all dispatch, using your corps for the purpose. If you can impress negroes for cutting wood, ties, & c., do so. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 155 C~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNiON. 155 NASHVILLE, Januctv~j 20, 1804. Brig. Gen. ROBERT ALLEN, Louisville, Ky.: My visit to Louisville has to be deferred on account of news from the front, making it necessary for me to go there. Is it possible to get additional rolling-stock forward? Foster must be supplied almost exclusively henceforth by this route. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OP THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 20, 1864. Brigadier-General CROOK, Huntsville, Ala.: The following dispatch just received via Nashville from General Dodge: PULASKI, January 19, 1864. [Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, A8sistant Adjutant-General:] A force of mine started from 6 miles west of Florence yesterday. They found one regiment of Roddeys on this side of the Tennessee foraging. All reports of pris- oners, scouts, and citizens show that Roddey has and is building fiats and hiding them in Little Bear Creek, where he now has over twenty; also in Spring and Town Creeks, with one near Courtland. He has several in each of these creeks, and has been over two months building them. Roddey has about 1,600 effective men. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. You will organize an expedition at once of sufficient force and pro- Qeed without delay by the most practicable route and drive Roddey out from where he now is, and destroy all boats and materials you can find that might in any contingency be used by the enemy in crossing the Tennessee River. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General and Assistant Aajutant- General. PULASKI, TENN., January 20, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Nashville: Colonel Johnson with about 800 men is down in the Colbert Re- serve, west of Florence ~ part of his force was in Lexington and Lawrenceburg yesterday. I think they are mostly after stock and forage. I have no mounted forces except those left from the veterans, and they are too small to do much good. I will watch him pretty close. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General Page 156 156 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [ChAP. XLIV. COWAN, January 20, 1864. Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant-General: I received information from a reliable source that a force of rebel cavalry, supposed to be 200 strong, made their appearance at Tracy City at 5 oclock a. m. to-day and attacked our post there. I have sent immediately two officers and 100 men (infantry) with the train to support our force at Tracy City, when necessary. Respectfully, JOSEPH M. SUDSBURG Colonel, Commanding. MEMPHIS, January 20, 1864. Col. FIELDING HURST, Commanding Sixth Tennessee Cavalry: You will relieve the wants of the families of the men of your com- mand, and as soon as possible leave Purdy with your whole command and proceed to Memphis, Tenn., by way of Jackson, crossing the Hatchie at Estenaula, or any other point west of there which in your judgment may be best. You will scour the country well on your route and reach Memphis as soon as possible after the 1st of Febru- ary. You will gather all serviceable stock on your route as hereto- fore directed, and subsist your command upon the country. Upon your arrival in Memphis you will report with your regiment to the commanding officer, whoever he may be. A command of cavalry is probably now en route for this place from Union City. You will endeavor to communicate with them, but do not delay your march for that purpose. B or er of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOOD WARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ilfemphis, Teun., January 20, 1864. Col. EDWARD PRINCE, 6fommanding Seventh illinois Cavalry: You will organize a force of 250 meu, with five days light rations, to proceed north to-morrow, the 21st, at 2 oclock p. in., by the way of New Castle, and scour the country south of Hatchie. You will also endeavor to communicate at Bolivar and Estenaula with the Fed- eral cavalry, which is supposed to be en route to La Grange, instruct- ing them to reach that point as quickly as possible. Subsist your command, as far as is necessary, upon the country, giving receipts for everything which may be taken. After scouring the country thoroughly as the time will permit, you will return to La Grange, reaching that point by tIle 26th instant. You will feed your horses well, and keep them in as good condition as possible. By order of Brig. Gen. B. II. Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 157 CHAP. XLIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 15~T HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Memphis, January 20, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Via Nashville: DEAR GENERAL: General McPherson, at Vicksburg, named to me what I had not heard, that General Logan contemplated exchanging corps with him. He also showed me a letter he had written General Cullum in answer to one received, telling him that parties had ac- cused him of a leaning to the secesh. I do think McPherson is too young and active to be kept at a post like Vicksburg, and I will be perfectly willing to approve of a change that would take him to a more active field. Should this transfer be made, I will yield to him, with your consent, the command of the army in the field, retainiiig the.department on the river. As to his leaning to the secesh it is, of course, ridiculous nonsense. The young ladies that he naturally associates with have that leaning, but he has too much character to be swerved by such influences. I think I can keep up the army in the field to 25,000 men, and yet have enough left to hold the vital points on the Mississippi, as well as to stir up the inland country from time to time, to hold here a respectable force of the enemy, and also give the inhabitants a chance to abandon the Confederacy. I will order Hurlbut to drop from his return the troops detached to Steele, as they are lost to us. I am, with respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. ~MEMPHIS, January 20, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. D. STEVENSON, Corinth, Miss.: General Sherman returned this evening. On what day do you think you will be through? S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. MEMPHIS, January 20, 18648.45 p. m. Brig. Gen. J. D. STEVENSON, Corinth, Miss.: Mr. Goodhue will again be instructed to throw the entire working force of the road to Corinth. Let nothing stand in the way of mov- ing the most valuable part in immediately. When can you send in the Parrott guns? S. A. IIURLBUT, Major- General. CORINTH, January 20, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT: If the superintendent of the road would take off the useless pas- senger train from Grand Junction to Corinth, and simply run a train to Grand Junction and back with a light engine, such as the Ge Page 158 158 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. eral Allen, it would give us the use of the two heavy locomotives uow used ou passenger trains. I am all the time in excess of the moving power furuished here. Have this chauge made aud the thiug will soou be over. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIvIsIoN, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 20, 1864. Col. J. K. MIZNER, Commanding First Brigade, Cavalry Division: COLONEL: ~ ~ The command from above left Union City some days since and is daily expected to arrive. The general wishes you to report the number of horses you still need to thoroughly mount your command, including the First Alabama. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SIXTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, South Memphis, January 20, 1864. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps: CAPTAIN: In obedience to the order of Brigadier-General Grierson, I arrived at the Macon crossing of Wolf River at daybreak this morning, and found that the boat I was sent to destroy had been destroyed last Thursday by some of our forces. I reconnoitered the river above and below the crossing, but found nothing. Your obedient servant, F. CHARLESWORTH, C~aptain, Commanding Detachment. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Natchez, Miss., January 20, 1864. Col. B. G. FARRAR, Commanding Post of Vidalia: COLONEL: It has been represented that refugees and deserters from the Confederate army are held at Vidalia, and told they must enlist in the Thirtieth Missouri Volunteers or be sent north as prisoners of war. Three men have just reported to me that they were forced into the Thirtieth Missouri by false representations, made by some of the officers of that regiment. It is right to recruit for the regiment, but you will see that men are not detained against their will, and that all men held by said regiment aga~inst their will are releasedI mean men who have vol- untarily left the rebel lines and sought the protection of the U. S. forces. I am, colonel, very respectfully, ~ Q. GRESHAM, Briaadier- General Page 159 CH~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 159 HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIv., 17TH ARMY CORPS, Big Black, Miss., January 20, 1864. Capt. J. C. DOUGLASS, Assstant Adjutant-General, Third Divtswn: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that Mount Albon was again visited by a squad of rebels last night, who ran off some negroes and mules. All these parties appear to be led by men in the rebel service, who have their homes on this side of the river. Parties whom Ihave sent out have examined the river from this post down 6 miles below Baldwins, without finding their crossing-place. I hope to discover it this week. Mount Albon, half way between the Mississippi and Big Black, and 4 miles from the nearest troops, connects by roads with all the ferries on the Big Black below the bridge. A regiment of cavalry, or even of infantry, placed there, could so co-operate with my com- mand and the force at Red Bone as to make such raids impracticable. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. F. FORCE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 20, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel TRAFTON, La Grange, Tenn.: The movement north is postponed for the present. Refit your command as rapidly as possible for more important work. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. WASHINGTON, January 20, 18642.30 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.: The Secretary of War directs that you report by telegraph the facts and circumstances of the act of Lieutenant-Colonel Comstock, in requiring A. C. Beckwith, telegraphic cipher clerk, to impart to him (Colonel Comstock) the secret cipher, intrusted to said Beck- with for use exclusively in your correspondence with the War De- partment and Headquarters of the Army. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 20, 1864. General GRANT~, Nashville: The telegraph having reported that Governor Bramlette, of Ken- tucky, had recommended the raising of State troops for State de- fense, I sent him the following telegram: KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 20, 1864. Governor THOMAS E. BRAMLETTE, Louisville, Ky.: The telegraph announces that you have sent a message to Legislature recoin- mendin~ that troops be raised in Kentucky for State defense. I regret this step, as I consider the precautions I have already taken, and which were explained to you in my dispatch of January 9, amply sufficient to guard against every emergency that may arise from guerrillas and raids within the borders of the State Page 160 160 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. The defense of the State can be best made by this army in front. The organization of militia regiments will affect injuriously the reorganization and filling up of the old regiments that have re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. To provide, however, for the full protection of the State, to allay all fears for the safety of Kentucky, and thus render the raising of militia regiments unnecessary, I will send a division of cavalry into the southeastern part of the State as soon as a movement now in progress shall have been completed, which will be before the 15th of next month. J. G. FOSTER, Mctjor-Generat, Commanding. The division that I shall send is one of those whose horses are broken down. It can be well mounted and reorganized at Camp Nelson. J. G. FOSTER, Mdjom General, Commanding. CAMP NELSON, Ky., January 20, 1864. (Received War Department 6 p. in.) His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President United States: Would you give permission for me to come to see you? I am sur& no detriment can come to the service from it. J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRs. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 6. Memphis, January 20, 1864. I. The commanding officer at Memphis may organize the loyal citizens of Memphis into a brigade of four regiments for home or local defense and may issue to them arms, accouterments, ammuni- tion, and undress uniforms, to be receipted for and security given for their safe return to the proper authorities on the order of the commanding officer of the post. II. The quartermaster may set apart and dedicate to the use of these regiments as armories or places of rendezvous suitable build- ings, such as cotton-sheds, one to each regiment, said buildings to be of those already in the possession of the United States by reason of abandonment by disloyal owners. One to be at or near the navy- yard, two to be at or near the railroad depot, and the fourth to be at or near Fort Pickering, and the quartermaster may expend any mate~ rials now on hand to adapt these buildings to the uses named, viz, armories for the home guards. III. The troops organized under this order shall be exempt from conscription under department orders (but liable, of course, to the laws of the United States), unless by neglect of duty they render themselves liable to expulsion from their regiment or command. They will take the oath of allegiance required by law and sign a written agreement to do such local guard duty, drills, and defense of the city as may be required of them by the post commander and the brigade commander he may appoint over them, ~ubjeet to approval of these department headquarters Page 161 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 161 IV. The quartermaster and ordnance officer at Memphis will make the necessary issues under this order on the requisition of the colonels of regiments with a bond attached, all to be approved by the post commander. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 21, 18641.10 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, (Received 8.15 ~. in:) Washington, D. C.: I ordered Beckwith to give Colonel Comstock the key to Washing- ton cipher, in order that I might have always some one with me who had it. Whilst at Knoxville I experienced the disadvantage of not having given such an order before. I would recommend that a cipher be used, not known to Colonel Stager or any o& rator. ililiajor- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., January 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.: I beg leave to offer the following in explanation of my message to Captain Bruch, referred to in General Grants communication of last evening: The information furnished me led me to believe that the request of the staff officer for copy of the cipher was without General Grants authority, and as a new cipher had been arranged expressly for Mr. Beckwiths use at General Grants headquarters, with the order of the Secretary of War recently issued that the operators for this duty should be held responsible for strict privacy in its use, I indited the message referred to, not thinking that it would come in conflict with General Grants orders or wishes, the general having recently expressed his entire satisfaction with Mr. Beckwiths serv- ices. I am exceedingly mortified at the result, as my only desire was to furnish the most reliable means of .communication to General Grant with the War Department. The new cipher was arranged with a view of being used by tele- graph experts, and it is believed cannot be used with any success by others than telegraphers. A great number of errors have been made by staff officers work- ing ciphers, owing to their lack of experience in telegraphic char- acters, and it is believed that greater accuracy can be secured by placing ciphers in the hands of experts selected for this duty. The new cipher differs in many respects from those formerly used, and the one arranged for General Grant should not be known to any other party, hence my anxiety to keep it in Beckwiths hands. I sincerely regret that General Grant is led to believe that it is willful interference on my part. ANSON STAGER, Colonel and Superintendent 3lilitary Telegraph. 11 R RVOL XXXII, PT I Page 162 162 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, Strawberry Plains, January 21, 1864. Brigadier-General Cox, Gommanding Twenty-third Army Oorps: GENERAL: You will move your Command as soon as the road is Clear from troops and trains of the Fourth Army Corps, following that Corps to Sevierville, via Knoxville, in accordance with instruc- tions received from Major-General Foster. General Spears brigade, East Tennessee troops, has been attached to- your command and the commanding officer ordered to report to you until further orders. By command of Major-General Parke: SAML. WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant-General. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 21, 18644 p. m. Major-General FOSTER: General Parke has directed me to telegraph you he is 3 miles down the road from here. We got all troops, except pickets, over by day- light. The pickets were quickly followed by the rebels, who came with a considerable mounted force and three pieces of artillery, which they opened briskly and kept firing till after 1 p. m. Their sharp- shooters command the river shore on this side completely. Their main body has passed up, probably to McKinneys Ford. Two spans of the bridge fell with fire. about 10 oclock. Is it necessary, or even prudent, to leave a detachment in the block-house to guard the bridge now burnt? It will not be safe to send cars by daylight. Will the train be down to-night after the artillery that cannot be moved? Cox reports the roads blocked up with wagons ahead of us; mud deep and thick. Just sent your dispatches to Parke. 0. B. WILLOOX, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS, Road to Sevierville, 10 Miles from Knoxville, January 21, 1864. General J. G. FOSTER, Commanding: GENERAL: This is the worst road I ever saw, I believe. I have ordered the officer left in command of the brigade to be mounted, to join us as soon as possible after receiving his horses, unless you give him different orders, and he is instructed to show you his orders from me. Scouts say 5,000 cavalry crossed to this side last night near Daudridge. I do not believe it. Part of my command is now between that place and Sevierville. Yours, & c., S. D. STURGIS. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, January 21, 18644.45 p. m. Major-General FOSTER: GENERAL: At 4 oclock a colnmn of the enemys cavalry passed from above toward the Sevierville road; shelled them from my bat Page 163 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 163 tery near the block-house. At 4.30 another and larger column passed in the same direction but by a road that I could not shell. There is a road from Dandridge which crosses the Sevierville road, and con- nects with other roads leading to several fords; therefore I am un- able to inform you of their probable destination. I have been able to scatter every force which has engaged me to-day, and feel no anxiety about my left; but having no cavalry I can get no informa- tion outside my picket-lines. During the day the enemy have taken several positions with their artillery, using six pieces, but were un- able to hold them. Hope the train will be down to-night. The enemy~s sharpshooters still hold the opposite banks of the river, but are unable to reach my battery on the hill. All access to the block- house, however, is under their fire. 0. B. WILLOOX, Brigadier-Ge~nerat. LOUDON, January 21, 1864. Brigadier-General POTTER, Chief of Staff: I am here and gone into camp on this side of the river. Shall I cross over, or stay on this side? I have one company on the south side of the river after deserters and bushwhackers. I have also one company on detached service with a battery. Will they be ordered up? JAS. T. SHELLEY, Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Regiment East Tennessee Vols. MOMILLANS HousE, Three Miles from Strawberry Plains, January 21, 18646 p. m. Brigadier-General POTTER: All accounts from General Willcox indicate a movement of the enemy from our left to our right, or down the river; they have ap- peared at nearly all the fords. The Twenty-third Corps has all passed this point, and all except regimental trains of General Will6ox, of course, are [to be] sent before morning. We can remove the artil- lery and stores before morning. I shall at least remove the guns to this point with horses if I can; then what disposition do you wish made of the Ninth Corps? Please answer to General Willcox at Strawberry Plains. J. G. PARKE, Major-General. LOUDON, January 21, 1864. Brigadier-General POTTER: Chief of Staff: I am on this side of the river to-night. Will it be necessary for me to move over immediately? There is but one small boat, and it will take all night to cross; the company that was detached was left at Flat Creek bridge with a battery. Respectfully, JAS. T. SHELLEY, Colonel, & c Page 164 164 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Near Armstrongs, January 21, 18648 p. m. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff: Since writing my former dispatch General Spears has come into cam p on my left, having come down from Bryces Mill by a road parallel to the main Rutledge road. He reports a force of the enemy at Blains Cross-Roads this morning, which crossed the Holston a little above Strawberry Plains last night. Says they were both cavalry and infantry, and formed a skirmish line near a mile long. He regards his information as reliable. I send this to you, as General Parke is in telegraphic communication with you, as I suppose, and the information can reach him qnicker throug~i~ you, though I sup- pose he has it from other sources already. Very respectfully, & c., ~. D. COX, Brigadier-General, Commanding. JAMES EVANS HOUSE, South Side French Broad, January 21, 1864. Col. W. J. PALMER, Commanding Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry: John J. Lindley has just come across the river from near Dand- ridge and informs me that 500 rebel cavalry were ordered to Muddy Creek to cross at Fains Island. Mr. Burchfield can inform you as to Lindleys reliability, as he says he knows him, and you will take such measures as in your judgment may be necessary to prevent any move of the kind. I am, respectfully, E. M. MOCOOK, C~olonel, Commanding Division. SEVIERVILLE, TENN., January 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. L. ELLIOTT, Chief of Cavalry, Department of the Eiumberland: Mr. Burchfield, a citizen living near Dandridge, has just come in, and reports that the rebel cavalry crossed to this side of French Broad last night at two places, Fains Island and Swanns Island. They report their force as 5,000. Mr. Burchfield says he supposes that there were about 1,000 in the party that crossed at Fains Isl- and, 400 in the other. I have sent scouts out on the Evans road and Muddy Creek road to ascertain. I have also sent Millers men out to the Dutch Bottom. I regard your note of last night as an intimation that you desire to see me here before moving farther than this point. I would like to have my command closed up and the artillery here. It is probably no time gained to move so rapidly in their advance. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. M. MoCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Division Page 165 Cni~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOX. 165 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION CAVALRY, Near Evans House, January 21, 1864. General ELLIOTT: I make my headquarters here near Jim Evans Ford, 3-j or 4 miles from Dandridge. Union citizens from the other side report that the whole rebel army has moved down to Strawberry Plains through Mossy Creek, cav- alry. and all. We have seen none of the enemy yet, and I dont think they have a force on this side. Wolfords men ought to guard those fords below mentioned in Colonel Palmers dispatch. It de- pletes my command very much to leave guards at every ford. I will keep pushing on until otherwise ordered. I will not be able to get the artillery this far to-night. E. M. MoCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, Tazewell, January 21, 186412 night. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER Chief of Staff: GENERAL: This evening I had various reports of the approach of the enemy. To-night the excitement, in spite of all I conld do, has become intense. There is really no danger here, and if I had good and experienced troops there would be no excitement. It is reported that a rebel force has crossed at Evans Ford, estimated at from three regiments to 9,000 men by the numerous messengers who have come in. I have a strong picket posted, with instructions to be on the alert, and will hold this p lace if it is possible to do so with the force I have. I am well satisfied that the enemy will very soon turn his attention in this direction, for the reason that he will have no use for his cavalry on the south side of the Hoiston after our forces fall back to Strawberry Plains, the distance between the French Broad and the Holston being so short that he can hold it with his infantry. The question of holding this courier line open and the protection of trains will depend upon the force located for that purpose. The mounted force here now is not, in my opinion, sufficient. The men are here if they were mounted. I cannot get horses. Col. S. P. Love, commanding Third Brigade, Cavalry Corps, reports from Balls Bridge to-day that all is quiet on his immediate front, but that the enemy is reported at Jonesville from 1,700 to 2,000 strong; that he has sent out reconnoitering parties in all directions for forage and to observe the enemy. I do not think there is any danger now from the Virginia road, but the enemy will, if he ap- proaches here, come by the way of Mulberry Gap and on the Mor- ristown road. He will avoid the gap, since our forces on the right have fallen back. There is a large amount of Government stores here which I have not been able to send off for the want of transportation, some thirty- five wagon-loads. The teams are employed in getting subsistence for the troops. Inclosed you will find a report of the district inspector, showing what is on hand and the transportation to move it. I will send off all I can as rapidly as possible. A telegram from Cumbe Page 166 166 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CITAP. XLIV. land Gap this evening announces General Garrard at Speedwell, and that he will be here to-morrow to take command. I am satisfied that the enemy is not in force, as it is reported by citizens. I am on the alert. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient seryant, C. D. PENNEBAKER, Colonel, Commanding. OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL OF EAST TENN., Knoxville, January 21, 18649 a. m. Mr. W. P. Eddington has just reported at this office from a point 15 miles above Knoxville, at Bowmans Mills, on the north side of French Broad, and 14 miles below Dandridge, 10 miles below Evans Ford. He makes the following statement: I learned there that a heavy force of the enemy, consisting of cav- alry, infantry, and artillery, had crossed to the south side of French Broad, at Evans Ford, and was still crossing on yesterday morning. I saw Mr. Parrott, a rebel, but a very reliable man, who had started to go up to Alexander Caldwells; on his way there he fell in with 7 rebel scouts, who had captured 4 of our men and were returning to their regiment with them. He asked them some questions as to their intentions; they stated that they had thrown a considerable force of their men onto the south side of the French Broad, and that their whole army was moving this way (toward Knoxville), and that they had a force on each side of the Hoiston. Mr. Parrotts impression was that theregiment to which these scouts belonged would leave the Dandridge road at Mr. Caldwells house, and go toward Strawberry Plains. The general report among the citizens is that Longstreet has been heavily re-enforced by, some say, 30,000 and others 40,000 men, but I could not learn anything definite about it. Mr. Eddington left Bowmans Mills about 2 p. m. yesterday, and started on his return to this city. ~. ~. CARTER, Brig. Gen. and Provost-Marshal-General of East Tenn. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 21, 18643 p. m. Major-General THOMAS, Chattanooga: Brigadier-General Crook properly belongs to the Department of West Virginia; his services lire required there, and the order must be obeyed. General Stoneman has been ordered to General Grant for assignment. H. W. HALLECK General-in-dhief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 21, 186t1 a. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: Until the people of Tennessee by their voluntary act return to the Union, I do not think it prudent to remove the restrictions on trade at any point where trade is not at present permitted. GEO. H. THOMAS Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Page 167 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TTNION. COWAN, January 21, 1864. (Received Tullahoma, 4.1~i p. in.) Capt. S. E. PITTMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General: Our forces never left Tracy City. We have 2 badly wounded, some slightly. I send ample re-enforcement and report of the affair. JOSEPH M. SUDSBURG, Colonel Third Maryland Volunteers, Commanding Post. COWAN, January 21, 1864 (Received Tullahoma, 4.20 p. in.) Captain PITTMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General: Say to General Slocum that everything is right at Tracy City. Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster is there in command of ample forces to take care of the place. Will be up this evening. J. F. KNIPE, Brigadier-General, First Division, Twelfth Corps. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Teun., January 21, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Seventh Kansas Cavalry: SIR: In pursuance of instructions from Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, you will call upon Capt. J. V. Lewis, assistant quartermaster, and arrange for a boat to carry your command up the river. As soon as mustered you will make a written report of the facts to these headquarters and march your command on board of the boat. By order of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. LEBANON, Ky., Captain SEMPLE January 21, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General, ~Jamfi Nelson: Rebels have been in Burkesville. Robbed all the stores. E. H. HOBSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 21, 186410 p. in. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Collierville, Teiln.: General Stevenson reports that a strong force of cavalry is moving on Corinth. You will send about 200 men of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry toward Ripley to reconnoiter and obtain information. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General Page 168 I 6S ~{Y., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 21, 1864. Brigadier-General STEVENSON, Corinth: Send in stores and Government property; then those dependent on us; then troops. Destroy all lumber and Government property that YOU cannot save and break up the post. Do this quickly. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. CORINTH, January 21, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT: Superintendent of repairs reports damage to road so serious as to delay us until to-morrow night before trains can pass. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. JANUARY 21, 1864. Brigadier-General STEVENSON, C~orinth: My information is that Forrest and Chalmers are at Panola. Move all your valuables. Get your guns in condition to be run off. In case of necessity burn the lumber. Where do you learn that the enemy is, and from whom do you learn it? S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. CORINTH, January 21, 1864. Major-General HURLEUT: My information is from a citizeti, who states that on Monday night a messenger staid at his~ house with a dispatch from Walker [?3 to Roddey ordering him to join him on the road to this place. I do not place entire confidence in the report. If Forrest is still at Panola it is doubtless not true. I have scouts in that direction, but nothing from them. I doubt its veracity, but shall be ready in the event of an attack. The frain was thrown off the track by a rail being taken up. I hope to be able to send off trains by morning. I think this taking into Memphis of the old lumber in the bid in here under the existing circumstances is not justified, in view of the delay and risk attendant upon it. It may all be done with safety, but I do not think its value, when sent to Memphis, is compensation for delay in the movement and possible interference of the enemy. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. H. GRIERSON, Commanding Cavalry Division, Memphis, Teun.: GENERAL: Brigadier-General Steven~son reports that he has inf or- mation of a strong cavalry force moving on Corinth. General Hurlbut desires that you move a light column toward Ripley. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 169 CEAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U~IO~. 169 HEADQUARTERS SIXTF~ENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Commanding at Columbus: GENERAL: I am surprised at receiving no report from you of the regiments and batteries to be sent below and of the movement of your cavalry force. Major-General Sherman has returned from Vicks- burg and directs that the command move on Sunday next. It is of prime importance that your cavalry should be here by that time, and if they have not already moved so far as to be on their way by land, you are directed to ship them by boats coming down. You will please send me by the officer who brings this a full statement of the forces selected for this movement and when they may be expected. Rapidity is required in this movement, and I have confidently ex- pected it from your command. Your obedient servant, ~. A. HURLBUT, JtIiajor-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, January 21, 1864. (Received Louisville, 25th.) Major-General GRANT, Nashville: I am back from Yieksburg, where I found all well. Write you fully by mail. No firing on boats of late. Water very low for the season but river free of ice. Will be ready for the expedition by the 25th. Enemy is scattered all over Mississippi, and I think the movement indicated will clear them all out. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE, Commanding Department of Arkansas, Little Rock: DEAR GENERAL: I have been down to Vicksburg and back and find things along the ~river more satisfactory than I expected. Since the firing on the Swan near Morgauza, in General Banks depart- ment I hear of little molestation to the boats, which seem to navi- gate the river to the extent of the demand of Government and com- merce. I have watched your progress with interest and pleasure. You seem to be laying the foundation deep for reconstruction of government in Arkansas, and I esteem your success of infinite im- portance. Since I went to Chattanooga and Knoxville the troops in this department have been comparatively stationary, but I am on the poinf of putting a considerable force in motion toward an object- ive point that will, in my judgment, result in permanent good. I was in hopes by this time Red River would be up and admit of oper- ations against Shreveport, but this must be deferred for a time. I should like to meet you there. I observe that the troops detached from this department to Arkansas are still reported as a part of th Page 170 170 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. OA. LOHAP. XLIV. Army of the Tennessee. I will make an order to drop them from our returns, so as to leave them exclusively to you. I suppose Helena will also fall to your command. According to the returns you have four c mpanies of the Thirty-second Iowa, and the other six are in this department, namely, Island No. 10 and Columbus. I have ordered these down and think the regiment, which has long been cut up, should be reunited. I would respectfully request that you send the four compa~iies to Memphis, or, if you need the regi- ment more than I do, I will let you have the six. The regiment should be united, and the lesser detachment, as a rule, should go to the larger. You will be pained to hear that Duke is dead. I rode him on our march to Bridgeport, when, learning that forage was very scarce up at Chattanooga, I left him in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Le Duc, quartermaster at Bridgeport, with special instructions as to feed and care. I took other inferior horses with me to Chattanooga and Knoxville; these did well, but on my return to Bridgeport I found Duke dead. Doubtless he was kept on shelled corn exclu- sively. They have no hay in that army, and animals have died by the thousand. I never had a horse that suited me so well as Duke, and I was indebted to you for him, and it gives me real pain to tell you of his death from this cause. I should like to hear from you. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, Vicksburg, Miss., January 21, 1864. Acting Master THOMAS MCELROY, Co~nmamding Gun-boat Petrel: SIR: You will proceed with your boat to the mouth of the Yazoo River and remain there until C ol. E. D. Osbands command, on the steam-boats Madison, Chenango, and Era, come along, when you will convoy them to Snyders Bluff, where the command is to dis- embark. You will remain in the vicinity of Snyders and Haynes Bluffs, and cruise up the Yazoo River toward Yazoo City as far as your judgment sanctions, until further orders, destroying all trains and other means which the rebels may have for crossing the Yazoo River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN THE FIELD, No.6. January 21, 1864. In accordance with instructions from department headquarters, Brigadier-General Spears command of East Tennessee troops will be attached to the Twenty-third Army Corps, and the commanding officer will report to Brigadier-General Cox until further orders. By command of Major-General Parke: SAML. WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 171 O~AP. XLIV.] OO1~RESPONDI~NCt, tTO.UNIO~{. I71 SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE Onlo, No. 21. * Knoxville, Tenn., January 21, 1864. * * * * * XVIII. Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, commanding Forces in the Field, will order all corps and division commanders to select one battery for each division, to be provided with 8 good horses for each gun, caisson, forge, and battery wagon. The remainder of the artillery will be ordered to report to Brigadier-General Tilison, chief of artillery. On their arrival at Knoxville the batteries retained will cross the river with the division. XIX. The artillery now at Knoxville and the batteries hereafter turned in by the different corps and division commanders, in com- pliance with Special Orders, No. 21, paragraph XVIII, from these headquarters, will form a reserve park of artillery and under the command of Brig. Gen. Davis Tillson, chief of artillery. * * * * * * * XXI. Brig. Gen. W. L. Elliott, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby, at his own request, relieved from duty in this department, and will report in person to Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumberland. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 21. * Viclcsburg, Miss., January 21, 1864. * * * * * * V. Property to the amount of $8,000 having been stolen from Mr. Edward Cole, bar-keeper on steamer Golden Era, and damages to the amount of $190 done that boat by destroying the railing, furniture, & c., by the Eighth Illinois Infantry Volunteers while in transit from Vicksburg to Skipwiths Landing, and an investigation fixing the responsibility of such depredation upon the persons below men- tioned, a stoppage of the amount, $190, will be made on the muster and pay rolls against the parties in the following proportions, viz: One-half the amount, $95, will be charged pro rata to the members of G Company, and one-half, $95, will be charged proportionately to Privates William Hatchett, Charles W. Mosher, Ellis V. Maskell,- Andrew J. Florey, Abel ONeil, William F. Pope, of Company A, and Richard Johnston. Company C, and the money refunded to said Edward Cole and the captain of said steamer Golden Era for the damages thus sustained. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 22, 1864. (Received 11 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: General Fosters last dispatch states that he thThks Longstreet has not been re-enforced from Ewells corps. Foster is now with Page 172 172 RY., SW~ VA~, TENX., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. LOHAP. XLIV. drawing from Dandridge and Strawberry Plains to cross at Knox- ville and move east on south side of French Broad. I have in- structed him to get ready and attack as soon as possible. With Anderson as manager of railroads we can never accumulate supplies, nor even supply full rations from day to day. U. S. GRANT, lifajor-General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Maj. Gen. ~. ~. GRANT, Washington, D. 0., January 22, 1864. Chattanooga, Tenn.: I inclose herewith a copy of a note* from Colonel Stager in regard to his instructions to Mr. Beckwith respecting the new cipher. X our telegram in regard to Lieutenant-Colonel Comstocks orders to Mr. Beckwith has been submitted to the Secretary of War. It was known that the contents of telegrams communicated by means of existincr ciphers have been made public without authority. As these ciphers ~iave been communicated to a number of persons the Department was unable to discover the delinquent individual. To obviate this difficulty a new and very complicated cipher was prepared for communications between you and the War D~partment, which, by the direction of the Secretary of War, was to be communi- cated to only two individuals, one at your headquarters and one in the War Department. It was to be confided to no one else, not even to me or any member of my staff. Mr. Beckwith, who was sent to your headquarters, was directed by the Secretary of War to com- municate this cipher to no one. In obeying Colonel Comstocks orders he disobeyed the Secretary and has been dismissed. He should have gone to prison if Colonel Comstock had seen fit to put him there. Instead of forcing the cipher from him in violation of the orders of the War Department ,C olonel Comstock should have reported the facts of the case here for the information of the Secre- tary of War, who takes the personal supervision and direction of the military telegraphs. On account of this cipher having been communicated to Colonel Comstock the Secretary has directed another to be prepared in its I)lace, which is to be communicated to no one, no matter what his rank, without his special authority. The Secretary does not perceive the necessity of communicating a special cipher, intended only for telegrams to the War Department, to members of your staff any more than to my staff or to the staff officers of other generals commanding geographical departments. All your communications with others are conducted through the ordinary cipher. It was intended that Mr. Beckwith should accom- pany you wherever you required him, transportation being furnished for that purpose. If by any casualty he should be separated from you, communications could be kept up by the ordinary cipher till the vacancy could be sup p lied. It is to be regretted that Colonel Comstock interfered with the orders of the War Department in this case. As stated in former instructions, if any telegraphic employ6 should not give satisfaction he should be reported, and, if there be a pressing necessity, he may be suspended. But as the corps of telegraphic operators receive *See p. 161 Page 173 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONT~ENCE, ETC.UNION. 173 their instructions directly from the Secretary of War, these instruc- tions should not be interfered with except under very extraordinary circumstances, which should be immediately reported. Very respectfully, & c., H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. P. S.Colonel Stager is the confidential agent of the Secretary of War, and directs all telegraphic matters under his orders. H. W. H. CHATTANOOGA, January 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: Facilities will be given you of getting supplies, either by trans- ferring boats to your quartermaster or having them used for your benefit. Move forward and attack Longstreet as soon as you can, and if more troops are required send to me for them. Do you not think it practicable to coliec~ Willcoxs forces and move them by Jonesville to Abingdon? If they could destroy the road from Abingdon to Saltville it would be worth taking a great risk. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, January 22, 1864. Major-General GRANT: General Sturgis, who is, with all the cavalry, opposite Dandridge, reports the roads almost impassable and the forage nearly gone this side of Sevierville. These facts, and the pressure of the enemy, has forced me to order the Fourth Corps to ijiarch to protect the railroad, Loudon, and Kingston. The Twenty-third Corps will be placed in town, with the Ninth in supporting distance. The enemy presses vigorously, and is about 7 miles from town. Our drovers have cowardly ab and~ned their droves, one of which300 cattle has already been captured. There is danger that a drove of 200 hogs will also fall into their hands, although I have sent active par- ties to endeavor to save it. I am now satisfied that Longstreet has been considerably re-enforced, but not large enough, I think, to warrant his renewing the siege of this place. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General. HEADQUARTEPS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knox ille, January 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. S. FRY, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to instruct you to proceed to Kingston, as directed in the first place, instead of coming to this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. GOURAUD, Ceptaim and Aide.de-Camp Page 174 1~4 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHArs. XL1V~ NEAR SEVIERVILLE, January 22, 186411.30 a. m. General FOSTER, Commanding, Knoxville, Tenn.: I inclose information received from General Elliott and Colonel MeCook. There is no doubt but these reports are exaggerated, yet I think the infantry ought to be hurried on. If the infantry get up to Sevierville, then we can turn upon Wheeler in case he cross the Little Tennessee; otherwise, we might find ourselves between two forces, with as bad roads as I ever saw. Respectfully, ~. D. STIJRGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry. [Inclosure No. 1.] HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Sevierville, Teun., January 21, 18648.30 p. m. Capt. W. C. RAWOLLE, A. A. A. G., IlWqrs. Chief of C~avalry, Army of the Ohio: CAPTAIN: I have report from Colonel McCook, near Jim Evans Ford, 3~ to 4 miles from Dandridge. He says Union citizens from other side report that the whole rebel army has moved down to Strawberry Plains, through Mossy Creek, cavalry and all. Has seen no enemy yet; dont think they have a force on this side; could not. get his artillery as far as his camp to-night. Wolford reached here about 7.30. I have sent him on the Wilson- ville and Newport road. He will not be able to get more than 2 miles out to-night; to-morrow, probably to Fair Garden. I have heard nothing from Garrards division; will send him orders to picket the fords of the French Broad below Jim Evans Ford with one brigade, and with the remainder of his division to join Wol- fords division, massing the whole cavalry force between Dandridge and Fair Garden. The roads are very bad, our trains scattered along the road; many horses have entirely given out, and many will soon give out. The past four weeks, and particularly the past four days, has been try- ing to men and animal~ We are running all the mills we can control. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOTT Brigadier- General and Chief of 6avalry. JANUARY 22, 18647 a. m. P. S.Nothing new has occurred since writing the above. W. L. ELLIOTT Brigadier- General and Chief of Cavalry. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION CAVALRY, Jim Evans House, January 21, 18647.30 p. m. lLieut. W. L. SHAW Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: I received the generals note abont half an hour since. I had previously sent him a communication ~ontaiuing all the info~atio Page 175 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 I then had. My Command is encamped as follows: The brigades here, at Jim Evans Ford; Palmer and Brownlow, 2~ miles from here, near Sqnire Bnrchfields, on the road toward Beaver Dam. It is 3 miles from here to the Fair Garden road, and that would be the best road, probably, to bring the train over. The road I came over to-day is impracticable for wagons, almost for cavalry. The stu- pidity of the guide and Colonel Palmers wrong impression as to the distance between roads made the march to-day very hard, when there was no necessity for it. We are now here about opposite Fair Garden, the gnide informs me, and yon can get wagons across to this point, thongh as we advance farther it would be better probably to cross farther toward Wilsonville. Citizens in Sevierville can give you better informa- tion than I, as I know nothing of these roads except the one I am on. I will give yon the information I know, believe, and have heard. I know there is a small rebel force on Muddy Creek and some more will try to cross at Fains Island to-night. They wont get across. I believe that all the rebel force moved toward Mossy Creek yes- terday and that they had been re-enforced. Some of the citizens from the other side say about 10,000. I will give you now what I have heard: That Lee himself went down to the plains to-day; that there are 2,000 cavalry in Dandridge to-night, audi that they are new cavalry, well clothed and mounted, and not the old stock of Longstreet. If you can get any artillery horses in town I wish you would; we need them badly. I will move in the morning at 7 and would like to hear from the general commanding to-night if he has any direc- tions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. M. MCCOOK, Colonel, Cavalry Division. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION CAVALRY, Jim Evans Ford, Teun., January 22, 18647.10 ~. m. Lieut. W. L. SHAW, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Generat: I inclose note* from Colonel Palmer. I made no attempt of the kind he suggested First. Because it was not received until just as our bugles sounded reveille. Second. Because there was no location for the enemys camp designated, and the vicinity of Dandridge comprises a large area to hunt over. Third. Neither horses nor men were in a condition to try the experiment. I think we ought to get possession of all this country above, to-day if possible. I will at least send parties to Beaver Dam and get possession of the fords above. No news this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. M. MCCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Division. * Not found Page 176 1~6 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. JAMES EVANS FORD, TENN., January 22, 1864. Col. W. J. PALMER, Commanding Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry: The colonel commanding directs that you be ready to move at daylight to-morrow, and that you leave your picket at Fains Island until further orders. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Memoranda.] HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Fair Garden, Tenn., January 22, 1864. A negro sent to Dandridge by Colonel Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, brings the following information from one of the most respectable citizens of that place: First. Longstreets whole force is three divisions of infantry and one corps of cavalry. Has not been re-enforced by Ewells or any other corps or forces. Colonel Palmer thinks Ransoms division has re-enforced Longstreet. Second. There is no infantry this side of Morristown. Small force of cavalry, 500 to 600, in and around Dandridge. This is Dibrells brigade of Armstrongs division, which is encamped lj miles from Dandridge on Knoxville road. Saw our forces across river and sent their train back. Third. They have placed strong picket at the mill on this (north) side, opposite Fains Island Ford, 1 mile below Dandridge. Fourth. Knows of no rebels on south side of river above Dand- ridge. Bulk of rebel cavalry went toward Strawberry Plains on Wednesday; counted the cavalry; amounted to 1,900. Fifth. Rebels think Colonel Palmers cavalry on south side river, but believe the majority of Federal cavalry have gone to Knoxville. Sixth. It is his impression the rebels have fallen back from Straw- berry Plains. They had massed their forces on Snuday last with twenty-five pieces of artillery. Seventh. The rebel cavalry took nine pieces through town toward Strawberry Plains. Can hear of no rebels on this side of the river or on Muddy Creek or above. H~ApQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Teun., January 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff, Army of the Ohio: SIR: In response to verbal inquiries made this morning by the general commanding in regard to the condition of my command, the tested capacity of the country to supply grain and forage, and the advisability of putting the troo ps for a time in cantonments to enable us to send our animals to the rear, I have the honor to report: First. That the men of my command are now tolerably well clothed. As to food, they have a nearly full rations of fresh beef, about one-third rations of breadstuffs, and since the siege of Knoxville have had scarcely any of the small rationscoffee, sugar, & c. Th Page 177 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOX. 177 men are, however, cheerful and have not as yet suffered materially in health, though my medical officers report that the very scant clothing had by the troops up to a week ago, and the exposure and low diet, lead them to expect serious results to exhibit themselves in the next few weeks. The command has been so little together and the opportunities for drill and discipline so few, that the condi- tion of the corps could be much improved in this respect, though the niaterial is as good as need be. Second. We have found that the country within our reach will not supply forage for our animals and breadstuffs for our men. Our artillery horses and wagon mules are greatly reduced; many have died of starvation in spite of the most vigorous efforts to forage for them, and they are now absolutely unable to move the artillery and trains. There has been corn and wheat enough in the country to feed the men alone, but for men and animals together it cannot be had. Third. The considerations mentioned above, together with the fact that in our marches of the past week we have found the roads almost impassable for anything on wheels, have brought me to the conclusion that economy of life, animals, property, and (taking the next six months together) of time also, requires that the troops should go into permanent quarters for a time, when animals can in the main be dispensed with, and the command have a short season of rest, instruction, and reorganization, whilst they could at the same time cover their principal line of communication. This view is, of course, based upon the hypothesis that there is no imperative necessity for an active campaign to preserve our hold of East Tennessee during the remainder of the winter, for I take pleasure in assuring the commanding general that I believe every officer and man of this corps will most cheerfully undergo every hardship, and endure patiently every privation which a real mili- tary necessity may impose. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. COX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HuNTsvILLE, January 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff: I have information from General Morgan L. Smith, at Larkins- ville, that Roddey proposes to cross the river above Decatur. If any expedition is sent to the river at any point, and Roddey should cross at some other point far distant, he could get in our rear and do much damage before we could reach him. It would be diffi- cult for the expedition to cross the river and attack him there, for the want of boats. My scouts re p ort that he has the river guarded from Whitesburg to Corinth, an or im to have 1,200 men. Have you heard from General Smith yet? The portion of this division with General Smith is very necessary in fitting out an ex - pedition, as there are only three regiments here belonging to the division, who are guarding and taking care of a good deal of con- valescent stock. GEO. CROOK, Brigadier- General. 12 R RvoL XXXII, PT Page 178 178 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HDQRS. LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPs, Pulaski, Tenn., January 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Dept. and Army of the Tennessee, Memphis, Tenn.: GENERAL: II have re-enlisted and sent home thirteen regiments of infantry and four batteries. When they begin to return, two regi- ments and one battery more will go. This includes all the veterans in my command. Every thing moves along quietly. One of my scouts from Rome, Ga., reports Johnston at Dalton, eight regiments of cavalry of Mar- tins division at Rome, three steam-boats on Coosa River plying between Greensport and Rome. Colcuel Johnson with 800 men is in Colbert Reserve, probably for- aging. If I can get together 400 or 500 mounted men I will send after him. Roddey has about 1,600 effective men scattered from Decatur to Big Bear Creek and in Russellville valley. Two thousand good cavalry, or less, could clean out all that country. My portion of railroad will be finished by the 1st of February. Duck River bridge goes very slow; Boomer is at work on it. General Crooks cavalry division has returned to Huntsville and Mooresville. With three or four regiments I have no doubt when the veterans return it will make my force large enough for two divisions; there are now six batteries in it. I think I shall have no trouble in holding my lines and protecting everything. I am well stockaded at all bridges, & c. I have received a very urgent letter from Colonel Rinaker, One hundred and twenty-second Illinois Infantry, desiring to join the command. He says he saw you. When the requirements of the serv- ice permit, I trust you will see proper to let him join his brigade. His whole regiment, he states, is very anxious to do so. The Tennessee River is at a good stage. If the obstructions on Colbert Shoals were removed gun-boats could go to Florence and destroy the large number of fiats at Little Bear, Cheathams, and Garners Ferries. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., January 22, 1864. Major-General SCHIJRZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that as we are here within striking distance of the enemy, he desires that you strengthen the picket line across the valley to such an extent as will enable it to resist any raid that may be attempted from that direction. He also directs that you have all the transportation be- longing to the Eleventh Corps parked in camps here, and that when it is not in use it be kept in the vicinity of the camps of the troops. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 179 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 179 PULASKI, TENN., January 22, 1864. Colonel MIZNER, Columbia: My forces were 6 miles west of Florence on Tuesday. Johnson was there in the Reserve with about 800 men getting stock, & c. I think they only want food, but they may come this way. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The following is a copy of telegram receP~ed by Major-General Rousseau from Colonel Mizner: Fourteen hundred men of Roddeys command, under Johnson and Moran [More- land?], crossed the Tennessee between Florence and Clifton on Monday, designing a raid upon railway line and destruction of bridges. I have advised General Dodge at Pulaski I shall watch closely. H. R. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding Post, Columbia, Tenn. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, PULASKI, Ja~nuary 22, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General: One of my scouts left Rome on Sunday last; I~e went by way of Decatur and Summerville and returned by Turkeytown and White- sides. All quiet on south side of Tennessee. At Rome, in addition to State militia, are the Eighth, Eleventh, and Fourth Texas Cavalry, Seventh Georgia Cavalry, and Biffies brigade, consisting of Ninth Tennessee Cavalry and Ninth and Twentieth Alabama Infantry (mounted); all belong to Martins division. On Coosa River the steam-boats Curtis Peake, Laura Moore, and Albert Bitler ply between Greensport and Rome, transporting corn and meat to the army. Martins cavalry connect with Roddey between Courtland and Somerville; Roddey, with Lee, between Rnssellville and Vincents Cross-Roads; Lee and Forrest in and about Okolona and Columbus, Miss. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. SHELBYVILLE, January 22, 1864. Lient. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Twelfth Corps, Tullahoma: COLONEL: I have the honor to report to you that Captain Mosely, a guerrilla captain, escaped from custody on the evening of the 19th of January, under, as near as I can ascertain, the following circum- stances: For some reason unknown to me Captain Mosely was allowe4 to go to the house of Mrs. Blackw~ell, the wife of Captain Blackwell, the guerrilla chief, accompanied by a single guard, to stay all night. The guard went to bed and, of course, to sleep, when Captain Mosely took a revolver from under his head, and the horse of a lady friend Page 180 180 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. of Mrs. Blackwell, conveniently near,~ and made off. Several mes- sages have been reported as coming from Captain Mosely since his escape, of an unpleasant natnre. Dnring Captain Moselys stay here he was allowed to a great extent the freedom of the place, and to receive any of his friends or sympathizers who chose to call on him; was never sent to the guard-honse or turned over to the commander of the post, but, on the contrary, rather treated as a guest, who was entitled to a guard of honor. Taking into consideration this mans desperate character, the amount of trouble he has given the United States authorities, the atrocities of every description committed by him and his men (of which murder was probably the most merciful) upon peaceful citi- zens, I thought it best to lay before you some of the facts, so that if possible an investigation might be ordered, and the party or parties responsible for his escape brought to punishment. While this Mosely was a prisoner here (or guest, as you choose to term it) he had every opportunity to find out the strength of the forces at this post, as well as their position, and any other knowl- edge that might be valuable to an enemy. He was captured by Captain Beardsleys command and was in his charge when he es- caPed~very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. STURDEVANT, Lieut. Cot. and Commissary of Subsistence, Twelfth Corps. TULLAHOMA, January 22, 1864. Colonel Ross, Commanding Third Brigade, Decherd: It is reported that Roddey crossed the Tennessee at Florence on Monday with 1,400 men. General Knipe directs that your command keep on the alert. S. E. PITTMAN, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. (Same to Colonel Colgrove.) NASHVILLE, January 22, 1864 Major-General SLocuivr, Tullahoma: Coloneh Mizuer, commanding at Columbia, telegraphs that 1,400 of Roddeys command crossed the Tennessee near Florence on Mon- day for the purpose of making a raid upon the railroad. L. H. ROUSSEAU, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. D. STEVENSON, Corinth, Miss.: Close Corinth out to-morrow, so as to have everything this side of Big Muddy. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General Page 181 OnAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 181 CORINTH, January 22, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT: It is impossible to do so unless the bridge is finished early in the morning. If that is done by to-morrow night I can put everything at La Grange. J. D. STEVENSON, Brigadier- General4 HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn4, January 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE La Grange, Miss.: GENERAL: As soon as Stevenson gets his men and niater~al across the Big Muddy you will commence moving your force down, calling in all east of La Grange to that point by rail or by land. It is of very great importance that your command be in as speedily as pos- sible at Memphis. To this end all preparations should have been already made. I have added to your division the Thirty-third Mis- souri, now at Helenaa good regiment, with good officers. It will be well for you to send one of your staff to go to Helena in advance and see that the regiment is all right for the field. I strongly desire that your command, as old troops, move rapidly and neatly. Yours, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Viclcsburg, Miss., January 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HAWKINS, Commanding, Goodrichs Landing: GENERAL: I send the Madison, Chenango, and Era, all the boats I have, but which are deemed sufficient to move that portion of your command at Goodrichs Landing. As soon as the boats arrive you will embark without delay and proceed to Haynes Bluff, on the Yazoo River, where you will disembark and place yonr men in camp in good defensive position, and send one or more of the boats, as may be necessary, to Millikens Bend to bring off Colonel Ballingers reg~ iment and the balance of your command, should any portion be left at Goodrichs Landing. Haynes Bluff will be your station for the present, and as soon as you get into position you will proceed to make your command as comfortable as circumstances will admit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH. ARMY CORPS, Viclcsburg, Miss., January 22, 1864. Major EASTMAN, Commanding C~avalry, & c., Red Bone Church: MAJOR: I have it from a source which I deem reliable that the enemy have increased their force of cavalry very materially fro Page 182 18~ XV., SW. VA., TENS., IflSS., ALA., A~D ~. 0-A. ICHAP. XLIV. Raymond around toward Rocky Springs and Port Gibson; that Pinsons cavalry, recently from North Mississippi, are in between Raymond and Baldwins Ferry. Keep your scouts well out and actively engaged watching all the crossing places and roa~ds leading up from Big Black, and do not allow yourself to be surprised. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 28. Washington, January 22, 1864. By direction of the President of the United States, Maj. Gen. W. S. Rosecrans, U. S. Volunteers, is appointed to the command of the Department of Missouri. Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield, on being relieved from his command by Major-General Rosecrans, will report for duty to Major-General Grant, at Chattanooga, Tenn. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 33. Washington, January 22, 1864. * * * * * * * 16. Brig. Gen. Mason Brayman, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby re- lieved from the command of the depot for drafted men, at Camp Dennison, Cincinnati, Ohio, and will report in person without delay to Major-General Sherman, U. S. Volunteers, commanding Depart- ment of the Tennessee, for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjatant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 22. January 22, 1864. I. Brigadier-General Cox, commanding Twenty-third Army Corps, will proceed with his command down the Loudon and Knoxville Railroad, and take such position there as will insure the protection of the road. He will take, as much of the artillery of his command as in his opinion is required for the defense of the road. The re- mainder of the artillery will be turned over to Brigadier-General Tillson, chief of artillery. II. Maj. Gen. G. Granger, commanding Fourth Army Corps, will retain his command in its present position until further orders. III. Brig. Gen. 0. B. Willcox, commanding Ninth Army Corps, will halt his command at Armstrongs Ferry until further orders. * * * * * Page 183 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U~IO~. 183 VIII. Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox~ commanding Twenty-third Army Corps, will send one regiment to picket Boyds and Ramseys Ferries on the north side. The commanding officer of the regiment will have the ferry-boats at those places taken down the river to Knox- ville, Tenn. * * * * * * * X. Brig. Gen. 0. B. Willcox, commanding Ninth Army Corps, will select some suitable position near that of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and go into camp until further orders. * * * * * * * XVII. The Ninth Army Corps, Major-General Parke commanding, will go into quarters, taking position from Campbells Station to Knoxville, Tenn., guarding the fords of the river. The troops will be disposed as directed by the general commanding the corps, the main body being near and within easy supporting distance of Knoxville. No other supply of forage than that obtained by the corps itself can be furnished, and, if that becomes insufficient, the draft animals and officers horses will be sent to the rear, where they can obtain it. XVIII. The Fourth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. G. Granger com- manding, will at once go into quarters, taking position extending from Kingston to London, Tenn., guarding the fords of the river and the outposts extending to Maryville. The troops will be dis- posed as directed by the major-general commanding the corps. No other supply of forage than that obtained by the corps itself can be furnished, and, if that should become in sufficient,the draft animals and officers horses will be sent to the rear, where they can obtain it. XIX. The Twenty-third Army Corps, Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox com- manding, will go into quarters, taking position at Knoxville, Tenn. The troops will be disposed as directed by the general commanding the corps. All the artillery horses and the transportation of the corps, with the exception of one wagon and team to each corps, division, and brigade headquarters, and to each reginient and battery, will be turned over to the quartermasters department at Knoxville. The officers horses will be sent to the rear to be supplied with forage, nuder the direction of the general commanding the corps. By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. KNOXVILLE, January 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: We have secured the whole drove of 4,800 hogs which was threat- ened with capture. The rebels have ceased to press vigorously. I have no idea that they intend to undertake a siege. It is absolutely necessary that the army have rest. I have therefore ordered the whole to go into quarters, and shall post the different corps so as to hold this p lace, the line of railroad to Loudon, London itself, [and] the line of river to Kingston. I shall also hold Maryville and sur- rounding country, and the country south of the French Broad as far up as the cavalry can hold. The country north of us cannot be held for want of forage. I have outposts at Clinton and Wheelers Gap. All the trains will no Page 184 184 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. come by the way of Kingston. I shall push the building of the bridge at this place and London. We are quite secure, I think, in all our arrangements. We have 900,000 rations of meat, of which 400,000 are salted; ten days rations of coffee and sugar, but none of bread. I shall send all the animals to the rear for forage. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, January 23, 18649 a. m. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The fog and smoke prevent much being seen this morning, but my impression is that the enemy is withdrawn from my immediate front. I have ordered the line of pickets advanced, and a detachment pushed forward on the Rutledge road to feel for the rebels. If it is foun(l that their camp of last night is evacuated, I propose to push detachments both on the Rutledge and Spring Val- ley roads some miles, unless the commanding general otherwise directs. If any cavalry can be obtained to assist in this, it will help ~naterially, as the communication with infantry detachments on different roads is extremely slow. Some shots were heard early this morning in directiou of Boyds Ferry. Very respectfully, J. D. COX, Brigadier-General Cavalry, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, January 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff: SIR: A detachment of the Ninth Corps, sent by General Ferrero, has gone 4 miles on Rutledge road and report no enemy. A detach- ment of Mansons division, Twenty-third Corps, is on the Spring Valley road, progressing in like manner. The rebel cavalry is reported by the citizens to be Martins divis- ion, and General Ferrero reports the citizens as saying that they dropped remarks which indicate that their movement was a diver- sion to cover a retreat of Longstreets infantry through the mount- ains. This is m~ot in any very reliable shape, but may be worth something. The rebels also inquired at various places whether our army had had a fight with their cavalry below and whether their men had taken London, indicating an expectation that their cavalry were doing something in that direction. I send these reports for what they may be worth. I have ordered the parties out to go as far as Lees Mill and learn definitely in regard to the cattle which were there. Very respectfully, & c., J. D. COX, Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 185 Oa& p. XLTV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.UNTON. 185 HEADQUARTERS, Seviervilie, Tenn., January 23, l864~12 m. Col. E. M. MOCOOK, Cavalry Division: COLONEL: The present position of your force (if I understand it aright) is, I think, the best possible at present. You are enabled to guard well the most feasible fords, especially Jim Evans Ford, and at the same time occupy such a position as will enable the remainder of the forces to concentrate on you if necessary. The idea of seizing the Dutch and Irish Bottoms would be a good one if we had infan- try on the way here, but I am informed by General Potter (now here) that the infantry will not march from Knoxville. Under these circumstances our forces would be too much scattered, and should the enemy force any of the fords in the vicinity of Dandridge we should be fatally divided. One brigade of Colonel Garrard now guards the fords below the Little Pigeon; the other is here, to be sent wherever most required. If we should move up and scatter along the river, besides risking being divided, we should not be strong enough at any one point to successfully resist, and we would be unable to hold those bottoms should the enemy determine to drive us out. When we once discover the object and intention of the enemy we can either meet it in force successfully or we could not resist it divided. Any suggestions you may have to make Jwillbe glad to receive, and I trust you will so use Colonel Wolfords division as will enable you mutually to sustain each other. I am, colonel, respectfully, & c., S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. 8.The general directs me to say that he will move his head- quarters to Fair Garden to-night or to-morrow morning. Very respectfully, WM. ~. RAWOLLE, Captain, Aide-de-Camp, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Onio, Knoxville, January 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD, Commanding District of the Clinch, Tazewell, Tenn.: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communication of the 19th instant of Col. C. D. Pennebaker, then in command of the dis- trict, and to say to you that Jones brigade numbered but 1,500 men when it passed War Gap, which number has since been diminished by the small parties detached. You will do as you see fit in regard to attacking this force, but you should constantly harass it, the object being to hold as much of the country in your front as possible and obtain the forage therein. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General Page 186 18E~ KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, Sevierville, January 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER: GENERAL: I am informed by General Potter that the destination of the infantry is changed. This makes a radical change in my opinion as to the propriety of our attempting to occupy this Valley with cavalry. If I guard all the fords of the Holston River my force will be too much weakened.for successful resistance. If I do not, and attempt to hold the Dutch and Irish Bottoms (which I must do), infantry will be sent against us and the cavalry will cross in our rear, and I fear we may be placed in a very delicate situation. If the object is sim- ply to subsist (and that is my understanding of your intentions), I am firmly of opinion that a portion of the cavalry ought to occupy the Little Tennessee country, and the remainder be sent away at once for organization and equipping; otherwise, spring will find us totally without cavalry. With the present status of the army I think you cannot act too soon.. Palmer and McCook are taking a good many wagons and prisoners, but the enemy will not be long in getting into position to put an end to this and take the offensive. Respectfully, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Onio, Knoxville, January 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. D. STURGIS, Commanding Cavalry Corps: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding, I have the honor to inform you that Lieutenant-Colonel Browulow sends in- formation that there are no rebel forces near Maryville, the report to that effect arising from the crossing of the river by about twenty guerillas in a flat. The Fourth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. G. Granger commanding, has been ordered to take position, extending from Kingston, Teun., to the crossing of the river by the Clinton and Maryville road, guarding the ford, and with its outposts extending to Maryville. In case of your being driven back by the enemy, either cavalry or infantry, you will fall back with your force upon our troops at Mary- ville, operating on the flanks of any force advancing on Knoxville. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. D. STURGIS, Commanding Cavalry Corps: GENERAL: By direction of the general conimanding, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt by him of your dispatch announcing the capture of train of the enemy by Colonel McCook, and to expres Page 187 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 187 to you his gratification, and to ask you to make in his name the p roper compliments to Colonel McCook and. the officers of General Elliotts command. He wishes me to inform you that the enemy have retreated from our front on this side of the river, and have recrossed the Holston, having yesterday captured on the Valley road about 5j miles from here 800 head of cattle. You will look out for and take care of any parties of the enemy you may hear of; push them vigorously, harass- ing them as much as possible with regard to your safety. The Ninth and Twenty-third Army Corps are about going into winter quarters, guarding part of the railroad and the defenses of this place. The Fourth Army Corps will have one division at Maryville, and will guard the fords of the Little Tennessee and London, and the rest of the railroad, and the fords toward this place, and will build the bridge at Loudon, and will also go into winter quarters. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. STRONG, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Inspector- General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 23, 1864. Brigadier-General AMMEN, Camp Nelson: The enemys cavalry have been pressing us for a few days, but as they found it impossible to subsist their horses, have this morning retired. I have ordered the cavalry to cross the river and they will subsist their horses south of the French Broad River. You will push forward trains with commissary stores with all possible dispatch. They must be sent via Chitwoods to Kingston. I shall order one division of cavalry into Kentucky. Send no more horses or mules here, as it is impossible to forage them here. I shall send to the rear all empty wagons via Kingston. Captain Dickerson will have forage at Chitwoods. A herd of cattle sent via Blains Cross-Roads, con- trary to my orders, were captured yesterday by the enemy. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEvENTH AND TWELFTH CoRPs, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 23, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say, in answer to your communication of this morning, that the picket force of 250 men now guarding the line across the valley, if posted so as to take advantage of all accidents of ground, the reserves properly stationed, and the men thoroughly instructed, should be able to repel any cavalry force that may come against them. The general further directs me to state that there is a cavalry out- post of one company of the Second Kentucky Cavalry statione Page 188 188 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. about 2 miles in front of your line up the valley. Our cavalry force is so small, and the animals in so bad condition, that it is impossible to make this cavalry picket strong enough to make any determined resistance. The most that is expected from it is to give timely notice of any force of the enemy approaching from that direction. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 23, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, Athens: Dr. McVey says a force from Bainbridge passed up the Waterville road on Wednesday night. They went 15 miles and were still going on. How many men do you want to go down and clean out this band of rebels, and how many can you take from your command? G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. BRIDGEPORT, January 23, 1864. Brigadier-General WIJIPPLE: Refugees from near Gadsden, Ala., report to Colonel Grose, at Whitesides, that there are two regiments of rebel cavalry and a bat- tery of six pieces at that place. One of the women came on steam- boat from Rome to Gadsden week ago Wednesday; was but one steamer running there. They saw other cavalry going out of Geor- gia, it was said, to recruit their horses. Captain Davenport, with one company, is at Portersville, in Wills Valley. Refugees left Gadsden last Saturday. D. S. STANLEY, Major-General, Commanding. PULASKI, TENN., January 23, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, Athens: The command here will be ready to move day after to-morrow. You had better make your arrangements to meet them and designate the point and time the two forces shall join. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 23, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, Athens: The Eighteenth Missouri will move, as you suggest, early Monday morning. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General Page 189 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 189 CHATTANOOGA, January 23, 1864. Major-General SLOCUM: Your letter inclosing instructions to Colonel Ketcham received. Colonel Mizner telegraphs that 1,400 of Roddeys men, under Johnson and Morrow [Moreland ?], crossed Tennessee River between Florence and Clifton on Monday, designing raid on railroad. Be upon your guard. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HUNTSVILLE, January 23, 1864. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff: My pontoon-boats are up Mud Creek near Bellefonte. It has been impossible to get proper material to lay a bridge as yet. Am now having it sawed at Flint River. The roads south of Tennessee River are represented as being in very bad condition. No forage south of the river for miles. Cavalry might by quick marches strike supplies within a day and a halfs march from river. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, January 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: There is no necessity for General Smith to delay here. You might order him and all troops ready to push down to Vicks- burg; disembark and move out to Big Black, to a convenient point near the upper crossing, which General McPherson will indicate, near the Messinger house. In like manner you can, as fast as boats are ready, embark and complete the organization outside of Vicks- burg. I would advise you to get what troops you have indicated of the Helena garrison at once, as they will soon fall under Steeles command and difficulty will be experienced. Send forage and pro- visions along with troops. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, January 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE, Commanding Department of Arkansas, Little Rock: DEAR GENERAL: I have just received from General Grant, at the hands of Colonel Duff, four letters, one of which is from General Halleck to you, January 7, constituting your command the Seventh Army Corps and giving you the department. I am very glad of this and feel assured that you and I can pull together perfectly. I believe in the move on Red River and would engage in it at once, but Red River is too low at this time. I will start in a few days fo Page 190 190 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Meridian, and think II will be back on the river by the end of Feb- ruary, by which time I think I can spare you a force of about 10,000 men to ascend Red River in boats, with the gun-boats, to make a con- certed attack. My own opinion is, that being in possession of the rivers we should use them to their utmost capacity this season of high water, whL h usually lasts in Red River up to June. But I must first use my entire force here to break that railroad connection between Meridian and Selma. I am stripping the river very close for that purpose, but think the gun-boats can keep the river clear. General Kimball goes to you to-day, and I will converse with him freely with a view that he communicate to you. I am, with respect, yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- Gene rat, Commanding. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Saint Louis, Mo.: SIR: I am informed by Captain Hudson, aide-de-camp to Major- General Grant, that you are shipping horses to this point which were intended to go to Nashville. This is well, for an emergency now exists in this department which this change will enable us to meet. Three hundred and seventy-seven horses arrived here to-day per steamers City of Alton and Delaware. The necessity that justifies the change in destination of the horses purchased for Nashville will probably not continue longer than about February 1, so that it will not be advisable to divert shipments that cannot arrive here before that time. It is of prime importance that our cavalry throughout General Grants division should be put in the best possi- ble condition at the earliest practicable moment, in preparation for the spring campaign. I will do all I can to procure horses in the regions of .country traversed by our cavalry. If the quartermasters department could only furnish hay sufficient during the next two months, we can get a great deal of corn in the country and recruit up and save many horses that will otherwise be lost to the service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cay., Military Division of the Miss. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Corinth, January 23, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT: The bridge is not yet repaired. I shall not be able to send off any trains before 12 to-day. I have sent scout as far south as 40 miles, and find the report of the enemy moving on this place false. There has been no movement of troops except to Forrest. The enemy seem to be concentrating all their force somewhere west of Pontotoc. Ferguson is at Lumpkins Mill. I think I am in n6 dan- ger except from interference with the road. I think the trains that are here loaded had better be put through~ to Memphis unless yo Page 191 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U~LO~. 191 have information that Walker [?] is on the move against the road. The information I have is that such is his intention. My scout from below reports a new brigade of cavalry at Okolona (Arm- strongs); also, that Roddey passed south of Tupelo in direction of Okolona last Wednesday. This is the first I have heard of him. I repeat, I shall push everything right through. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. CORINTH, January 23, 1864. Major-General HuRLJ3uT: Bridge was finished about 9 a. m. Since then I have sent off five trains, and move to-night in addition all dismounted men, camp and garrison equipage, of First Alabama Cavalry to La Grange. All quartermasters stores are gone; fifteen cars (commissary) still to be moved, and four cars of ordnance collected by ordnance officer. I send to-night an immense train of refugees. Shall have at least an- other train of them. With eight more trains I can land in Memphis with everything. Could have been there to-night but for break in the road. Can load just as fast as trains arrive. Everything right to hand to be loaded. Scout just from Okolona this evening. Enemy moving everything west. Roddey is reported at mouth of Butta- hatchie. He certainly has moved a part of his command south from river. I learn this from half dozen different sources. I have thoroughly destroyed the line of work on north side of railroad. Shall destroy the remainder before I leave. JOHN D. STEVENSON, Brigadier-General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 12. Knoxville, Tenn., January 23, 1864. Lieut. Col. 0. E. Babcock is hereby announced as acting chief engineer of this department. He will have entire charge of all mat- ters relating to positions, defenses, bridges, & c., and will issue all necessary orders in the name of the majar-general commanding the department. By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, No.. 23. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OI~ TIlE OHIO, January 23, 1864. * * * * * * * VI. Inasmuch as the Ninth Army Corps is so few iii numbers, an4 in the position at present assigned to it has so many roads and fords to guard, the Fourth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. G. Granger command ing, will take position as heretofore assigned it by Special Orders, No. 22, paragraph l8~ current series, but extending on the easb as fa Page 192 192 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. as the crossing of the Clinton and Maryville roads, guarding the fords of the river along its entire position. The Ninth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke commanding, will take position as already assigned it by Special Orders, 22, paragraph 17, cnrrent series, but extending on the west only as far as the above crossing. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, Jn., Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HUNTSVILLE, ALA., No. 23. * January 23, 1864. * * * * * * V. All persons coming within the lines of the Fifteenth Army Corps to speculate in cotton are hereby ordered to leave the limits of said corps. Until further orders, no speculation in cotton will be allowed within the lines of the Fifteenth Army Corps. This order will be strictly enforced by all commanders of divisions, posts, and detach- ments within the limits prescribed. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major-General, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 24, 1864. (Received 9.45 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Foster telegraphs that Longstreet is still advancing toward Knox- ville. I have directed him to get his cavalry to Longstreets rear, or give battle if necessary. I will send Thomas with additional troops to insure Longstreets being driven from the State. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 24, 186411 a. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The Secretary of War authorizes you to suspend or remove Mr. Anderson as superintendent of railroads, if you deem it necessary for the public service. Your letter of the 15th is received. I will await your next before answering. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. KNOXVILLE, January 24, 186411 a. in. General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: The enemy has retired and I am now putting the tired troops in cantonment, where they may rest a little before the spring campaign Page 193 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 193 The Fourth Corps is ordered to hold Kingston, London, and half of the railroad line to this place, with a brigade at Maryville to collect supplies. Sheridans division is at London, where he will push the work on the railroad bridge with a view to the opening of that line to Chattanooga. The bridge will be completed in thirty days if no interruption occurs. Please to honor any requisition for tools, nails, spikes, & c., which Sheridan may send to you, to save time. I hope you will be able to put the lower portion of the road in running order and to rebuild the bridge at Hiwassee by the time the bridge at London is completed. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. CHATTANOOGA, January 24, 18643 p. m. Major-General FOSTER: Can you not now organize a cavalry force to work its way past Longstreet south of him, to get into his rear and destroy railroad and transportation, or cannot Willcox do this from the north? Either this should be done or battle given where Longstreet now is. Let me know what you think about this. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA. January 24, 18647.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: Facilities will be given you for getting supplies, either by trans- ferring boats to your quartermaster or having them used for your benefit. Move forward and attack Longstreet as soon as you can, and if more troops are required send to me for them. Do you think it practicable to collect Willcoxs forces and move them by Jonesville to Abingdon? If they could destroy the road from Abingdon to Saltville it would be worth taking a great risk. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Volunteers. CHATTANOOGA, January 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Should the advance of Longstreet upon Knoxville make re-en- forcements to Foster necessary, send the remainder of the Fourth Corps, except artillery. I do not deem more artillery necessary under any circumstances, unless you should deem it advisable as safeguard whilst on the march. Should the exigencies of Fosters position make more re-enforcements necessary send snch of the troops as you can spare. In case you are called on for troops to go into East Tennessee I wish you to take the command in person, and on arrival at Knox- ville to take command of all the forces. The condition Foster is now in makes it impossible for him to take the field. In justice to himself, and as I waut L~ongstreet routed ~pA 13 R RYOL XXXII, PT I Page 194 194 ICY., SW. VA., TI~NN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 1)ursued beyond the limits of the State of Tennessee, it is necessary to have a commander physically able for the task. Troops started from Chattanoob a with three days rations in hav- ersacks will be able to make the trip to London, drawing the balance of their supplies from the country. Receipts should be given in all cases where supplies are taken from loyal persons to enable them to get their pay in accordance with existing orders. I wish to impress this fact: If further re-enforcements are sent from here to East Tennessee, Lougstreet is to be driven beyond the reach of doing fnrther harm in this State. Troops enongh shonld be sent to secure this result. Should taking such a force weaken Chattanooga dangerously, I will order such force from Logans command to their place as will secnre it. In drawing troops from Chattanooga it would not be necessary to wait the arrival of their substitutes. The fact of their being on the way would be sufficient. I would advise that immediate attention be given to preparations for moving troops, so that they may be got off, if required, on the shortest possible notice. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, January 24, 1864. Major-General GRANT: Your dispatch of the 22d is received; also one without date order- ing an advance. I have telegraphed the results of the past weeks movements. The whole force is now distributed to their positions to obtain forage and the rest which men and animals so much need. The roads are very bad, and after a rain will become impassable. The animals are in a very bad condition. Very little of the artil- lery can be taken forward at this time on a march. The bread thus far received from Chattanooga has not amounted to one-tenth of the rations. We now have only enough for the hospitals. I make the above representation in justice to the men, who have already suf- fered much, and would earnestly urge that they be allowed some weeks to rest. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT 01? THE OHIO, Knoxville, Tenn., January 24, 1864. Brigadier-General AMMEN There will be a train of 2,000 horses and mules, with as many wagons as the mules can draw, leave here in three or four days for Camp Nelson via Chitwoods. The horses and mules are sent to the rear on account of not having forage for them. The train will take with it some 200 or 300 poor people from this place who would have to be supported by the Government during the winter, should they remain here. You will send a proper amount of forage for this train to Chitwoods, also 2,000 rations for the poor who are with the train. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Gommanding Page 195 CI~AP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 195 Brigadier-General POTTER, LEXINGTON, January 24, 1864. Chief of Staff: I have done everything I could to hhve the troops under General Fry pushed forward to the front. General Fry is greatly to blame for the delay. He is a man of no energy. General Boyle is also to blame. Since the first of the month it has been impossible to procure sup- plies from Cincinnati, on account of the large quantity of ice in the Ohio. I have given the quartermasters department orders to seize the ferry at Cincinnati, if necessary. W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMEERLAND, Col. D. ~. MCCALLUM, Chattanooga, Tenn., January 24, 1864. Chattanooga, Tenn.: COLONEL: General Grant agrees with me in the opinion that it is of the greatest importance to place the railroad from here to Nash- ville in an efficient and safe condition at once. You will therefore distribute your force along the road so as to accomplish the work with the least possible delay; so arranging as not to interfere with the running of the road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Brig. Gen. ~ A. RAWLINS, Chattanooga, January 24, 1864. Chief of Staff: Colonel McCallum has just left for Knoxville to ascertain the con- dition of that railroad, and make arrangements to push forward the work as fast as possible. He will return by first boat, when I will give him your order. The working parties for repairing the Nash- ville and Chattanooga Railroad have been assigned their positions and will be at work as soon as possible. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of the C~umberland: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special Orders, No. 23, dated January 23, 1864. It is my judgment that the division com- manded by Brigadier-General Ward, now on the railroad between Christiana and Nashville, should be brought forward to relieve tha Page 196 196 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. commanded by Major-General Stanley, now guarding the railroad between Bridgeport and Whitesides; but as this wi1! involve con- siderations of transportation and the movements of other troops, of which it is not my province to judge, I have deemed it proper to make no change until I can be informed of the views of the major-general commanding the department concerning it. Further, it may be necessary that General Stanleys division should be relieved imme- diately. If this is the case, Wards division will not be able to re- lieve it. For the information of the major-general commanding I report that the aggregate for duty, by return dated January 18, of the three divisions Eleventh Corps, in Lookout Valley, is 4,835. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, ]Jfajor-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, 6~ommanding Eleventh and Twelfth C~orps, Lookout Valley: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- tion of this date. As there is not time to wait for the division com- manded by Brigadier-General Ward, the major-general command- ing the department says that it will be necessary to make immediate preparations for the change directed in Special Orders, No. 23, current series, and what cavalry you have at your disposal be stationed at Bridgeport to watch and give timely information of the movements of the enemy. Instructions have already been given to have Wards old brigade move to the front as soon as they can be spared from their present stations. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant A6~jutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 24, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: In compliance with the directions contained in the in- closed order, the major-general commanding directs that you order the Third Division of the Eleventh Corps to be in readiness to move at an early hour to-morrow morning in the direction of Whitesides, Shellmound, and Bridgeport, to occupy and garrison those posts and guard the line of communication from Bridgeport to this point, relieving General Stanleys division. A more detailed statement of the stations and garrisons will be furnished you for the informa- tion of the officer commanding the division to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 197 CHAP. XLIV.] COkRESPONDRNCE, I3~TC.UNJON. 197 [Inclosure.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OP THE CUMBERLAND, No. 23. Chattanooga, January 23, 1864. * * * * * * * XVIII. The First Division, Fourth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. D. S. Stanley commanding, will leave its present position and take up a new one on the line of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad between Chickamauga River and Charleston. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, will make such dispositions of the Eleventh Army Corps as will, in addition to that portion of the railroad now guarded by it, cover that which will be vacated by General Stanleys division. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 24, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the divis- ion heretofore ordered to be in readiness leave their camps here early to-morrow morning, and march the brigade strongest in num- bers to the south side of the Tennessee River opposite Bridgeport, the brigade next strongest to Whitesides, the one of the least num- bers to Shellmound, relieving at each of those points a brigade of General Stanleys troops. The instructions which have been given to the troops now on duty at these posts will be, until others are issued, adopted for the gov- ernment of the troops of your command. Orders will hereafter be given to the Eleventh Corps artillery, and if it is possible to horse two batteries they will be m~ide to take posi- tions along the line. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. KNOXVILLE, January 24, 1864. General W. D. WHIPPLE, Chattanooga: General Foster has relieved me from duty in this department, and ordered me to report in person to General Thomas. My escort and baggage wagon, by advice of Colonel Long, I send via Morganton and Athens to Calhoun, to move from there as you may direct. I will go by rail and boat to Chattanooga. W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry Page 198 198 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLLV. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. D. S. STANLEY, Bridgeport: The major-general commanding desires you will move up your division as early as possible, that the reconstruction of the railroad may not be delayed. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. [From General G. H. Thomas journal.] JANUARY 24. Deserters from the enemy, who have come into our lines within a few days, agree in their statements that Johnston is sending troops south by railroad. It was generally understood Mobile was their destination. Parties of the enemys cavalry have made their appear- ance in the neighborhood of Harrison~ s for a day or two past. Col. William P. Boone, commanding Twenty-eighth Kentucky (Mounted) Infantry, reports the result of this expedition to Dirt Town as follows: Started from Rossville on the 21st instant, with 220 men and 11 officers of the Twenty-eighth Kentucky (mounted) and 211 men and 4 officers of the Fourth Michi- gan Cavalry; total, 446. Moved through McLemores Cove to a point between Blue Bird and Dug Gaps, 25 miles south of Chattanooga. On the 22d crossed Lookout Mountain at its intersection with Pigeon Mountain, and passed through Broomtown Valley to Summerville, thence across Taylors Ridge to Dirt Town, and thence about 5 miles in the direction of Dalton to the camp of Colonel Culberson, commanding home guards, where some 300 of that officers men were routed, the camp destroyed, with a considerable number of arms and other property, but the main body of the enemy escaped in the direction of Dalton, where the Confederate forces were strongly posted. We captured one Government wagon,which was afterward burned; 15 prisoners, among whom was one Captain Hubbard. There were no casualties. First Division, Fourth Corps, Maj. Gen. D. S. Stanley command- ing, ordered to take position north of Chattanooga, between Chicka- mauga Depot and Hiwassee River. General Hooker instructed to relieve him at Bridgeport with the Eleventh Corps. Wards divis- ion of the Eleventh Corps ordered to the front from Nashville. Brig. Gen. W. L. Elliott, chief of cavalry, relieved from temporary duty with the Army of the Ohio and ordered to report to General Thomas. CHATTANOOGA, January 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Scottsborough, Ala.: General Sherman is collecting a force at Vicksburg with which to move eastward. That force he expected to have assembled by this day (the 24th), and will move as soon as possible, say by the 28th or 30th. It will be necessary for General Thomas and yourself to keep up a threatened advance on Rome, with a view of retaining on this front as large a force of the enemy as possible. General Thomas has his directions. You will push the work on your pontoon bridge with all dispatch. Collect such force as can be spared from the rail Page 199 Caip. XLIVI CORRESPONDENUF, ETC.UNION. 199 road, leaving that perfectly guarded, however, and cross the river~ From there use any cavalry or mounted infantry you may have in reconnoitering to the front, collecting information, a knowledge of the roads, & c. It is not expected to move forward at this time, but the movements of the enemy might change this. By a full inter~ change of information obtained by General Thomas and yourself, and each reporting what you have to me, an advance can be ordered if it should prove necessary. Should General Thomas inform you at any time that he is going to make a reconnaissance to the front and ask you to move in the co-operation, do so without awaiting further orders from these headquarters. Report the fact, however. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, January 24, 1864. (Received 8.30 p. in.) Major-General SLOcuM, Commanding Twelfth Corps: The special order assigning a third division to Twelfth Corps was sent to yourself, General Hooker, and General Rousseau. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Huntsville, Ala.: Five thousand. Roddey has a portion of his force down at Col- bert Reserve, foraging. I have picked up what mounted men I could, and they will attack him Tuesday. They will be at Florence to-morrow night. I dont think he has over 600 or 800. I had 200 mounted men in Florence Tuesday, and that was about the force he had. He is obliged to get his entire living on this side of the river, and no doubt that is his purpose in coming over. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 24, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, Athens: I have no different orders. Colonel Mizuer sent report to me, but you were 6 miles west of Florence at the time. No troops have passed through here that accomnpanied General Smith. I do not think that Johnson has over 600 men, and guess by this time he is thinking of getting back. The troops from here will move promptly. On your return pick up sleek stock and cattle. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier~Geuerai Page 200 200 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [QHA1~. XLtV. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. C. SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: The major-general commanding directs me to say that in the move- ment of the Third Division, Eleventh Corps. to-morrow, the trans- portation belonging to that division may be insnfficient to transport their camp and garrison eqnipage, & c.; if so, he thinks yon had better nse all the wagons belonging to the corps, or enongh of them to transport all the baggage, and when the movement is completed retnrn snch wagons as may belong to the Second Division. The wagons of the Second Division that are nsed had better be loaded with the baggage belonging to the brigades of the Third Division, which will halt at the posts nearest hereWhitesides and Shell- monnd. Very respectfnlly, H. W. PERKINS, Lient., Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. MEMPHIS, January 24, 18641.45 p. m. Brigadier-General TUTTLE, La Grange: Stevenson will be throngh by to-morrow at 9 a. m. You will at once move your division to Memphis with all rapidity. Boats will be ready for you. Send yonr quartermaster, with full information of strength, & c., to report to Colonel Nigh. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Memphis, Tenn., January 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE, La Grange, Teun.: The entire line of road will be abandoned and everything moved into Memphis that is of any value and can be transported. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. LA GRANGE, January 24, 1864. Major-General HURLrn~T: Shall I destroy the fortifications here or leave it for the cavalry? Will all of my regiments go along? J. M. TUTTLE, Brigadier- General Page 201 CHAP. XLIV.] CO11RI~SPONDI~NCR, ETC.UNION. 201 General TUTTLE: JANUARY 24, 1864. Let the fortifications alone. Bring in your entire command, and leave the country to God and the cavalry. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, January 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Division of the Mississippi: DEAR GENERAL: I have received at the hands of Colonel Duff your letter of the 15th instant, with copies of yours to General Hal- leck and those of General Halleck to you and General Steele. All these concur in their general plan, and my acts thus far are per- fectly in accordance. The Sixteenth Corps had become so domiciled at Memphis and along the railroad that it is like pulling teeth to get them started, but I think three divisons (Veatchs, Tuttles, and A. J. Smiths) will be embarked to-day and to-morrow for the south. The cavalry under General William Sooy Smith should also be ready to-morrow, the day appointed, when I will start the former in the boats already collected here for Vicksburg, and the latter by land in light order for Pontotoc, Okolona, Meridian, & c. As soon as the cavalry is off I will haste for Vicksburg, and with the infantry and a sufficient force of artillery (double-teamed) will start for Black River, Jackson, Brandon, and Meridian. I will use all cau- tion, and feel no doubt unless Johnston has caught wind of our movement and brought an additional force from Georgia, which I do not believe. I have good scouts out, and will know everything in time. I believe that William Sooy Smith will have a force of cavalry superior to that of Forrest and Stephen D. Lee, which is all that can meet him, and General Polk cannot have at Canton, Brandon, and Meridian a force to beat me. Admiral Porter is hourly looked for, and I will confer with hini. I will ask him to send a squadron of light-draught gun-boats up the Yazoo, and may send Hawkins up as far as Greenwood with orders, if the oppor-. tunity offers, to strike Grenada another blow. This would make a diversion, confuse the enemy, and demonstrate the value to us as a~ military channel of the Yazoo. It my be that Forrest will let Smith pass down and make a dash for Memphis. I leave General Buck- land in command here with about 3,200 men. These, with the fort, will assure the safety of the place, but in addition General Veatch,, under my orders, has enrolled three regiments of citizens, to whom~ I will issue arms, partial clothing, and ammunition, and have ordered the quartermaster to set aside for their use as armories cot-- ton sheds, which will make excellent citadels or block-houses. The mayor and citizens offered me a dinner, and I had to accept. I recall your experience, and as the affair comes off to-night I will try to be cautious in any remarks I will be forced to make. I pity you whew you will have to go back to the States, for you will not be allowed to~ eat or sleep for the curious intrusion of the dear people. Red River is still low, but should it rise by the time we get back from Meridiani I will be tempted to help against Shreveport. Steele could move Page 202 202 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. direct by land to Arkadeiphia and Fulton; Banks could regain Ope- lousas and Alexandria; the admiral and I could pass directly up the river to Shreveport. This would be a consecutive movement, but a little risky if Dick Taylor, Price, and Magruder should unite; but the latter is supposed to be off in Texas, and the two latter [former] do not seem to pull together. I will send you a messenger the moment I can after I reach Meridian. My supposition is that you will want William Sooy Smith with his cavalry back to Pulaski by March, and will keep that in mind as soon as be caP be spared. I am much troubled by the promises we have made the veterans for the furloughs. All want the furloughs at once. I doubt if thirty- five days will see any of them back. Once at home they will be beyond our reach and control. Yours, truly, ~. T. SHERMAN, Miajor- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 24, 1864. (Received 12.45 a. in., 25th.) A. LINCOLN, President of the United States: I hope fhat it will be consistent with the public interest for General Burnside to be sent back to East Tennessee. He is the man; the people want him; he will inspire more confidence than any other man at this time. Will be in Washington soon. ANDREW JOHNSON, Governor. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Arkx, January 24, 1864. Capt. T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: At 1 a. m. this morning shots were heard at the wood-yard on Island No. 60, 2 juiles north of this place; soon after the wood- choppers shanties were seen on fire. At 2 a. m. I dispatched 75 cav- alry and 50 infantry to the island, under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Gilbert, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, on a steamer. On his arrival he learned that the enemy, which he estimated from infor- mation and tracks on the sand-bar to be 250, had decamped before his arrival. At 6 a. in. i sent additional re-enforcements, when Lieutenant-Col- onel Gilbert pursued 7 miles. He returned reporting that the enemy were not guerrillas but regular cavalry, all the horses shod, and that his force was insufficient to cope with them. The wood contractors lost about 25 mules and oxen, some provisions, and their shanties. The United States lost only little. The wood was undisturbed. I have sent a force of two companies to protect the wood-choppers and contrabands. I report this fact to let General Hurlbut know that there is a cavalry force opposite this place. Your obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier-General, Gommanding Page 203 CHAP. XLIV.] CORILESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 2O~ LEXINGTON, Ky., January 24, 1864. Brigadier-General AMMEN, Camp Nelson: The following has just been received: FLEMINGSBURG, Kr., January 23, 1864. Capt. W. P. ANDERSON: A very reliable man here says as he passed West Liberty he saw a party of rebels; learned that they intended a raid down here under the rebel Jenkins. JOHN F. IJAMS, Major Fifth Battalion 0. V. C. By command of Major-General Foster: W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 14. Chattanooga, Tenn., January 24, 1864. I. Capt. J. Bates Dickson, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. V?lun- teers, having been relieved from duty at the headquarters of this de- partment at Nashville, and ordered to report for duty to the head- quarters Department of the Ohio, all business of the department heretofore addressed to him will hereafter be sent to these head- quarters, except such as is provided for by paragraph 2 of this order. II. Brig. Gen. R. S. Granger, U. S. Volunteers, commanding the post of Nashville, Teun., is designated as the military commander of that city, and will discharge the duties appertaining to that posi- tion as defined by the War Department. He has also authority to grant leaves of absen~ce to officers in hos- pital at Na~hville, upon surgeons certificate that a change of loca- tion is necessary to save life or prevent permanent disability. III. Lieut. William L. Porter, Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and Lieut. James K. Reynolds, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, acting aides-de-camp, are announced as acting assistant adjutants- general at these headquarters. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 24. Knoxville, Teun., January 24, 1864. I. * * * 4. All the artillery, draft, and other Government animals, and all the wagons of the Twenty-third Army Corps and of the several regiments, batteries, and detachments of every descrip- tion whatever, stationed in and about Knoxville, Teun., with the exceptions hereinafter enumerated, will be at once turned over to the quartermasters department at that place. The exceptions are as follows: First. The detachment of cavalry on duty as couriers at depart- ment headquarters, not to exceed 20 men Page 204 204 kY., SW~ VA6, WNN., MISS., AlA., ANI3 N. GA. LeHA?. XLIV. Second. One good 6-mule or 4-horse team and one wagon to every two regiments. Third. One ambulance and 2 good horses or mules to each general hospital. Fourth. One 6-mule or 4-horse team and one wagon to each de- partment or corps headquarters. Fifth. Two 4-horse teams and two wagons for use upon fortifica- tions, under the direction of Brig. Gen. D. Tillson, chief of artillery. No exceptions, other than as above, will be made in favor of the several batteries or detachments. They will be supplied from the allowance above, the artillery being sup p lied under the direction of Brigadier2General Tillson, chief of artillery. The above provisions apply to all Government animals used by officers, detailed men, and employ6s of the several staff departments, signal corps, and hospitals. The commandant of the post of Knoxville will see the above order executed, except so far as the Twenty-third Army Corps is con- cerned. II. The horses of all officers of the Twenty-third Army Corps ~nd all batteries and detachments in and about Knoxville, Tenn., and of all officers upon duty or staying in and about said city, the same being the private property of such officers, with the exceptions here- inafter enumerated, will be at once sent to Kentucky to be supplied with forage. The exceptions are as follows: First. One horse for the major-general commanding and 1 horse for his aides-de-camp. Second. One horse for the head of each staff department and de- partment headquarters. Third. One horse for the commanding officer of the Twenty-third Army Corps and 1 for each of the division commanders. The officers sending their horses to the rear, as above, may each send 1 enlisted man to take charge of the same, who will be properly detailed for that purpose. They will be conducted under the charge of Capt. D. W. H. Day, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who is detailed for that purpose, acting under the direc- tion of the quartermasters department. III. 1. The quartermasters department will retain the following number of 6-mule teams and wagons for the purpose indicated below, viz: For use of subsistence department, 100; for fortifica- tions under charge of Brigadier-General Tillson, 2; for hauling stores under charge of Captain Whitman, 2; for bridges under charge of Superintendent Carter, 1; for post for fuel for troops and officers, 20. The transportation of the subsistence department must supply itself with forage. 2. All horses fit for cavalry service will be turned over, without delay, for the use of the dismounted men of that arm, under the direction of Capt. George E. Gouraud, aide-de-cam. made up, as 3. All other serviceable wagons and animals ~lI7b fast as possible, into trains and sent to Camp Nelson, Ky., for sup- plies. 4. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation upon such trains to such indigent citizens as may wish to leave the country, and, under the direction of the medical director, to sick and disabled soldiers. 5. The remainder of the animals will be inspected, and such as may be recuperated sent to Kentucky for that purpose; those con- demned will be sold to citizens with the utmost expedition Page 205 Cair. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 205 IV. The intention of the above three paragraphs is to reduce the number of animals in and about Knoxville, with the utmost expe- dition, to the absolute minimum, and the quartermasters depart- ment will issue no forage except in strict compliance with the pro- visions of the above orders. V. The Ninth Army Corps will be allowed double the allowance of transportation and officers horses assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps as above, and no more. The artillery will, however, retain its draft and officers horses and one team and wagon to each battery. The surplus wagons and animals will be turned over to the quartermasters department and the officers horses sent to Kentucky, as directed above. The corps will supply itself with forage, and, if unable to do so, will be reduced to the allowance assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps as above, the supplies being disposed of in a similar manner. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 7. Knocrville, Teun., January 24, 1864. The following disposition of this command at this place is hereby ordered, and will at once be made: General Mansons division will occupy a line in front of the town, from the river on the right to the Tazewell road, inclusive. Colonel Reillys brigade of General Hascalls division will be on the Clinton road. Colonel Camerons brigade, of General Hascalls division will occupy the works on the south side of the river and the roads on the same side leading from Knoxville. It will furnish all pickets, & c., needed on that side. All of these camps on the north side of the river must be outside of the fortifications and sufficiently near them to render the ground untenable by the enemy. The following grand guards will be established: One at or near Loves house, on the Strawberry Plalns road, to consist of one large regiment, which will also furnish a picket of 60 men to hold Armstrongs Ford and picket the river in the vicinity. A second grand guard on the Scott Valley road, near Mr. Ross place, .5 miles from Knoxville. A third on the Tazewell road, 4 or 5 miles out, as will best cover the cross-roads from the Clinton and Tazewell and Tazewell and Scott Valley roads. These three grand guards will be furnished from General Mansons division. General Hascall will furnish from his division a fourth grand guard on the Clinton road, 4 or 6 miles out, at the most suit- able place; also a picket of 60 men on the Kentucky Railroad, to guard the pass through the ridge of mountains nearest town. These grand guards must take such places as they can best defend. They will be expected to hold out against any surprise or small force of the enemy until re-enforcements shall reach them Page 206 206 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MJSS~, ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. The disposition of the other guards and pickets outside will be made by the division commanders in accordance with verbal instructions ~ilready given them by the general commanding the corps. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: G. M. BASCOM, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRs. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 17. Memphis, Tenn., January 24, 1864. I. The troops of this army corps in the field are hereby organized into the following divisions: First Division, Brig. Gen. J. M. Tuttle commanding. First Brigade: Seventy-second Ohio Regiment Infantry Volun- teers, One hundred and fourteenth Regiment Illinois Infantry Vol- unteers, Ninety-fifth Regiment Ohio Infantry Volunteers, Ninety- third Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers. Second Brigade: Eleventh Regiment Missouri Infantry Volun- teers, Eighth Regiment Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Forty- seventh Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Fifth Regiment Minnesota Infantry Volunteers. Third Brigade: Eighth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Thirty-fifth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Twelfth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Thirty-third Regiment Missouri Infantry Volunteers. Second Iowa Battery, Company E, First Illinois Light Artillery; Sixth Indiana Battery. Second Division, Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge commanding. This division will be composed of twelve regiments and four battalions, to be selected by Brigadier-General Dodge from his present com- mand and reported to these headquarters. Third Division, Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith commanding. First Brigade: Twenty-first Regiment Missouri Infantry Volun- teers, Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Fifty- eighth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, One hundred aiid nineteenth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers. Second Brigade: Fourteenth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, One hundred and seventy-eighth Regiment New York Infantry Vol- unteers, Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Thirty-second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers. Third Brigade: Fifty-second Regiment Indiana Infantry Volun- teers, Forty-ninth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, One hun- dred and seventeenth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Twenty-fourth Regiment Missouri Infantry Volunteers. Third Indiana Battery, Ninth Indiana Battery, Fourteenth Indi- ana Battery. Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch commanding. This di- vision will be composed of seven regiments now serving with the left wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, to be designated by Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Twenty-fifth Regiment Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Thirty-sec- ond Regiment Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Seventeenth New York Infantry Veteran Volunteers, and Thirty-fifth Regiment Ne Page 207 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UXJOX. 207 Jersey Infantry Volunteers. Two batteries will be assigned from those serving in the Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, and Com- pany D, Second Illinois Light Artillery. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. LOUISVILLE, Ky., January 25, 18647.40 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, (Received 9.45 iix in.) General-in-Chief: I left Chattanooga 6.30 p. in. yesterday. General Thomas has full instructions to go in person to Fosters aid if necessary, and, in case he does, not to leave until Longstreet is driven from Tennessee. I go on to-night to Saint Louis. Will keep up telegraphic communica- tion with my command, and should Thomas go into East Tennes- see I will go immediately to Chattanooga. Thomas will be ready to move his troops at once, should the emergency arise. U. S. GRANT, .2lfajor- General. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, NASHVILLE, January 25, 1864. Chattanooga: I am directed by the major-general commanding to send you the inclosed copy of letter* from General-in-Chief to him, relating to affairs in East Tennessee and other points touching the security of our position and future operations, and to say that you will relax no energy and spare no exertions in your preparations for moving a force into East Tennessee, sufficient with that now under Foster to give battle to and defeat and drive Longstreet out of the State, no matter what news, short of the retreat of the enemy, you may have from Foster. Also to invite your attention to that part of the letter of the Gen- eral-in-Chief where lie speaks of the defenses of Chattanooga. He says that you will push forward these defenses to completion with all possible vigor. Further, to say that he goes to Saint Louis to-day, but will be back this week; and any order, should an order be neces- sary, you may in the mean time desire sent to General Logan with a view to his co-operation with you in contemplated movements I am directed to make on being advised of your wishes. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. LOUISVILLE, January 25, 1864. General AMMEN: It is barely possible that communication may be cut off between you and General Foster. If so, exercise your own judgment as to the propriety of ordering the return of trains and droves now on *Seep 126 Page 208 208 XY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the way to Knoxville. Kentucky may also be threatened with a cavalry raid. If so, collect all the force you can and all the Gov- ernor may be able to turn over to you and meet it. I do not expect such a thing, but Longstreets present movements render it possible. Communicate to me direct (sending copy to General Foster) any im- portant information you may get of the enemys movements or steps being taken by you to meet him. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Teun., January 25, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.: The following dispatch received from General Foster by telegraph 24th, 11 a. in.: The enemy has retired, and I am now posting the tired troops in cantonment where they may rest a little before the spring campaign. The Fourth Corps is ordered to hold Kingston, Loudon, and half of the railroad line to this place, with a brigade at Maryville to collect supplies, & c. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General. I will push forward the work on the railroad as rapidly as possible, and also move up Stanleys division to the position between Chicka- mauga and Hiwassee at once. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, January 25, 1864. General U. S. GRANT: I regret to report that I am still suffering with my wounded leg and unable to take the field. The sooner I obtain relief by an opera- tion the sooner I can return to active duty. Cannot I leave now for this purpose? General Parke will remain in command. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, January 25, 18643 p. m. Major-General GRANT: Your dispatch of 3 p. m. on the 24th is received. I have directed General Sturgis to attempt the movement that you suggest, but thus far he has fonud it impossible to execute it from the opposition met with and the worn-down condition of his horses. I will now urge it again. I have also ordered General Garrard to attempt a raid from Cumberland Gap, but this will be interrupted by the raid the enemys cavalry is now making on Tazewell. I do not think it practicable at this time to advance in force and attack Longstreet at Morristown. ~. G. FOSTER, Ma4,or-Generat Page 209 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 25, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. D. STURGIS Commanding cYavairy Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of yesterdays date. * The commanding general directs me to say that your command must remain on the south side of the French Broad so long as forage can be found. If the Dutch and Irish Bottoms do not furnish sufficient supplies, you can make such disposition of your force in other localities as will best enable you to subsist men and animals. The dismounted cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Butler wiil be sent to you to serve as guards on the French Broad. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. KNOXVILLE, January 25, 18648 a. m. Major-General GRANT: Cumberland Gap is now garrisoned by three old regiments, under General Garrard. The nine-months regiments of General Willcox have gone in part, and the remainder about g@ing. General Willcox is on duty here in the Ninth Corps. I will write to General Garrard and order him to make the move, if practicable. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD, Knoxville, January 25, 1864. C~ommanding District qf the Clinch: GENERAL: General Grant has requested General Foster to send the forces under your command to Abingdon, by the way of Jones- ville, with the view, if possible, of destroying the road between Abingdon and Saltville, Va. If such a move be made, it will be necessary for you to leave one regiment at Cuinberiand Gap and take all your remaining infantry and cavalry with you. The main work would have to be accom- plished by the cavalry, the infantry acting as a support. Even if you did not succeed in reaching Abingdon, considerable damage might be done in the way of destroying railroad bridges and tearing up rails. You should march as light as possible, taking very few wagons and no artillery. The bridges over the Watauga and at Zollicoffer would be special objects for destruction. The accom- plishment of this work would, in General Grants opinion, be worth considerable risk. The undertaking is left, in a great measure, to your discretion. Please report at once upon the practicability of the enterprise at * See Part I, p. 114. 14 R RVOL XXXII, PT [ Page 210 210 KY., ~W. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. present, with the force under your command, and also upon the probability of its being undertaken with greater likelihood of suc- cess at a later season. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER Chief of Staff. KNOXVILLE, January 25, 18648.30 a. In (Received 26th.) Major-General GRANT: I will issue the orders for the Fifteenth Pennsylvania and the Tenth Ohio Cavalry. Colonel Palmer, with the Fifteenth, is now in the front engaged with the enemy and is valuable from his superior knowledge of the country, the roads, and location of supplies. This regiment can illy be spared at this time, but will neverth~less be sent as soon as practicable, in obedience to the order. J. G. FOSLI~R, ]Jliajor- General. KNOXVILLE, January 25, 18647.30 p. m. General GRANGER: The enemy is reported moving in a direction which, if the inf or- mation prove true, will necessitate an immediate movement on our part; therefore retain all regiments about to go home, and be ready for orders to start on a 100-mile march. J. G. FOSTER ]1Jiajor- General, Commanding. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIo, Seviervitle, January 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the Ohio: GENERAL: Private W. S. Keene, Company I, Ninth Georgia Infantry, who deserted the rebel service on Friday, 22d instant, at mouth of Nola Chucky River, states that he was on detail guarding corn then being hauled from south side of French Broad River ; that General Longstreets command consists of twelve brigades, in all numbering between 12,000 and 15,000. Hoods division (five bri- gades) is encamped about 1 mile northeast of Morristown toward the Holston River. McLaws division (five brigades) is encamped on railroad 4 miles from Morristown, near Russellville. Gracies and Bushrod Johnsons brigades, commanded by the latter, are en- camped a short distance south of Morristown. He also states that, while at his colonels quarters early on Friday morning, he heard him read an order from General Longstreet directing the entire com- mand to be ready to march on Saturday morning (23d January), the men to be provided with three days cooked rations; that all details were to be ordered in from mills, & c., and that men would not be excused from marching for the want of shoes or the lack of cloth Page 211 Cn~. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 211 ing, the impression among the troops being that there would be a general engagement near Strawberry Plains or that they would march into Kentucky. General Jenkins, of the rebel army, has ordered his men to ex- change their clothes for that of our prisoners. I have this informa- tion from undoubted anthority, and the deserter Keene to-day cor- roborates it. II have therefore given the inclosed instructions* to my provost-marshal. This man also states that General Longstreet was on the fl~?4d at Dandridge on the 17th instant, with four brigades of infantry, and the balance of his army was on the march, McLa~s division being still one days march from the field the day of the fight. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CANNONS HousE, TENN., Three miles from Sevierville, January 25, 1864. Col. A. P. CAMPBELL, Commanding First Brigade: The colonel commanding directs that you detail two regiments of your brigade to proceed, in accordance with orders from General Sturgis, to Fowlers~ on the Flat Creek road. * * * * * * * I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Camp Beatty (ilfaryville, Teun.), January 25, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that two brigades of this division arrived here and went into camp on January 24. Four iec es and three caissons of the battery attached to this division are hkewise in camp here. The officer in command was unable to move the full battery for want of horses. The camping ground for the troops is good; water and wood handy; quantity sufficient. The country within 10 to 12 miles is rather destitute of breadstuff and forage, troops in larger or smaller bodies having been stationed here since November last. According to the estimates of J. Sanderson, provost-marshal of this county, and of other well-informed men, the country between the rivers will supply this command hardly for thirty days, General Hazen being also obliged to procure part of his subsistence from the same country. I am preparing means to cross the Little Tennessee and will pro- cure the necessaries from the country on the other side of it, and at the same time take care of the guerrillas that infest the mountains. To accomplish these objects effectually I stand in need of some more cavalry and additional transportation. I also should be able to at- * Not foi~nd Page 212 212 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [dHAP XLIV. tach some cavalry to General Hazen s command. If the detachments detailed from Colonel Kleins command are ordered back the cavalry will be strong enough for above purposes. As to transportation, I would respectfully ask that you order a part of the transportation belonging to the other division to join me and be at my disposal for the time being. General Sheridan, being on the railroad, will not require so many wagons as I do here. The rainy season is near on hand, then the roads will become literally impassable. I shall then be in a perfect isolated position; must con- sequently procure all provisions and forage within reach before the rain, and with it the muddy roads, sets in. With the addition of cav- alry asked for and some more transportation, I feel confident to be able to accumulate a good stock of supplies. General Hazen, with the Second Brigade, has reached Lenoirs, as ordered. He has reported to you direct; a repetition, therefore, is unnecessary. In conclusion, let me call the attention of the general commanding once more to the veteran volunteer regiments. I have still two regiments anxiously awaiting furloughs, the Fifteenth Wisconsin and the Thirty-second Indiana, my own old regiment. The men should go at once; a speedy furlough was the great inducement to them to re-enlist; besides, other regiments get back into their re- spective States and absorb the young men willing to join the army. I respectfully call the immediate attention of the general command- ing to this matter. I shall establish a courier line between this command and General Hazen; it is between Maryville and Lenoirs. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, A. WILLICH, Brigadier-General, Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OP THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 25, 1804. Maj. Gen. D. S. STANLEY, Bridgeport: Wait for the arrival of the trooPs of the Eleventh Corps before you move. Leave your company at Jasper for a short time longer. Have you teams for your batteries, and cannot they march? If not, you had best leave them. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Lookout Valley: Send troops to relieve General Stanley as soon as possible. The major-general commanding desires him to come up as soon as pos- sible. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutaut-Gertera~ Page 213 CHAP. XLIV.] CORREsPoNr~ExcE, FTC.UNIoN. 21~ LOOKOUT VALLEY, January 25, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE Assistant Acijutartt-General,Ariny of the Cumberland: The largest division of the Eleventh Corps marched this morning, in conformity with orders. JOSEPH HOOKER lliliajor- General, Commaniling. LOOKOUT VALLEY, January 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. D. S. STANLEY, Bridgeport, Tenn.: Under the orders of the major-general commanding the depart- ment, one division of the Eleventh Corps left at 7 oclock this morn- ing to take post at Shellmound, Whitesides, and opposite Bridgeport. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Gommanding. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, January 25, 1864. Lient. Col. CHRISTIAN HAPPEL, Commanding at Brownsborough: COLONEL: You will send immediately two companies, in charge of a good officer, to scour the country about the mountain on Hurri- cane Creek. The object is to capture balance of the party sent up by you, par- ticularly William Waggsdale; also to intercept a party who crossed the river and are believed to have taken refuge on the mountains or vicinity. The men will be supplied with two days rations. By order of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith: M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Mr. A.F.GOODHUE, Memphis, Tenn., January 25, 1864. Military Railroads: SIR: As soon as General Stevenson gets in to-night, let the force of the road be turned to moving in General Tuttles division. Apply to him at La Grange for necessary information. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, January 25, 1864lO.30 a. m. Major-General GRANT, Chattanooga: You are authorized to remove J. B. Anderson or any one else con- nected with railroad transportation whenever in your opinion the service will be improved, and to appoint any one to their places who in your judgment will perform the service better. EDWIN M. STANTON~ Secretary of War Page 214 214 KY., SW. VA., TRN~., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. tOHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Miemphis, Teun., January 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I am credibly informed that the rebels are placing bat- teries of artillery from De Soto front to Ship Island, say from 25 to 40 miles below here. I take the liberty of snggesting that a gun- boat patrol this region until the fleet passes. S. A. IIURLBUT, ]Ilajor- General. LA GRANGE, January 25, 1864. Major-General HURLBUT: Your official letter of 22d instant did not reach me till to-days train. I have telegraphed for trains to bring my troops, but can get no answer from Mr. Goodhue. I am all ready for trains. I send in my transportation by wagon road under escort of two regiments of infantry from here to save time; they will get to Memphis day after to-morrow; that is the best I can do. Will come in myself to- morrow. J. M. TUTTLE, Brigadier-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Grand Division of Mississippi: A refugee from Alabama, having escaped out of the Confederate lines, after some imprisonment in the military prison at Mobile for my uncompromising attachment to the Union cause and opposition to the rebel Government, I feel it my duty, and therefore take the liberty of giving you, as commander of that branch of the Federal Army which in all probability will, in the next campaign, enter Georgia and Alabama, some information and suggestions, which, I think, if carried out, will. result in great benefit to the Union cause and inflict an irreparable injury to the rebellionan injury which in its practical bene fits will be of more value than success to the Federal Army in a pitched battle. The city of Selma, situated on the Alabama River about 50 miles below Montgomery, has lately become the focus from which the rebel Government receives its war supplies. There is now located there a large and extensive arsenal, which supplies small-arms of every description; a naval foundry, machine-shops, and rolling-mills, which supplies the Army of Georgia and Mississippi with cannon of all sizes, and Charleston now is defended by shot and shell from this place; a powder-mill, wagon manufactory, and harness establish- ments. All these various works are supplied with coke, coal, and iron from the coat and iron mines situated in Shelby and Jackson Counties by the Alabama and Tennessee Railroad, which was in- tended to connect Selma with Dalton, Ga., but is now only finishe Page 215 cnAr. XLIVI 2lti c01flfl~SPOND]~14CE, ETC~UNIO~. to Blue Mountain, in Jackson County. Now, general, the destruc- tion of those coal arid iron mines, which virtually would render use- less all the shops in Selma, is what I wish to call your attention to. Being a lawyer and not a military man, I will not pretend to state the number of men necessary to accomplish this object nor how it should be executed. From my knowledge of the country and loca- tion of the mines and furnaces attached, I would, however, suggest that from 3,000 to 5,000 effective cavalry, under command of an ex- perienced and dashing officer; leave Huntsville with at least four or six pieces of light ~irtillery, cross the Tennessee River at Whitesburg, and take the direct wagon road through Summit to Blountsville, in Blount County (here there is stationed two companies of rebel cavalry collecting conscripts); from there to Elyton, in Jefferson County (here there is one company of rebel cavalry and an iron mine and rolling-mill and furnace; the machinery should be destroyed and furnace blown up); from there to Montevallo, in Shelby County, distant from Huntsville about 125 miles. The coal mines are situated within a few miles of Montevallo. The working tools and machinery should be destroyed. The iron mine, furnaces, and rolling-mills are located near Columbiana, the county seat; the most important works are there. All the machinery and buildings should be destroyed; 400 or 500 mules and wagons~ might also be captured. There is stored convenient to the mines a large quantity of corn, hay, and fodder, sufficient to feed all the stock required for the expedition. From Columbiana a small force might be sent to Wilsonville, 10 miles, and destroy the long bridge of the Coosa River, on the Alabama and Tennessee Railroad; there is one company of conscripts guarding this bridge, who, instead of protecting it, will hail the approach of the destroying force. I do not hesitate to state that this expedition could be planned and executed with success, and without loss, if done with boldness and dispatch; the officer in command should not, as on a former occasion, deliver up and surrender to an inferior force; he should fight, if i~ecessary. The expedition could leave Huntsville and return in eight days without difficulty. To insure success in this movement beyond doubt a faint demon- stration should be made from Pensacola toward Pollard, the junction of the Montgomery and Mobile Railroad. This would draw off Gen- eral Clantons cavalry, which otherwise might be sent to intercept the force from Huntsville. Selma itself, and all the Government works there, night be destroyed by extending this expedition from Montevallo, a distance of 65 miles ,but if extended to Selma a detach- ment should strike on the Alabama River, capture one or two of the steam-boats on the river, proceed down to Selma, meet the main body, cross the river on the boats, destroy them, and make for Pen- sacola. The only force of rebels to interfere with this trip would be about 700 men at or near Pollard. Any quantity of corn, fodder, and provisions can be had on the railroad to Selma and in Selma, stored by the rebel Government under the tax-in-kind law. There are in Selma employed about 4,000 mechanics in the various works. I have mentioned they are mostly northern men and for- eigners, compelled to work or be conscripted. I know personally the feelings of those mechanics, and can assure you there are not 250 among them who will not hail with shouts, and instead of defending will join the Federal force. If the movement to Selma should be adopted it would be well to make a demonstration on Mobile by the fleet to draw aiiy scattering forces there. Mobile has only abou Page 216 216 i~., sw. vi., TENX., MISS., ALA., AND N. CA. [OITAP. XLIV. 3,500 or 4,000 men, outside of citizens, who will not fight. At Selma there is a company of boys and old men doing provost duty. Take, general, my information and suggestions for what they are worth, examine them, and if of any importance to you and any good can be accomplished thereby to the Union cause, I will be pleased and gratified. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES Q. SMITH, No. 32 Gedar Street, Nashville. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. Mm. Div. o~ THE Mississippi, No. 20. Na~hviUe, Teun., January 25, 1864. 1. Brig. Gen. William Vandever, U. S. Volunteers, will proceed without delay to iDes Moines, Iowa, and there report to His Excel- lency the Governor of that State for duty in assisting to organize the new regiments being there recruited, and especially in the super- inteiiding of the reorganization and returning to their respective commands in this military division the re-enlisted or veteran regi- ments of said State as are or may be on furlough immediately on the expiration of their respective furloughs. It is desired that he particularly impress upon His Excellency the Governor of the State of Iowa the absolute necessity and impor- tance of the immediate and prompt return to the field of the veteran regiments of that State as soon and as fast as their furloughs expire, for our weakness from the great numbers of the old regiments that have veteranized and gone home is seriously felt and little is ex- pected to be accomplished until they return. He is authorized in the name of the general commanding to detail such staff officers from Iowa regiments belonging to this command, now on furlough, as he may require to facilitate him in the discharge of the duties hereby assigned to him. The quartermasters department will furnish him any transpor- tation he may require necessary for the full and complete execution of this order. He will report in writing from time to time his progress in the execution of this order, and upon the full execution of the same will report in person to these headquarters. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 13. Knoxville, Tenn., January 25, 1864. Surg. H. S. Hewit, U. S. Volunteers, having reported at these headquarters, is hereby assigned to duty as medical director, Depart- ment of the Ohio. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General Page 217 CHAP. XLIV.] CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETcXIINJOX. 217 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 17. Knoxville, Teun., January 25, 1864. I. The brigade under command of Brig. Gen. James G. Spears will take position for winter quarters on the road from Knoxville to Armstrongs Ferry and Ford, one regiment being placed as a grand guard at the ford, in the strongest position to be found, relieving the picket of Mansons division now there. The remainder of the com- mand will be placed in camp within a mile or two of the town, at a convenient and eligible camp ground, where the troops will make a permanent camp. * * * * * * * By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: ED. D. SAUNDERS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 19. Memphis, Tenn., January 25, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. R. P. Buckland, U. S. Volunteers, will assume com- mand of the District of Memphis, relieving Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch, U. S. Volunteers, assigned to command of Fourth Division, Six- teenth Army Corps. II. Brig. Gen. H. T. Reid, U. S. Volunteers, will assume command of the District of Cairo. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 28. * Memphis, Teun., January 25, 1864. * * * * * * IX. Mr. William A. Thorp, having been arrested on charge of selling quinine and morphine to be smuggled to the enemy, and hav- ing certified the same in writing, will be fined in the sum of ~2, 500, and give, bond in ~10,000, to be approved by provost-marshal. X. Brig. Gen. J. D. Webster will turn over to Maj. D. J. Benner, aide-de-camp, for secret service, the funds collected, under orders from the headquarters District of Jackson, from disloyal persons for damages done U. S. military railroad during a guerrilla raid on Henderson Station. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hnrlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 26, 186412 m. (Received 6.25 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK. General-in-Chief: The following dispatch from General Foster, in the absence of General Grant, is respectfully transmitted for your information. Page 218 218 KY., 8W. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. FOHA?. XLIV. copy of your letter of the 15th instant, relating to affairs in East Tennessee, our present position and future operations, to General Grant, was sent, by his direction, to General Thomas, with instruc- tions to relax no energy and spare no exertions in his preparations for moving a force into East Tennessee, sufficient, with Fosters, to drive Longstreet out of the State, as he had been previously ordered, no matter what news, short of retreat of the enemy, he might have from General Foster: KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 23, 18647.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: The enemy has retired to Strawberry Plains, followed by our infantry, who have recaptured a portion of the drove of cattle. I apprehend no further movement of tbe enemy very soon. The troops are now preparing to go into quarters. They must have a month or two of rest, or they will not be in proper trim for the spring campaign. General Sturgis, with his whole command, is above Sevierville. Col- onel McCooks brigade, of General Elliotts division, has captured a rebel wagon train loaded with supplies, with an officer and about 80 prisoners. General Stur- gis has sent a force to destroy the rebels pontoon-bridge near the mouth of the Nola Chucky. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Gommanding. JNO. A. RAWLINS Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. KNOXVILLE, January 26, 1864. General GRANGER: Complaints are made constantly by Union citizens on south side of Holston River of depredations by soldiers. Cannot something be done to check the outrages? E. E. POTTER Chief of Staff. [Indorsement.] LOUDON, January 26, 1864. General POTTER, Chief of Staff, Knoxville: I have issued the most stringent orders and done everything in my power to prevent marauding, but hungry men are difficult to control after fasting for five months on half and quarter rations. Nothing has pained me so much as being compelled to strip the country; friend and foe must fare alike, or the army must starve. The country does not afford the food and forage we require. I think any man caught plundering or foraging on his own hook should be summarily shot. G. GRANGER, Major- General. [JANUARY 26, 1864.For Foster to Grant, inclosing correspond- ence with Longstreet in reference to the amnesty proclamation of Vresident Lincoln, see Series III. Page 219 CHAP. XLIV.1 C01UWSPONDI~NCE, ETC.UNION. 219 HEADQUARTERS, January 26, 18647. 30 p. m. Colonel MCCooK: Send La Granges brigade, with three pieces of artillery, at once to this place. Colonel Wolford is being driven back on Sevier- ville. S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. WIDOW ANDERSONS HOUSE, Three miles from Sevierville, January 26, 1864. Capt. ELI LILLY, Commanding Eighteenth Indiana Battery: Have three pieces ready to move at once. Report them to Colonel La Grange and move in rear of his brigade. By command of Col. E. M. McCook: JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General. WIDOW ANDERSONS, Three miles from Seviervilte, January 26, 1864. Col. 0. H. LA GRANGE, Commanding Second Brigade: The colonel commanding directs that you move with your brigade immediately to Sevierville, leaving one battalion at the ford. Three pieces of artillery move with you. This is in accordance with Gen- eral Sturgis order. Wolford is being driven back toward Sevierville. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General. CANNONS HOUSE, Three miles from Sevierville, January 26, 1864. Col. 0. H. L~ GRANGE, Commanding Second Brigade: The colonel commanding directs that you move with your brigade without delay to Dickeys, 3 miles from Sevierville, on Newport road. The rebels are advancingMorgans division. I am, colonel, your very obedient servant, JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General. CANNONS HOUSE, Three miles from Sevierville, January 26, 1864. Col. A. P. CAMPBELL, Commanding First Brigade: In accordance with orders from General Sturgis you will move up with your brigade to Hodsdens house,. 1 mile beyond Dickeys. The Second Brigade and battery will be up at Dickeys. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 220 220 KY., SW. VA., T1~N., MISS., ALA., A~D X. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL OF EAST TENN., ~Knoxville, January 26, 1864. John D. Reeve, E. S. Miller, and E. Johnson, who live at Johnsons Depot, and left home on the 15th instant, and F. Little, of same place, who left home on the 17th instant, make the following statement: There was in Jonesborough, at their latest acconnts, a small force of from 75 to 100 men. The body of Longstreets army was between iRusseliville and Morristown, with headquarters at the former place. The whole force number from 25,000 to 30,000. Cars are now run- ning as far as Carters Depot, though the rebels have a force of from 300 to 400 repairing the railroad, and they expect to run trains down to Jonesborough by the 1st of February. The rebels are receiving no supplies at all except those drawn from the country. Are run- ning no wagon trains to the rear. Longstreet has received no re- enforcements but a body estimated variously at from 600 to 1,500, which passed down through Johnsons Depot on the 13th. Very many of the rebels have been receiving furloughs, probably as many as 10 per cent, of the whole number, and are now absent. It is thought that more men have been sent home in this manner than have been received as re-enforcements. An officer was heard to say at Johnsons Depot (a lieutenant) that, owing to the scarcity of clothing and supplies and the amount of sickness, not more than two-thirds ofthe army were for duty. S. P. CARTER, Brig. Gen. and Provost-Marshal-General of East Tennessee. NEW YORK CITY, January 26, 1864, ion. E. M. STANTON, (Received 11.40 a. in.) Secretary of War: Are such portions of the Ninth Army Corps as are now in the State of Kentucky to remain there, subject to orders to report to head- quarters of the Ninth Corps for special service? I understand that all the regiments in the corps that are entitled to re-enlist have done so. Is it understood that these old regiments who have not been in service long enough to re-enlist are to be ordered ouf with the other regiments? There are but two or three, and I learn they would gladly avail themselves of the opportunity. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, HUNTSVILLE, January 26, 1864. Chief of Staff: Colonel Biggs, who is encamped at Mooresville taking care of Con- valescent horses, reports that the enemy, supposed to be part of Roddeys command, crossed the river and attacked Athens at day- light this morning, capturing part of a regiment of General Dodges force stationed there. No particulars given. General Smith, commanding force here, has sent an infantry force to support Colonel Biggs in case he is attacked. Colonel Miller, with his expedition, has gone in direction of Florence. I desired him t Page 221 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 221 be particular to watch his left flank and let no enemy get between him and the river; also, that when he arrived at Athens to get in communication with General Dodge and make his movements ac- cordingly. I have not heard from him since he started. Respectfully, GEO. CROOK, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 26, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: It being understood that no more stores are to be landed at Kelleys Ferry, and deeming the force at that post, not of this command, sufficient to perform all the duty that will be required there, the major-general commanding directs that the regiment from your command now there be ordered to rejoin its command. Notice will be given you to-morrow morning which camp it is de- sired that they will occupy. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. NASHVILLE, January 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE: Colonel Mizuer, at Columbia, telegraphs that the enemy, with four regiments and a battery, have taken Athens and are moving this way. His scouts encountered 10 mounted rebels 5 miles out this morning. Lieutenant-Colonel Brott, at Fort Donelson, telegraphs that he has reliable information that Forrest has crossed the Tennessee above Florence with a large force to make a raid upon the North- western Railroad. L. H. ROUSSEAU, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., January 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: The Third Division, Eleventh Corps, left here yesterday under orders from the department to take positions at Whitesides. Shell- mound, and opposite to Bridgeport, to protect our communications with the last-named place. One brigade is directed to occupy the above-named points and such outposts in their vicinity as may be necessary. The force is a very small one for this service, and I de- sire you to visit each of them and have the troops a p portioned and instructed in such manner as will best promote the object. If artil- lery can best be used to adv~nta~e at either place have Major Re Page 222 222 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. nolds informed, that he may order it accordingly. But one battery of the Eleventh Corps has horses; the others, if used, will require to remain in position without them. The Second Kentucky Cavalry is also ordered to take post at Bridgeport. It is a small regiment, and can only be employed in patrolling to a limited extent and in throwing out a few advanced pickets to give timely notice of the approach of the enemy from any direction. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH HOOKER, llliajor- General, Commanding. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD Div., 11TH ARMY CORPS, Near Bridgeport, Ala., January 26, 1864. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps: GENERAL: In reply to the letter of Lieutenant Oliver, just received, I have the honor to report that I arrived at this place, south bank of the Tennessee River, opposite Bridgeport, at 12 oclock m. to-day, and the troops have gone into camp. The Forty-fifth New York Vol- unteers and One hundred and forty-third New York Volunteers occupy the hill near the river, about 300 yards above the bridge. The Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry occupy the work near the railroad, about 200 yards from the bridge. The One hundred and first Illinois Volunteers are encamped on the west side of the rail- road near the bridge-head. The Second Kentucky Cavalry arrived this morning, and are encamped near and in advance of the Forty- fifth and One hundred and forty-third New York Volunteers. Upon arriving here I found that the troops formerly occupying the ground had marched, leaving no one to give me any information whatever or to point out important poinf5s, the lines, & c. However, I disposed of my force to what I considered the best advantage, and my picket line is the same as that of the troops formerly occupying this place. The field reports of the infantry regiments this evening show an aggregate of 1,414 enlisted men present, of whom about 1,100 are effective. Of the Second Kentucky Cavalry, about 213 men and 150 horses are effective. I have ordered a cavalry force to patrol the Raccoon Mountain to-morrow. Very respectfully, HORACE BOUGHTON, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. WHITES STATION, January 26, 1864. Brigadier-General GRIERSON: I have the following just now from Major Yorke, at Collierville: The enemy is moving in force on the Macon road toward Memphis. Everything indicates an advance on three roadsMacon, and two on this side of the river. G. E. WARING, JR., Colonel, Qoimmanding Brigade Page 223 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 PULASKI, January 26, 1864. Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant-General: My forces still hold Athens. Have got all my train out. I think I will be able to whip them there. Mooresville has been notified. They should push down so as to protect my working parties south of Athens and a force posted at the junction of the railroad. The enemy Crossed at Browns Ferry. The Cavalry that went to Florence are aware of the movement, and will endeavor to get in rear; the few at Athens stood up like men. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Lient. G. M. BAILEY, Columbia: Colonel Mizuer will have to attend to defense of bridge. I do not think you need fear any attack. Enemy has been badly whipped at Athens, and are now in full retreat toward Browns Ferry. Captain Adam, of Ninth Illinois, after two hours fighting, whipped Colonel Hannon, who had 600 men and two pieces of artillery. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Captain FEENEY, Prospect: Send communications to Captain Taylor direct, in the party 2 miles south of you. Tell Taylor if he is not strong enough to fall back to you, but to hold out if rhe] can get a good position. Put all forces in position and hold Elk River at all hazards. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Captain FEENEY, Prospect: Colonel Spencer, my chief of staff here, gone down. We must hold the enemy until Phillips can get in their rear. If you have mounted men send them to the support of Captain Adam, Ninth Illinois. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Colonel MIZNER, Columbia: Please send following dispatch to Colonel Cummings at Calleoka: Fortify your position. Hold your men well together. The enemy are approach- ing Elk River, and may swing round onto some of the bridges. Keep all detach- ments in camp and be on the alert. G. M. DODGE. 1~rigadier-Ge~eral Page 224 224 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Colonel MIZNER, Columbia: We are still holding Athens, and with troops now there I think we will succeed. The first report from there was partly wrong. The trains only left. The troops stopped and were still fighting when last heard from. All my mounted men went to Florence and Colbert Reserve to attack Johnson. I expect them to fall upon the rear of the force that crossed at Browns Ferry. A small detach- ment of the Ninth still hold Athens, but now are re-enforced by Kempers pioneer corps and the bridge-builders near there. I can hold all my points, but have nothing to follow up with unless troops at Florence get after them. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Colonel MIZNER, 6tolumbia: The enemy have taken Athens and are coming this wayfour regiments and battery. All my mounted force is at Florence. Watch to the west close. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. L. H. ROUSSEAU, Nashville: The enemy crossed the river last night; attacked Athens this morn- ing and were defeated, and are now trying to get back. The troops at Athens had mostly gone to Florence to attack John- sons force, and Colonel Hannon, with 600 rebels and two pieces of artillery, took advantage of it, but got badly pricked up. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, Pulaski, Tenn., January 26, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICERS OF DETACHMENTS, Wales Station and Nances Mills: It is reported that the enemy have crossed the Tennessee River in considerable force, and have taken Athens. Be on the alert. Strengthen your position as much as possible, and communicate to these headquarters if anything occurs. By order of T. W. Sweeny, brigadier-general, commanding: JAMES DAVIDSON, Lieutenant and Aide-de-C~amp. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Tenn., January 26, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER DETACHMENT, Richland: The enemy have crossed the river and taken Athens. Have every ii~n on the Ldert, the bridges closely guarded, ~nd the greatest par Page 225 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 225 of your mounted men to the front, keeping an eye out for the enemy, who will probably move up the line of railroad. Keep open commu- nication with these headquarters by couriers. By order of T. W. Sweeny, brigadier-general, commanding: LOUIS H. EVERTS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND DIvIsIoN, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Tenn., January 26, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER Co. OF 18TH Mo. VOLS., This side of Reynolds Station, at Richiand creek: The enemy has crossed the Tennessee River and taken Athens, Ala. Be on the alert, and communicate to these headquarters any impor- tant information that you may receive, and act ~s circumstances may direct. In case of an attack or demonstration by a superior force of the enemy fall back on this place. By order of T. W. Sweeny, brigadier-general, commanding: LOUIS H. EVERTS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Teun., January 26, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Nanees Mills: It is reported that the enemy have crossed the Tennessee River in considerable force and have taken Athens. Be on the alert. Keep your mounted men well out, and in case of attack by too large a force for you to resist fall back on Lynuville or nearest station. By order of T. W. Sweeny, brigadier-general, commanding: JAMES DAVIDSON, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Gamp. PULASKI, TENN., January 26, 1864. Major-General LOGAN and Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Huntsville: Three regiments of cavalry and one of infantry with battery drove my forces out of Athens and are now following them up toward Elk River. Cannot you fall on their flanks? G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. SooY SMITH, Chief of cavalry: GENERAL: The whole infantry force on the railroad will be in motion for Meniphis to-morrow. Such points as you desire to retain for convenience of the cavalry you will control. As soon as the in- fantry is off you will take charge of trains on the road. ~3. A. HURLBUT, Major-General. 143 R RVQL XXXII, PT I Page 226 226 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CaAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE Memphis, January 26, 1864. (Received 27th.) Major-General HURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: For the reasons agreed this morning at our conversation you will please order the brigade of General Buckland, of Tuttles division, to remain at Memphis and not to embark with the rest of the division. Please order this brigade (Bucklands) and part of the force heretofore assigned as the garrison of the post of Memphis in all, say, 2,000 mento make a camp back of the town, and be ready at a moments notice to move in the direction of Hernando or Holly Springs in connection with the cavalry. I am, with great respect, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Contmanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Capt. E. K. OWEN, Memphis, January 26, 1864. U. S. Navy, Commanding Louisville: DEAR CAPTAIN: I have this moment received a letter from Ad- miral Porter inclosing an order, of which the following is a copy Lieut. Commander E. K. OWEN, CAIRo, January 24, 1564. Commanding Louisville, and Fifth Div. Mississippi Squadron: SIR: You will without delay carry out the wishes of General Sherman in ascend- ing the Yazoo to such point as he may direct, with every light-draught vessel you can raise. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. I will be down in a day or two and would like then a few light- draught boats to ascend the Yazoo as far as Tehula, Honey Island, or even Greenwood, according to the stage of water. I propose to send along a small force in transports, more as a diversion than a real movement. I will come in the Juliet, which I suppose will com- pose one of the number. The boat I spoke to you in coming up will have reconnoitered in part. If you do not receive by this a copy of the admirals order, I will on meeting you give you my original copy, which has the admirals signature. I would like if you would be ready, as to coal, & c., by Thursday or Friday. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, January 26, 1864. Admiral D. D. PORTER, tiiommanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo: DEAR ADMIRAL: I received last night at the hands of Captain ONeil your letter of the 24th instant, with copies of your order to Lieutemrnt-Commander Owen, of th~ Louisville. I wrote a note t Page 227 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 2~7 Captain Owen last night, which was dispatched to him by the Juliet, and all T ask of him is three or four light-draught boats to feel np the Yazoo with all cantion as to the enemy and as to the stage of water. We are all ready now to start, and only wait intelligence of a body of cavalry which is coming down from Columbus. I will be off to-morrow, and hope to reach Meridian by February 10. I do not think it to onr interest to go beyond that point now till we can take Mobile and the Alabama River. I will be back in Vicksburg Thont March 25, and then if the water favor us we might look np the Red River. I have written to Generals Steele and Banks, and by a concert of action we shonld clear ont Red River as high as Shreve- port by April. We should not fail to nse the present season of high water, and the orders from the War Department will, I think, enable ns to act in full concert with you. I will write yon again from Vicks- bnrg. The river is very low, bnt, of course, as soon as the snow melts all the streams will rise, and it may be continue np into June. I am, with great respect, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, Div. OF THE Mississippi, Memphis, January 26, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, FOURTH U. S. CAVALRY, La Grange: March your regiment to Collierville. On your arrival there report by telegraph for orders. By order of Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith: WM. H. INGERTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Major EASTMAN, Vicksburg, Miss., January 26, 1864. Commanding ~Javalry, Red Bone Church: MAJOR: It is reported to me on good authority that a party of Whitakers band. say 15 or 20, contemplate crossing the Big Black to-night in the vicinity of Halls or Regans Ferries, and will l)lOba- bly come over to Mrs. Stowes place, or possibly to Nelian Klines. I desire you to entrap and catch these outlaws, if you can. I am also well satisfied that the Kline family, aud especially Miss Kline, are guilty of acting in bad faith toward our Government and imparting information to the enemy. You will, therefore, take immediate steps to put the whole family across the Big Black, not to return to this side without written per- mission from the proper military authorities, under penalty of being dealt with as spies. They will be permitted to take their household furniture and l)rivate clothing, and a complete invent9ry will be taken of what re- mains and a guard placed over it until it can be turned over to the U. S. Treasury agent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-Ger& era Page 228 ~228 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ar/c., January 26, 1864. Capt. HENRY N. PAYNE, Comdg. Liberia Guards, 4/h Ark. Vets., African Descent: SIR: It is rel)orte(l that the rebel Colonel Forrest constructed a raft and made a raid on Island No. 68, last night. You will embark your company oii the S. B. Bertha at 11 a. m. and proceed to the island, where on arrival you will ascertain all the facts and co-operate with Captain Holibaugh. You will take such steps as the contingency demands, using a sound discretion, and return and report as soon as practicable. Your obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Brigadier- Generat, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 18. Knoxville, Tenn., January 26, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. H. M. Judah, U. S. Volunteers, having been assigned to the command of the Second Division of this corps, by paragraph 7 of Special Orders, No. 25, current series, from head- quarters Department of the Ohio, and having reported at these head- quarters for duty, will assume the command of that division, reliev- ing Brig. Gen. M. D. Manson, U. S. Volunteers, who will report in person to these headquarters. II. In accordance with paragraph 9, Department Special Orders, No. 25, current series, Lieut. J. P. Denny, One hundredth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, is hereby detailed to take charge of those men belonging to the regiments and batteries belonging or tempo- rarily attached to this corps which have re-enlisted and been fur- loughed as veteran volunteers, and who desire to re-enlist as such. These men will be gathered together in squads, and upon being re-enlisted and mustered in, or upon signing an agreement to re- enlist similar to that signed by the miien of their respective regiments or batteries, will be sent to those commands to be furloughed. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: ED. D. SAUNDERS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. LEFT WING, 16TH ARMY CORPS, No. 26. Pulaski, Teun., January 26, 1864. * * * * * * IV. In compliance with General Orders, No. 4, current series, 1863, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, the following- named citizens of Giles County, Tenn., will be assessed, and the amounts set opposite their names collected from them, respectively, for the support of Union refugees coming within the lines of this command: Thomas Martin $250 Dr. Batte 100 Charles Abernathy 250 2Robert Dickson 25 Page 229 Ca& x. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNTON. 229 J. ii. Newbell . $100 J. M. Morris . 100 David Reynolds 250 B. Abernathy 200 Thomas D. Bailey 200 Col. J. B. Weaver, Second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, commanding post at Pulaski, Tenn., is hereby charged with the exe- cution of this order. By order of Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge: J. W. BARNES, Assistant A6~jutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. CAy. Div., 16TH ARMY CORPS, No. 30. Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1864. I. Col. J. K. Mizner will immediately cause the Third Michigan Cavalry to be mustered as veteran volunteers and move with them to Memphis, turning over those of the Third Michigan and Seventh Kansas who have not re-enlisted to the Second Iowa Cavalry at Memphis. The dismounted men of the First Alabama Cavalry will be sent by rail, with their camp and garrison equipage, to Mem- phis; the mounted men will move by common road to the same point. II. Col. Edward Prince, commanding Seventh Illinois Cavalry, will, as soon as the infantry shall have left La Grange, send his train with camp and garrison equipage and sufficient escort by wagon road to Germantown, Tenn., and such surplus stores as cannot be carried in wagons will be sent by rail. Colonel Prince will then remain with the effective force of his command, except guard for train, at La Grange until further orders. * * * * * * * By order of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 10. ~. Memphis, January 26, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. Isaac F. Shepard, U. S. Volunteers, will proceed to Vicksburg and report to Brigadier-General Hawkins for orders. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp. SAINT Louis, Mo., January 27, 1864. (Received 6.30 p. in.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Understanding that General Schofield is ordered to report to me, I would request that he he assigned to the command of the Depart- ment of the Ohio and General Stoneman to command of Twenty Page 230 230 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND ~. GA. [Onip. XLIV. third Army Corps. No objection to General Foster, but I fear that if he does not attend soon to his wounded leg it will be too late, and he is now entirely unfit for field duty. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., Maj. Gen. ~ ~. GRANT, January 27, 18(47.50 p. m. Saint Louis, Mo.: Your telegram of this date to General Halleck has just been re- ceived. According to your request General Schofield is assigned to the command of the Department of the Ohio and General Foster relieved. General Stoneman is assigned to the command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. The official orders will be transmitted to-morrow, the Generahin-Chief having gone to his residence in the country this evening. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, January 27, 18647.40 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Saint Louis: Some apprehension being expressed that the armies in the West may be too much weakened by sending home the regiments that have re-enlisted, it may be well to suggest that this Department leaves it to the discretion of the commanding general what propor- tion of troops shall be furloughed at any one time. You will, there- fore, give instructions that will prevent the armies under your com- mand from being reduced beyond what you consider safe. Pray let me hear how you find your sons health. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 27, 1864. Maj. Gem JOHN G. PARKE, Gommanding Ninth Army Corps: SIR: The commanding general is each day receiving numerous communications from the loyal inhabitants of Eastern Tennessee, complaining that the troops are robbing them of all their means of subsistence. The gener~l commanding is obliged to refer corps commanders again to the importance of protecting these unfortu- nate people as far as they can, and directs that their officers take prompt measures to guard against this evil. Officers impressing forage and subsistence must see that enough is left th3 citizens to prevent their suffering during the coming winter. Corps command- ers will be held responsible for the enforcement of this order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. (Same to Gordon Granger. Page 231 ChAP. XLIV.1 231 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: The enemy is evidently retiring from my front. Please report what he is doing in front of you. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS, Dickeys house, Janaary 27, 18645 p. m. Colonel McCooK, Cavalry Division: It will be impossible for the enemy to obtain water in his present position, so that he will be forced to fall back or fight to-morrow under unfavorable circumstances. We must not let him rest. We are ordered to hold this country, and we must either drive him out or be driven out ourselves. We can drive him out, I think, if we can judge of to-morrow by the operations of to-day. Please watch the road on your right. Wolford has two companies at the bridge. Garrard is here. S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS, Sevierville, January 27, 18645.50 a. m. Col. E. M. McCooK: COLONEL: I have directed Colonel Wolford to move up at dawn to Flat Creek. I have ordered two howitzers to join him. You will please attack the enemy in your front vigorously at day- light, and if you gain any advantao~e over him push him as hard as possible. Colonel La Grange is ij miles in your rear, ready to act in any direction as the approach of day may ren(ler necessary. Respectfully, ~. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. DR. HODSDENS, TENN.. January 27, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Seventh Kentucky Cavalry: You will maintain your position at the ford till further orders. If obliged to fall back, which you must only do when actually forced back, you must give timely notice to Colonel McCook before doing so. Keep a good lookout to your right. By command of Col. E. M. McCook: JNO. PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 232 232 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, Mt~., AtA., AM) Th GA. rdHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS, Sevierville, January 27, 18649.30 a. m. Colonel MCCOOK, Cavalry I)irnswn: COLONEL: There is a road leading from Yetts around your right by MeMahons to this place. It is probably i~- miles across to it. I have requested Colonel Palmer to send a picket to McMahous, but it will be well to watch the movements in that direction, and if nec- essary detach a small force to watch and guard it. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STUIRGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Dickeys House, January 27, 1864. Col. E. M. MCCOOK, C~omdg. Cavalry Division, Army of the Gumberland: COLONEL: You will move your division to the support of Colonels Wolford and Garrard at precisely 5 oclock in the morning. Colonels Wolford and Garrard have been ordered to attack as soon as you come up. By command of Brigadier-General Sturgis: WM. C. RAWOLLE, Captain, Aide-de-Camp, a?id Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERs DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, Cumberland Gap, Teun., January 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: In addition to what I reported on the 25th instant, I have the honor to state that Colonel Kise, commanding forces at Tazewell, and whom I had authorized, upon his informing me per telegraph that after consulting with his field officers he believed he should move his forces immediately in the direction of Powells River, to exercise his own discretion, fell back to Powells River bridge (on the road leading from here to Tazewell) yesterday morn- ing, believing the enemy near him in force. However, up to this morning no enemy is known to have been near Tazewell. While I am writing this, Colonel Kise telegraphs that his scouts report the ciziemys pickets within i~ miles this side of Tazewell. At Balls Bridge, Va., 12 miles up the valley, the Third Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, is stationed. My scouts were near Mulberry Gap three days ago; citizens rep- resented Jones having passed there with a large force of cavalry in the direction of Jonesville, Va., though nothing has been heard of him since. I consider it my duty to mention that articles of subsistence are decidedly scarce here at this time, the commissary department being nearly exhausted and no commissary stores having left Camp Nel- son by the 25th instant for this post, although repeated applications had been made by the commiss ry of this post to the commissary a Page 233 ORAP. XIJV.1 COPJPOXDt~NCE, ETC.tTNIOiN. Camp Nelson for rations, which applications have not been replied to until after my arrival. I believe 100 head of cattle will be here in two days from Camp Nelson. The country aronnd here is so entirely eaten ont of everything that I had to send forage train (with gnard of infantry and cavalry) 22 miles from here, in the direction of Jackson, to try to get forage and meal, flour, and bacon for the troops at this post. To recrnit the deficiency of the troops and to diminish the consump- tion of forage, I have ordered all unserviceable and inferior horses to be tnrned over to the quartermaster of this post, by him to be sent to the rear, and authorized Colonel Love, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, to dismount the Twenty-seventh Kentucky Mounted Infantry, and turn all the horses over to the Eleventh Kentucky Mounted Infantry. I have also ordered the com- manding officer of the Second North Carolina Mounted Infantry to have all the horses of his regiment (probably 30 in all) turned over to Colonel Loves cavalry brigade. In my opinion a few mounted men in a regiment only tend to de- moralize the remainder, create confusion, and cause straggling, to the injury of the service and the annoyance of the citizens. When I passed through the country here, previous to my arrival here, I met an almost continuous stream of stragglers, principally belong- ing to Tennessee regiments. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. T. GARRARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding District of the Clinch. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 27, 186410 p. m. (Received 1.20 a. in., 28th.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Colonel Boone, with a force of 450 men (Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry and Fourth Michigan Cavalry), left Rossville January 21; moved through McLemores Cove, and crossed Look- out Mountain into Broomtown Valley; thence across Taylors Ridge to 8 miles beyond Dirt Towmi, toward Dalton, and attacked a camp of home guards, Colonel Culberson commanding, routing them, destroying camp, considerable number of arms and other property, and returned to camp without any casualties in his force. Friday, January 22, sent a flag of truce, under Colonel Burke, Tenth Ohio Infantry, with rebel surgeons, and a proposition to exchange our wounded at Atlanta for rebel wounded here. Messenger from Col- onel Burke returned for rations Monday morning, January 25, hav- ing left the party the day before 10 miles below La Fayette, still going forward, not having met any rebel pickets. I shall send an expedition toward Dalton to-morrow, and ascertain if the rebels have fallen back from there, as reported. A dispatch from Col. A. 0. Miller, Seventy-second Indiana, com- manding division, dated Blue Water, 26th, via Pulaski, 27th, says: Johnsons brigade, of Roddeys command, crossed the Tennessee River at Bain- bridge, 3 miles above, and Newport Ferry, 0 miles below Florence, intending to make a junction with a brigade of infantry which was expected to cross the rive Page 234 234 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. at Lambs and Browns Ferries, and thence proceed to Athens and capture our forces there. We engaged them near Florence, routed them, killing 15, wounding quite a number and taking them prisoners, among them 3 commissioned officers; our loss, 10 wounded. Prisoners report Corinth evacuated and burned. GEO. H. THOMAS, lljijajor- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, January 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. C. DAVIS, Commanding Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: General Thomas directs a reconnaissance to be made to-morrow toward Riuggold and Dalton by the cavalry now at Ross- ville, to be supported by two brigades of your command. Your troops (two brigades) will move at daylight and cross Chickamauga Creek, and if the cavalry have not before that passed halt until they do so, and will then follow at supporting distance. The men will carry three days rations and 6() rounds of ammuni- tion. Will leave here at daylight and join you as soon as possible thereafter. Jf you have a battery in condition to march with the column you will take it along. One section is, perhaps, indispensable. Respectfully, JOHN M. PALMER, Major- General. SCOTTSBOROUGH, January 27, 1864. Major-General THOMAS, Commanding Department of the Cumberland: Can I get twenty pontoon boats at Bridgeport? It will require that many to complete my bridge. Will notify you when done. I sent six regiments across at Larkins Landing in boats at 10 last night. They went within 5 miles of Lebanon to-day. The people are panic-stricken and leaving rapidly. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General. STEVENSON, January 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps: It is important that you commence your movement in pursuance of previous instructions at once. If you are likely to be delayed on account of lumber for your pontoon bridge send to Chattanooga, where it can be obtained; shall have it rafted down. Sherman moved on the 25th instant. Communicate freely with General Thomas. Do you return to Scottsborough this evening? If so, I will come out. Please answer. By order of General Grant: Very respectfully, JOHN A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General Page 235 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 235 WHITESIDES, January 27, 1864. General WHIPPLE: I arrived here this morning. Colonel Groses brigade will reach Lookout Valley this evening. Cruft will be 3 miles toward Chatta- nooga from this. The Third Brigade will get to this point. The road is the worst I ever saw, and it is with the greatest difficulty we can get our wagons and cannon over it. I will try and reach Chat- tanooga to-morrow. D. S. STANLEY, Major- General. PULASKI, January 27, 1864. Maj. R. M. SAWYER: I send my mounted force into Colbert Reserve to-morrow. We must get those men ont of there. Will you have that infantry down so as to cover the junction? Also, camot Colonel Biggs, at Moores- ville, send a few companies down to Browns Ferry to watch that front while my men are gone? If the Third U. S. Cavalry conld move to Athens to stay there three or fonr (lays until Phillips returns it would secure that point. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 27, 1864. Col. GEORGE E. SPENCER, Athens: I think that all the mounted force we can raise should move im- mediately into Colbert Reserve and clean out the enemy. It will not do for ns to let them remain there. Two regiments of infantry are on their way to the junction of the railroad south of Athens, and they will not cross again right off. The ferries can be picketed while the force is absent. Did Phillips and Sheldon meet the enemy? How strong does Colonel Miller say they are, and whose command? G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. PULASKI, TENN., January 27, 1864. Col. GEORGE E. SPENCER, Athens: I desire to know what force there is at Florence and Colbert Re- serve. It appears to me that the fight there indicates a strong force in that direction. If the report that Major Park sent up, that there were two regiments opposite Mooresville, is true, it indicates a lar6e force south of the river~ and if Corinth is evacuated it leaves Geii- eral Forrest at liberty to operate on us. I will try to leave six or eight companies of the Eighteenth Missouri with Phillips. He must watch all the fords close. It appears to me that Phillips, Shel- don, Miller, and the U. S. Cavalry should move to Colbert Reserve and whip out the enemy. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General Page 236 1~ZY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. LOITAP. XLIV. PULASKI, TENN., January 27, 1864. Col. GEORGE E. SPENCER, Athens: It is probable I can leave seven companies of Eighteenth Missouri with Phillips by mounting the company now at Pike bridge. The two regiments of infantry sent to the junction of the railroad will aid them some. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier. General. PULASKI, TENN., January 27, 1864. Colonel SPENCER, Athens: Let Phillips go and take all the men lie can. I will get Sawyer to order Moore to send a force to Browns Ferry. Tell Phillips to keep me posted in his movememits, and to have patrols kept out day and night while he is gone. Is the Third U. S. Cavalry at Athens? Phillips must be very watchful, for he knows I will have no men mounted to support him. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 27, 1864. Col. GEORGE E. SPENCER, Athens: Have Phillips go. I sent dispatch for him to go this a. m. I have requested Captain Sawyer to push some infantry down to the junction, to send the Third U. S. Cavalry to Athens to remain while Phillips is gone, also to order companies from Mooresville to Browns Ferry, but I have no answer as yet. You better remain there until I get an answer. At any rate keep out scouting parties on the roads and watch those ferries. I think Phillips can whip all on this side, but they appear to have good facilities for crossing and getting information. Do you think the attack was intended on Athens until after they knew Phillips had gone? G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. SECOND DIV., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Tenn., January 27, 1864. Col. MADISON MILLER, Eighteenth Missouri luf. Vols., Gomndg. Third Brig.: You will throw out a scouting party of mounted men on the Lambs Ferry and Lawrenceburg roads without delay. Scouting parties will be thrown out on the same roads fromn this place. In- strmict the officers in commamid of the i)arties sent out by you of this fact. These parties must not go too far, but must gain all informa- tion in their power; the same to be forwarded to these headquarters or to headquarters Left Wing without delay. You will also keep out small patrols on each of the above-named roads day amid night. The same will be done from this place. By order of T. W. Sweeny, brigadier-general commanding: LOUIS H. EVERTS, (Jctptain and Assistant Adjutant-General Page 237 CEAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 23Z HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pttlask~i, Teun., January 27, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER. Third Brigade: You will immediately order the company of the Eighteenth Mis- souri Infantry Volunteers, flow stationed at bridge at Reynolds Sta- tion (or guarding bridge over Richland Creek, near that place), to join their regiment at this place without delay, bringing with them all camp and garrison equipage, ammunition, & c. By order of T. W. Sweeny, brigadier-general commanding: LOUIS H. EVERTS, Gaptain and Assistant Adjutant- General. PULASKI, TENN., January 27, 1864. Colonel MIZNER, (Jolumbia: Colonel Miller had a severe fight yesterday near Florence; our loss, 15 killed, 25 wounded. Prisoners taken say Corinth has been evacuated and burned by our forces. If tbis is so we will have a large cavalry force then upon us. I wish you would send scouting parties 20 or 30 miles to the southwest, say on the Waynesborough pike. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. PULASKI, TENN., January 27, 1864. Col. GEORGE E. SPENCER, Athens: The scouts that were out with the Eighteenth Missouri have just come in. Johnsons men followed up Miller, and some 15 of them attacked the scouts this morning at Fosters house, on Lambs Ferry road. The scouts killed 2, 1 of whom was found. Dispatches show that Johnson has other regiments beside his own on this side of Tennessee River, though Colonel Phillips knows best what he has. It appears to me that Colonel Miller should have cleaned those men out if he had as many as they did. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., January 27, 1864. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: In compliance with suggestions from Major-General Halleck, to report to the Secretary of War the condition of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad at this time and its prospects, I have the honor to submit the following facts as reported to me officially: Lient. Col. J. L. Donaldson reports only 30 engines and 240 freight cars on the 15th instant, the day on which the road was opened to this place Page 238 238 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Mr. Anderson should have had on hand at that time at least dou- ble the number of engines and cars. The number he now has is barely safficient to keep this depot supplied with the necessary forage and commissary stores for the troops of the Army of the Cumberland. You will perceive by reading my letter to Mr. Ander- son (dated January 18) that I have stated to him what I considered the least number of locomotives and cars which should be employed on this and connecting roads. This letter was addressed to him at his request that I would order him to supply and stock the road over and above what he then had on hand. 1 informed him at the time that he had full authority from the Secretary of War to purchase what he needed to put the road in the most efficient condition, but that if he wished to be forti- fied by my suggestion that I would willingly give it; but by the terms of the Secretarys letter of appointment I had no authority to give him orders. But his rolling-stock was in no way adequate to the demands which had already been made on him for transporta- tion, and as those demands would be increased threefold by the time the season for active operations would commence, that he ought to take the proper measures to procure the necessary appliances at once. I wish, moreover, to state that as yet the proper organization of the repairing parties has not been made, so far as I can learn, but the soldiers are still engaged in cutting cross-ties, wood, and doing other work on the road from which they should have been relieved by the 1st of the month. I endeavored to impress upon Mr. Ander- son, when I saw him last, that in cases of emergency my whole army was at his service to repair or protect the road, but when once in order lie must have on hand the necessary force to keep it in repair. That he could not depend on the soldiers as laborers on any other occasions. I inclose herewith copies of letters addressed by me to Major-General Grant and Mr. Anderson on the stocking and management of this road, which I believe covers the principal points of complaint. It is right and just to state that, so far as I am at present informed, the road was in very bad condition when Mr. An- derson took charge of it in October last, and it is possible he may have done all that was possible to get it in its present condition; but unless he takes very prompt measures at once we shall be very seriously embarrassed in the spring for want of the necessary means of transporting supplies to this army and the Army of the Ohio, now in East Tennessee. I am~ colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, January 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. P. BUCKLAND, Commanding District of Memphis.~ DEAR GENERAL: As I am about to leave and you are to remain, I desire to express to you personally the confidence I have in your integrity, judgment, and good sense. You know how much stress I have put on honesty in the character of an U. S. officer. Mer- chants naturally make gains; it is their calling; but an officer ha Page 239 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, 110.UNION. 239 a salary and nothing else, and if you see by an officers style of liv- ing or any external symptoms that he is spending more than his pay, or if yon observe him interested in the personal affairs of busi- ness men, stop it and send him to some other duty. Do not let officers settle down into comfortable homes, but make camps and collect in them all the floating mass and send them to their regiments. Make an order that all officers arriving at Memphis, to remain over twenty-four hours, must call at your headquarters and register their names and business, and all soldiers must do the same. You can confer in the most friendly spirit with the people here and in the country. Assnre them that if they act in good faith to the United States we will fully reciprocate. They must, however, act. Good will of itself is of no value in war. As an army we will take care of all large hostile bodies, but can- not undertake to do the work of police. We have heretofore done too much of this, and you can in your own way gradually do less and less of it till finally the city and county authorities can take it all off our hands. Memphis, as a military depot. must be held with the tenacity of life. The fort must be impregnable, the river secnre, and the levee, and incidentally the town, or so much of it as gives storage and offices; but if these are at all in danger move them to the cover of the fort. Encourage the militia in all manner of ways. I know the poorer classes, the workiugmen, are Union, and I would not mind the croakings of the richer classes. The power is passing from their hands and they talk of the vulgarity of the new r6gime, but such arguments will be [lost] on you. Power and success will soon re- place this class of grumblers, and they will gradually disappear as a political power. Let the Treasury officers regulate the trade, and only interfere so far as to prevent the enemy getting supplies of arms, powder, shoes, & c. If the intercourse between town and country be too free it will enable you in like manner to keep your spies well ont. They can keep you advised of the movements of Forrest, Newsom, and others, but I think after we get in motion these fellows will break for a safe country. General W. S. Smith will move with a heavy force of cavalry to sweep these parties away, but some may let him pass and try to feel Memphis for plunder. You might assemble your brigade at Ger- mantown and let it move toward the Tallahatchie at the same time with Sniith, and when he has made a good start they should return to some point, say the Nonconnah, and act as a guard, but you can act best when you observe the effect of our move. You might have a few spies at Panola and Grenada all the time. Keep this brigade as strong as you can, ready in case I order it to move to Grenada in connection with a force to ascend the Yazoo. Encourage the influx of good laboring men, but give the cold shoulder to the greedy speculators and drones. The moment these accumulate so as to trouble you conscript them. In like manner, if gamblers, pickpockets, and rowdies come, make a chain gang to clean the streets and work the levee. General Hurlbnt still commands your corps, but will be mostly in the field. Truly, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, .Niajor- Gerteral Page 240 240 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. MEMPHIS, January 27, 1864. Col. J. K. MIZNER, La Grange, Teun.: Move your command, including First Alabama Cavalry, to Mem- phis as soon as possible. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. MEMPHIS, January 27, 1864. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Coilierville, Tenn.: Send patrols from La Grange and Collierville as far as line of Coldwater, and from Germantown to Olive Branch. Report me any inf0rmation they may obtaTh, particularly the state of the roads. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 27, 1864. Captain WOODWARD: Scouts returned from Coldwater report the roads in very bad condition to Olive Branch, but somewhat better to Quinns Mill. Scouts from here brought in a prisoner of the Seventeenth Mis- sissippi. He reports Forrest, Chalmers, Richardson, Slemons, and others at Como. McCulloch, with 800 men, at Ferries Bridge, 8 miles south of Byhalia, and Kentucky Faulkner at Ingrahams Mills, and a small force at New Albany, says all troops south of Talla- hatchie. Later reports corroborated by a reliable citizen; patrols of the enemy came to Coldwater three times a day. W. P. CALLON, Lieutenant and Aide-dc-Camp. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 27, 1864. Capt. T. H. HARRIS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Sixteenth Army Corps, illiemphis: SIR: Having just received a communication addressed to me by Lieut. Col. W. H. Thurston, assistant inspector-general, by direc- tion of Major-General Hurlbut, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, informing me that by orders received from Major-General Sherman the entire cavalry command is now under my control, I would re- spectfully request copies of such orders as may now be in force con- trolling the movements of any portion of the command. Also, that all cavalry officers and men on detached service who can possibly be spared from the duties to which they have been assigned may be immediately ordered to duty with their commands. A report of the cavalry not heretofore embraced in General Grierson 5 command, except the brigade that I brought with me from Middle Tennessee, will likewise be necessary to a proper understanding of the com- mand turned over to me by the communication and orders referred to. I hope the hurry incident to your own movement will not ren- der it impracticable for you to comply with these requests. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. SOGY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of C~avalry, lUll. Div. of the Miss Page 241 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 241 MEMPHIS, TENN., January 2~, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, In charge of Cavalry Bureau, Saint Louis, Mo.: SIR: Your favor of the 21st instant is jUst received. Up to the present time 818 horses have arrived here since Captain Hudsons visit to Saint Louis. I wrote you upon his return several days ago that it would not be necessary to divert shipments to this point which could not reach us before February 1. We shall certainly get off on our contemplated expedition before that time. The num- ber of horses estimated for in this department by its chief quarter- master was 2,000, and this number, including those already sent, will, I think, completely mount all the dismounted cavalry of this department. Recruits for cavalry regiments are arriving freely, and this will swell our requisitions for a couple of months to come. I will as far as possible procure horses from the regions of country traversed by our cavalry. The inspector ordered to examine the horses we have just received from you reports them to be a good lot; much better than those heretofore received. I can hardly advise as to the distribution of the horses purchased for our army, as since my assignment to duty as General Grants chief of cavalry I have not been able to get the estimates from the several depart- ments. These estimates, I am informed, have gone forward to Washington, and I hope the necessary instructions have been sent from the Cavalry Bureau. As soon as the next estimates come in I can advise you. In the mean time I would, in the absence of instruc- tions, take the last estimates as a basis, and send a pro rata allow- ance to each department if the full requisitions cannot be filled. I inclose you a copy of an order* designed to secure better care for our horses. A few prompt dismissals of unfaithful officers will have a very salutary effect. The quartermasters department must by some means keep our cavalry better supplied with forage, or no sur- prise should be indulged in or expressed at the rapid destruction of our animals. Yours, truly, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cay., Mil. Div. of the Miss. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Teun., January 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE, La Grange, Teun.: Give the loading and shipment your personal attention. Push everything and everybody. Promptness and speed must be used. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Teun., January 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE, La Grange, lenn.: The First Brigade (Bucklands) of your division is temporarily detached, by order of Major-General Sherman. S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. * Not found. 16 R RYQT~ XXXII, PT I Page 242 242 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HDQRS. COMPANY E, SEVENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, La Grange, Tenn., January 27, 1864. Adjutant Seventh Illinois Cavalry: Sin: In pursuance of orders from regimental headquarters this day to patrol the road to Coidwater with 15 men, I proceeded at 10 o~clock this day on the Holly Springs road, 5 miles from this place; (liscovered 4 rebels to the left of the road near a cotton-gin. They being so far in advance pursuit was useless. Following the road to Hndsons lane, we discovered abont 15 or 20 mounted men to onr left and rather to onr rear, in line. From the appearance of the tracks in the road infront and to the left of the road we were on I judge that there was a column of near 100 in the immediate vicin- ity. I was informed that there were 75 at that point yesterday, and at the present time 500 men encamped at Coldwater. Thinking it not prudent to proceed farther, we returned to camp. The roads are in good condition generally. The information I consider reliable. Very respectfully, JOHN ETHERIDGE, Second Lieutenant Company E, ~Jomdg. Expedition. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 27, 1864. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Collierville: Move the Seventh Illinois Cavalry to Germantown as soon as pos- sible. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 17. Chattanooga, Tenn., January 27, 1864. I. The following organization of the engineer department of the Army of the Cumberland is announced to the army for the informa- tion of all concerned: The department~ consists of the following branches: The military engineers of the staff; The topographical engineers of the staff; The engineer troops of the line. The military engineers of the staff of the general commanding consist of the following officers: Capt. William E. Merrill, U. S. Engineers, chief engineer; First Lient. George Burroughs, U. S. Engineers; First Lieut. Henry C. Wharton, U. S. Engineers; First Lient. William J. Twining, U. S. Engineers. The topographical engineers of the department staff are: Capt. William E. Merrill, Engineers, chief; Capt. W. C. Margedant, Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, superin- tendent topographical engineer office; Lient. G. A. Baner, Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry Page 243 Cirn. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 243 The engineer troops of the line are as follows: The Pioneer Brigade, commanded by Col. George P. Buell, Fifty- eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; The Engineer Brigade (Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Thir- teenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Twenty-first Michigan Vol- unteer Infantry, Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry), commanded by Col. T. R. Stanley, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; The Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, commanded by Colonel innes. The engineer troops will receive their orders either directly from the general commanding or through the chief engineer. The latter is the official channel for the issue, in the name of the commanding general, of all orders pertaining to engineer operations. All official communications relating to the engineer service will be forwarded to department headquarters through the proper staff officerthe chief engineer. The ordinary returns of the different engineer troops will be forwarded direct to the adjutant-generals office, but the chief engineer may at any time call for returns, whenever he requires information as to the strength of the varions engineer commands. II. Lieutenant Keller, acting assistant quartermaster, Engineer Brigade, in addition to his other duties, will act as depot engineer quartermaster until such an officer can be appointed. The depot engineer quartermaster will receive orders only from the chief engi- neer or his assistants. All requisitions from the quartermasters of engineer troops on the depot engineer quartermaster must come through the chief engineer. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 12. ]lliemphis, January 27, 1864. I. The Memphis and Charleston Railroad will be broken up and the cars, locomotives, and all machinery that would be useful to the Nashville and Decatur Railroad will be sent by steam-boat to Nash- ville and delivered to the agent of Mr. Anderson, superintendent of the railroads in this military division. II. Two locomotives and ten box cars will be retained in Memphis for use in supplying the picket station out on the road. III. The expenses incurred in the execution of this order will come out of the funds now in the hands of the quartermaster of the road; but in case they are insufficient Captain Eddy will provide transpor- tation and funds to complete the change. IV. General J. D. Webster will superintend the execution of this order, and make any further directions necessary to carry out its objects with as much celerity as possible, and having completed the bnsiness will rejoin the general commanding wherever he may be. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON Captain and Aide-de& amp Page 244 244 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND IN. GA. [CHAP XLIV. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 31. Memphis, Teun., January 27, 1864. * * * * * * VI. Brig. Gen. J. D. Stevenson will report to Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch, commanding Fourth Division, and will then proceed to Pu- laski, Tenn., there to assume command of the portion of the division at that place. The quartermasters department will furnish necessary transportation for self, two servants, and three horses. * * * * * * * X.l. Brig. Gen. R. P. Buckland will assume command of the District of Memphis, including Fort Pillow. He will use his white troops for pickets as far as possible, the colored regiments being held in reserve. The brigade of enrolled militia will be subject to his orders, and armed, equipped, and put on duty where he shall so direct. The entire property of the city of Memphis will be held responsible for the safe-keeping of the arms and good conduct of the enrolled militia. 2. The city of Memphis will be held at all events, and will be de- stroyed before permitting it to fall into rebel hands. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. llurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SAINT LouIs, January 28, 18649 a. m. (Received 6.40 p. in.) Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: No more veterans are to be fnrloughed from the Department of the Cumberland except as those now absent return; from the Depart- ment of the Ohio not until Longstreet is driven from Tennessee. My son has passed the crisis of his disease, but is so much reduced that it will take months to restore him to his strength. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. WASHINGTON, January 28, 18641.24 p. in. Major-General GRANT, Saint Louis, Mo.: Major-General Sedgwick telegraphs that two brigades of Ewells corps have left for Johnston or Longstreet, one on the 20th and one on the 25th. Assistant Adjutant-General Anderson telegraphs from Lexington of an expected raid by Morgan through Stone or Sounding Gap, into Kentucky. H. ~. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. SAINT LouIs, Mo., January 28, 1864. (Received 9.45 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Before leaving Chattanooga I directed one division to move between the Chickamauga and the Hiwassee to cover the river~ and to be on Page 245 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOTh 245 the road if it should prove necessary to re-enforce Foster. Thomas was to make a demonstration toward Dalton at the same time. These moves may induce the enemy to re-enforce Johnston, as his army is rapidly dissolving by desertion. I also made arrangements for pushing through to Knoxville as many rations as possible, to support re-enforcements if they should have to go. A cavalry raid in the direction named in your telegraph is almost impossible with the present state of the roads. Fearing it might be attempted, how- ever, I directed General Ammen, before I left Tennessee, to watch closely, and to call the Kentucky forces to meet it if attempted. U. S. GRANT, llfajor- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Maj. Gem G. GRANGER, Knoxville, Tenn., January 28, 1864. Commanding Fourth Army Gorps: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding I have the honor to transmit a copy of a letter addressed to Brig. Gen. S. P. Carter, provost-marshal-general, relating to the depredations com- mitted by the troops, and to call your immediate and earnest atten- tion to the subject. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. P. CARTER: DEAR SIR: You have in one of your orders or addresses to the people of East Tennessee urged the farmers to plant large crops and promised protection to them, but at present their existence is threat- ened by the destruction of their fencing and the taking of their family supplies of provisions; therefore we ask of you to state to us whether we can still ask of you protection for our family supplies. If the army needs all we have let us know and we will leave the country. The soldiers in our neighborhood are robbing smoke- houses and taking the corn and seed oats, even when your safeguard is shown; and even colonels in command when informed of it say their necessitie~s are of such a character that they are compelled to take them. IQeal with us as you please, but let us know the worst. Respectfully, G. W. MABREY. H. S. HEISKELL. JANUARY 28, 1864. Brigadier-General AMMEN, Camp Nelson, Ky.: What do you hear of an attempted raid by way of Stone or Sound- ing Gap? What force can you collect to meet such raid if attempted? U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 246 KY., SW. VA., Tj~NN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 246 HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIv., FOURTH CORPS, Lenoirs, January 28, 1864. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Fourth Corps, London: SIR: The re-enlisted men as veterans being about to leave for fur- lough and weakening greatly the strength of the Command here, I have thought proper to suggest that one of the regiments now posted on the road toward Knoxville be brought here, leaving half a regiment at each of the stations, Campbells and Clinton road. They now have stockades at both of those places, and probably a battalion at each place will be ample. I am, respectfully, ~. B. HAZEN, Brigadier- General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, January 30, 1864. The suggestion of General Hazen is approved and will be carried into effect. G. GRANGER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, C~umbertand Gap, Teun., January 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 25th instant, in regard to General Grant re- questing General Foster to send an expedition under my command to Abingdon, by way of Jonesville, with the view, if possible, of destroying the road between Abingdon and Saltville, Va., & c., ~he undertaking of which expedition you were kind enough to leave in a great measure to my discretion. Availing myself of that discretion, I take the liberty to state that there are two reasons why the expedition should not be made at this time: First, the mounted force in this command numbers less than 800, with exceedingly poor horses (the report received from the various commands in this district up to this time have been so very incomplete that it is impossible to obtain correct information as to the number of horses), many of which would give out in one days ride. Second, there is not at this time one days supply of bread or meat in the commissary department here, and to rely upon the chances for obtaining supplies by foraging on the route would be too uncertain; and besides this, I find the troops here in this com- mand to be but little more than a mob. Not a day passes but that citizens complain of their houses having been broken open and their meat and other articles robbed, of which the extreme scarcity of rations (men are receiving only one-fourth rations) is to some ex- tent the cause; and though I am using time necessary precaution of sending officers with all foraging parties the evil does not appear to lessen. Should we get supplies (and the cavalry could be sifted so as to leave inferior horses behind) I know of nothing to prevent the cx Page 247 247 CHAP. XLIVI OO1~RESPO~tDENCE, ETC.UNIOK pedition. However, should the general commanding the department be satisfied that the expedition onght to be made I will then imme- (liately go to work to execute any order to that effect as best as pos- sible. General, I would like to be informed who is in command of the forces in Southeastern Kentncky, what monnted forces are there, and, if any, whether they could be placed at my disposal in case the expedition is to be made. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. T. GARRARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding District of the Clinch. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 28, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAl: The major-general commanding desires that you in- stru~t the Second Brigade of your First Division to provide them- selves with transportation in order that they may be in readiness to move to the front at short notice. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 28, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you en- camp one of your regiments so as to cover the siding now being built at the railroad station near this point. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SAINT LOUIS, January 28, 1864. Major-General THOMAS: General Halleck telegraphs that one brigade left Ewells corps on the 17th and one on the 20th, to re-enforce Longstreet or Joe Johnston. If the former, the moves indicated before I left should commence as soon as possible. Telegraph any information you have and what you are doing. GRANT. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 28, 18643 p. m. (Received 11.30 p. in.) Major VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant- General: In answer to your telegram to General Thomas, of 26th, there are 20,000 veterans re-enlisted in this department; fonr divisions tha Page 248 248 KY., SW. VA., TEYN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. ECIiAP. XLIV. cannot be heard from by telegraph. Such report as you require cannot be made, as the re-enlistment is in charge of regimental coin- manders. Number of men remustered will be givenand as far as possible those re-enlistedevery Tuesday. This army is extended over space of 300 miles, and such reports are impossible. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. NASHVILLE, January 2~, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: General Grant is authorized by the Secretary of War to relieve Mr. Anderson in the superintendency of military railroads, and de- sires to do so by the appointment of Colonel McCallum. If he has not returned from Knoxville, can you not hasten him by sending the order directing him to report here, to Knoxville; and, if so, will you please do it? I am directed to make the necessary orders the moment he is ready to assume the superintendence of the roads. JOHN A. RAWLINS Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. PULASKI, TENN., January 28, 1864. Major KUHN, Athens: One hundred cavalry have been sent to Athens from Huntsville to remain while Colonel Phillips is absent; also, infantry have been sent to the Junction and Mooresville, and 100 cavalry have gone from Mooresville to Browns Ferry. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., January 28, 1864. Major KUHN, Athens: It will take two or three dayssay next Monday. Do not know what regiments belong to Roddey. Find out. We have Major Burtwell and one or two other officers, and about 50 men, who pro- fess to belong to Roddey, or some commaml south of Tennessee. Telegraph up list of regiments in Roddeys command. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Col. A. 0. MILLER, Huntsville, Ala., January 28, 1864. c1om~manding Second Cavalry Division: COLONEL: General Dodge, commanding a portion of the troops of this department at Pulaski and below, telegraphs me that he is sending (to-day) all his mounted force to clear out Colbert Reserve. He desires me to send troops to the Junction, and also to Browns Ferry, and to occupy Athens for a few days, while his force is gone. I have ordered two regiments infantry to Mooresville, and would request of you, in General Shermans name, to instruct Colonel Biggs, as soon as the infantry arrives, to send a portion of hi Page 249 ~~HAP. XLIV.] CORRESPOiN7DENCE, ETO.UNION. 249 mounted force to Browns Ferry, to watch until General Dodges force returns. I would also ask that you send a small cavalry force to Athens, to occnpy that place also until General Dodges troops return. I am compelled to make this request of you in view of the small force I have here at my disposal. If you can possibly accede to this, I should be most gratified. It will at the same time render the coun- try at Athens and below safe during General Dodges absence. The troops will be relieved at once when Dodges force gets back. Please answer by bearer. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRD DIvISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY Cones, Lieutenant-Colonel BUSwELL, Huntsville, January 28, 1864. Comdg. Tenth Iowa and Ninety-third illinois Vols.: COLONEL: You will move forward rapidly with your command to Mooresville, Ala., carrying two days rations in haversacks and three in wagons, and sixty rounds of ammunition in cartridge-boxes. You will relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs command at Mooresville, which moves to another point. You will advise with Lieutenant- Colonel Biggs about the proper precaution to be taken at Mooresville to insure your maintaining your position at that point. You will keep guards upon the railroad from Mooresville to the junction of the railroads, and will learn from Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs the locality of a crossing at the Tennessee River near Mooresville, which will also require to be guarded. By order of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith: M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVIsION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, January 28, 186410. Th a. m. Colonel BRACKETT, Gollierville: Order 200 men of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry to move to Mos- cow, scouting from that point toward Mount Pleasant. Have them start at once. It is reported that a force of the enemy is north of the Cold- water, moving toward La Fayette or Moscow. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding Gavalry Division. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, January 28, 1864. Colonel MCCRILLIS, (Jollierville: Scout well to the south and southeast. It is reported that a force of the enemy is working north of the Coldwater toward La Fayette or Moscow. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General, (lomman ding Gavairy Division Page 250 250 KY., SW. VA., TENN., M158., ALA., AND N. GA. ECITAP. XLIV. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 28, 1864. Colonel BRACKETT, Colliervilie: The force reported at Hudsonville must be watched, and if neces- sary enough force sent to rout them. The road must not be reached by them while it is running. Look well to the bridge at Moscow and this side. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. MEMPHIS, January 28, 1864. Colonel BRACKETT, Gollierville: Leave the balance of Seventh Illinois Cavalry at La Grange until the stores are removed. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 28, 1864. Captain WOODWARD: Patrols from the Seventh Illinois yesterday report 500 of the enemy at or near Hudsonville. W. P. CALLON, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE CROOK, Commanding Second Cavalry Division, Huntsville, Ala.: I start in about three days with 7,000 men to Meridian via Pontotoc. Demonstrate on Decatur to hold Roddey. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Mu. Div. of the Miss. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 28, 1864. Brig. Ger. B. H. GRIERSON, C~omdg. Cay. Div., Sixteenth Army C~orps, Memphis, Teun.: SIR: Having received a communication from Lieutenant-Colonel Thurston, assistant inspector-general on the staff of Major-General Huribut, informing me that in accordance with the orders of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman the whole of the cavalry of this department is turned over to my immediate command, you are directed to report to me the precise condition of your command, including batteries attached, particularly as regards its preparation for a long and rapid march. You will find special field orders, herewith inclosed,* for your information and government. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Mil. Div. of the Miss. * Not found Page 251 CHAP. XLIV.] 251 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 28, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Oommanding Department of the Tennessee: SIR: Information just received indicates a movement of Forrests command to Oxford. They have information of our intentions. A deserter says they spoke of a heavy movement from Vicksburg in the direction of Meridian, and an expedition from this point by a large cavalry force in concert with it. I think Forrest will endeavor to cover the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. I will pitch into him wherever I find him. The cavalry from Columbus has not yet re- ported. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOGY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Miii. Div. of the Miss. GENERAL ORDERS,~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFIcE, No. 34. Washington, January 28, 1864. I. Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster is, at his own request, and on account of disability for service in the field arising from wounds, relieved from command of the Department of the Ohio. II. Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield is hereby assigned to the command of the Department of the Ohio. III. By direction of the President, Maj. Geii. George Stoneman is assigned to the command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 14. Knoxville, Tenn., January 28, 1864. Whereas the command of Major-General Buruside, when it entered East Tennessee, was so poorly supplied with officers of the quarter- masters department that the transactions of that department were necessarily intrusted to inexperienced officers, and conducted in a loose and irregular manner, in many cases no receipts at all being given for property taken, and in other cases the receipts being of such a character as to present no proper claims against the quarter- masters department; And whereas the command of Major-General Sherman, in its recent advance into East Tennessee, subsisted upon the country, and the officers of the quartermasters department on duty with this com- mand gave no receipt for property taken; And whereas a commission has been instituted to investigate the claims arising from the action recited, many of which are held by loyal citizens suffering for the necessaries of life: It is therefore ordered 1. That Lieut. H. S. Chamberlain, Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, aiid acting assistant quartermaster, take charge of and settle, as far as possible, the claims referred to, which have been or may be con- tracted prior to the 31st of January, 1864. 2. That Lieut. H. ~S. Chamberlain, Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry Page 252 2~2 KY., SW. VA., TEN~{., MISS., ALA., AND I~. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. and acting assistant qnartermaster, select for appointment some snitable officer to attend to the settlement of the claims referred to, under his direction. 3. That all officers doing duty in the quartermasters department in East Tennessee shall, without delay, receipt to Lient. H. S. Chamberlain, Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and acting assistant quartermaster, for all the surplus property they may have taken up, or which may accumulate prior to the 31st of January, 1864. 4. That all purchase or impressment of quartermasters property or stores, except by the orders of the chief quartermaster of the department or of the several army corps, is prohibited. 5. That after all claims are approved by the com~mission instituted to pass upon irregular accounts, payment shall be made on them so far as the property and stores accumulated by Lient. H. S. Chamber- lain, under paragraph 3 of this order, will cover them. By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, Ji~., Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS,) HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 8. Knoxville, Tenn., January 28, 1864. Complaints being made daily at department headqnarers by loyal inhabitants of East Tennessee that the troops of this command are robbing them of all their means of subsistence, the attention of the division and brigade commanders of this corps is called to General Orders, Nos. 29 and 30, series of 1863, from these headquarters, which still remain in force. Officers impressing forage or subsistence must see that enough is left the citizens to prevent their suffering during the winter. Division and brigade commanders will take prompt measures to secure obedience to this order and cahse the arrest of any or all officers or men violating it, preferring charges and specifications against them in proper form. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: ED. D. SAUNDERS, Gaptain and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRs. CAy. Div., 16TH ARMY CORPS, No. 31. Memphis, Teun., January 28. 1864. * * * * * * * IV. The troops of this division will hold themselves in readiness to move in an hours notice. The horses will be shod with as much dispatch as possible and each man will carry one set of horseshoes, ready fitted, extra, with the nails therefor. The regimental and com- pany blacksmiths will carry with them such tools as are necessary to replace shoes cast, and during halts will be employed in replacing them. No transportation will be allowed except the ambulances and S pack-mules to a company. One hundred rounds of carbine and 30 of pistol ammunition per man will be carried, also ten days light rations of hard bread, salt, and coffee, and ten days extra rations of salt, the latter to be draw Page 253 cHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 253 on special requisition. Five dais light rations will be carried on the persons of the men, and the other five, with the extra salt and ammunition, will be carried on the pack-mules and in the ambulances. The artillery will carry a full complement of ammunition in the chests, and care will be taken not to waste it in ineffective firing. The supply of pack-saddles will be equally distributed and the de- ficiency to be supplied from any condemned saddles that may be on hand or can be procured. The ambulances will be organized into brigade trains, under the immediate control of surgeons-in-chief of brigades, the whole to be under the supervision of Maj. J. N. Niglas, surgeon-in-chief of the division. All transportation and equipage not needed upon tim expedition will be immediately turned over to the brigade quartermasters and shipped to Memphis. The transportation to be turned over to the depot quartermaster, and the camp and garrison equipage to be stored. By order of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. JANUARY 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS, Nashville, Teun.: Schofield will go at once to Knoxville. I prefer Foster should re- main until he arrives. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NASHVILLE, January 29, 1864. .Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: Your telegrams of the 24th and 27th, * relating to the position and movements of the enemy and the situation and condition of your own forces,. are received. While you may deem it impracticable to immediately assume the offensive against Longstreet, keep at least far out toward him active parties to watch his movements and im- pede any advance he may make by positive resistance. Exert every possible energy in getting up supplies from Chattanooga, and collect- ing them in from the country, that ~ou may be prepared at any moment on receipt of orders for offensive operations. The enemy must be driven out of East Tennessee, so let your prep- arations be immediate and with a view to that end. By order of Major-General Grant: JOHN A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. CHATTANOOGA, January 29, 18648 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Saint Louts, Mo.: Your dispatch 28th, 10.30, received. General Stanleys (livision is now between Chickamauga and Hiwassee. Colonel McCallum is at *See Part I, p. 130 Page 254 254 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Knoxville, looking into the condition of the railroad, which I will push forward as rapidly as possible. I have just made a demonstra- tion toward Dalton and find affairs unchanged, except the brigades which are supposed to have gone to Mobile. I will pnsh matters forward as fast as possible. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. CHATTANOOGA, January 29, 18649 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I telegraphed yesterday to Major-General Foster to know what he knew of the enemy s movements. He has not answered me yet, but the last news from him was that Lougstreet was falling back. I ex- pect Colonel McCallum back to-morrow. He can probably give me some news. I sent an expedition to Dirt Town last Friday and cap- tured a home-guard camp and over 200 horses; also a flag of truce to near Dalton. All that we could learn was that troops had been sent off to Mobile. Major-General Palmer has just returned from Riuggold. He reports that he encountered the enemys pickets and drove them into Tunnel Hill without difficulty. I am trying to get np forage enough for a ten-days expedition, and if successful will make a strong demonstration on Dalton and Resaca, unless Long- streets movements compel me to go to East Tennessee. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, Commanding. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., January 29, 186411 p. m. (Received 7.40 a. in., 30th.) Maj. Gen. 11. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I have heard for the last week that Johnstons troops are going to Mobile. Several persons direct from Atlanta, comimig here by dif- ferent routes, report that they saw troops pass through there for Mobile last Friday, Saturday, arid Sunday, and that they expect to have a fight there. Is there any probability of it? I would like to know. I might be able to create a diversion in our favor. GLO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, January 29, 18642 p. m. Major-General GRANGER: Brigadier-General Willich has malje representation conceriming the destitute condition of the loyal people in the vicinity of Maryville, which, if true, will require your immediate attention. You had better go to Maryville at once amid umake such arrangements as will secure these people from suffering. No orders have been given Gem oral Willich, and I direct you to take entire charge of these matters and see that the loyal people, where your troops are, are not robbed. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General Page 255 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 255 LOUDON, January 29, 1864. Major-General FOSTER: I am too unwell to visit Maryville in person, but will send my in- speCtOr-general to investioate the Condition of the loyal people, and 0 give all necessary orders to prevent starvation and prevent their being robbed. G. GRANGER, Major- General. CAMP BURNSIDE, January 29, 1864. General AMMEN: Scouts have just returned. Killed 1 guerrilla at Greenbrier. Think the company of Eleventh Kentucky ought to be kept here. Telegraph me if you wish them relieved. All quiet here and in vicinity. BLISS, (Jolonel, Commanding. LENOIRs, January 29, 1864. Major-General GRANGER, Commanding: I have boats for crossing horses. W. B. HAZEN, Brigadier-General. CINCINNATI, OHIo, January 29, 1864. Captain ANDERSON: A gentleman just from Knoxville says on 21st our forces had fallen back to Knoxville. Heavy skirmishing 5 miles northeast of Knoxville; citizens stampeding. Battle imminent. Have you anything new? R. MORROW, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Teun., January 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Scottsborough; Ala.: If you are ready, make a move Monday morning and look out for the enemys cavalry, whicb is reported here as being in the vicinity of Rome in heavy force, preparing for a raid into your region of the country. We ran the rebels out of Tunnel Hill yesterday. Stanley is moving up to-day, and I hope to be ready to stir them up again. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. PULASKI, TENN., January 29, 1864. Lient. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General: The rebel conscription is (Iriving to our lined a large number of Union men, who furnish substitutes, and men who have always stoo Page 256 256 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. by US and kept out of the rebel army by taking to the mountains. They desire to go into our service, and many prominent men among thei:i think they can raise a regiment. Can you authorize me to en- list t~iem, and have a regiment, to be known as the Second Alabama Cavalry? I raised and officered the First Alabama Cavalry at Corinth, now 800 strong, and I have no doubt I can raise another. These men flock to my lines from this fact. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. SCOTTSBOROUGH, January 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN E. SMITH, Commanding Third Division: You will move one regiment of infant~y to Whitesburg, on the Tennessee River, and commence the construction of a boat, and ex- hibit your intention to cross at that point. There will be mo objec- tion to your crossing if you thin]. it necessary or proper, but avoid an engagement, unless you are sure you can be successful and beat the enemy. Keep up your demonstrations at that point until noti- fied to withdraw. By order of Major-General Logan: R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., January 29, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the fol- lowing general instructions be observed by the Eleventh Corps, stationed between Lookout Mountain and Bridgeport: At each of the posts, Wauhatchie, Whitesides, Shellmound, and Bridgeport, a regular picket be established, covering all the ap- proaches, posted at a sufficient distance to give timely notice of the approach of any force, and at the same time to prevent the passage through our lines of any persons whatsoever without proper au- thority. The strictest compliance in the rules and regulations with regard to picket duty heretofore promulgated in this corps to be re- quired. The nature of the positions at all these points where the troops are stationed, with the bridges and depots to be guarded, will make it expedient that the main body of the troops should be held to meet an attack in any direction, the picket force being more for observation and the prevention of passage through the lines than for obstinate resistance any great length of time afthe picket-lines. The depots and bridges at Lookout Valley, Whitesides, Shellmound, and Bridgeport are to be held at any and all hazards, and the com- manding officer must be held responsible therefor. A surrender or abandonment is under no circumstances to be made. Where it has not already been done, obstructions, such as abatis and felled trees, should be made use of to cover all the roads and approaches through the mountain passes at each of these points, to prevent an sudden incursion or raid. Defensive works have been constructed at each Page 257 CEAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 257 of these points, which, if determinedly and vigorously held, will prevent any force likely to attack from meeting with any success. At Bridgeport a commanding hill above the railroad bridge on the river bank should be held by a portion of the forces stationed there. Its possession by the enemy would enable him with artillery to injure or destroy the railroad bridge, which must on no account be permitted. The surrounding country should be thoroughly examined, and if any portion thereof, outside the lines of works, offers opportunity for the enemy to take a position commanding the hill or the bridge with artillery, trees an & obstacles should be felled to prevent it. Major Reynolds, chief of artillery, has been directed to post two pieces of artillery at Whitesides and four at Bridgeport. These will materially aid in the proper defense of these points. The railroad between the stations from Wauhatchie to Bridgeport should be patrolled at least twice in every twenty-four hours, and thorough inquiry made as to any stranger or suspicious persons approaching or visiting the road or line or any portion of it. All such should be immediately arrested. The patrols should see to the security of the railroad and telegraph line. The cavalry force at Bridgeport must be judiciously used for patrols and vedettes in front of the lines covering the country at least as far as Reeses, at the junction of the Cunningham and Moore roads and to Warrens Mill. These patrols should also establish a connection with the patrols down the river to opposite Stevenson. The various patrols should move at irregular hours, to prevent a knowledge of their number and movements by the enemy. All occurrences of sufficient importance to be brought to notice at headquarters by telegraph aud courier-line at once. The rules as to deserters. contrabands, and citizens, coming within our lines, as laid down in the general orders of the Army of the Cumberland, must be complied with. The works must be kept in condition for use when ever occasion demands. The camps at Bridgeport and Shellmound need thorough police to prevent sickness. The latter needs drain- age and much attention in respect to its police and condition to pre- vent serious results. The cavalry force at Bridgeport has been directed to report to the commanding officer of the division. This cavalry must be used with the greatest economy and care. If by neglect or abuse its effective numbers are diminished they cannot be easily replaced. You will zealously guard against the use of any portion of this force for duties belonging to the details at corps and division headquarters as orderlies, & c. Where infantry can be used for patrols, in all cases it should be used while the cavalry force is so small. You will cause such new information as to the roads and approaches in front of the lines as you may from time to time receive to be sent to these headquarters. Your attention should be given to the vigilant per- formance of the duty intrusted to the command. No larger force than that now placed upon this duty is at the disposition of the ma- jor-general commanding for the duty of guarding the line of com- munications, and this is believed to be sufficient, with the proper exercise of vigilance, energy, and demonstration on the part of those intrusted with its protection. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS. Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-Generc~. 17 R RYOL IXXXII, PT I Page 258 258 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. LCHAP. XLIV. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 29, 1864. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Collierville: Enemy are reported moving north. Keep patrols well ont south and east as far as Moscow. Watch the bridge at Moscow for a day or two by patrols. Notify Colonel McCrillis to do this when you have left. The First Alabama are at La Grange and will come through to-morrow by wagon road. Notify Germantown to be vig- ilant; cavalry from the north are daily expected at Moscow. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 29, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel DODDS, La Grange: Stay at La Grange with your mounted men to-night, and move to Collierville in the morning. N otice as you come if all Government stores are moved from Moscow. On arrival at Collierville report me by telegraph. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 29, 1864. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Collierville: Move to-morrow morning, with the Ninth Illinois and your head- quarters, to Germantown. Get rid of your camp equipage and bag- gage, as per Special Orders, No. 31, and use every exertion to get your command in good shape for quick movement. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. NASHVILLE, January 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. H. THOMAS: The defences here are in a very bad condition, and I wanted to get a survey of the locality as soon as possible. Will you judge whether Mr. Dorr can leave you long enough for that? WM. F. SMITH, Chief Engineer. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH: Dorr can be spared for the purpose for which you want him. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff. OFFICE CHIEF COMMISSARY OF SUBSISTENCE, 12TH CORPS, Shelbyville, Teun., January 29, 1864. Lient. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Twelfth Corps, Tullahoma, Teun.: COLONEL: During General Slocums stay in this place, I men- tiqn~d to him the Wt of th~r~ being special permits given to di Page 259 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U~JO~. 259 loyal citizens of this place to purchase necessary supplies for them- selves and families. I find on inquiry that the following-named citizens have snch per- mits and are daily pnrchasing snpplies, viz: Mrs. R. M. Wallace (wife of cashier of Branch Bank of Tennessee, who npon the entrance of the U. S. forces into this place decamped with all the funds of the bank), Miss M. Mathews, Miss Ann Wallace (daughter of Mrs. R. M. Wallace), Miss V. Mathews, Miss Felicia Whitthorne. All of the above have permits granted by Lieut. Col. Robert Gal- braith, late commander of this post. I would respectfully submit that it seems to me there is not much benefit to be derived by a citi- zen of this place from taking the oath of allegiance to the U. S. Government and giving heavy bonds, if they can just as well get all the benefits without it and be at any time ready to show our enemy that they have been consistently his friend. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. STURDEVANT, Lient. Got. and Commissary of Subsistence, Twelfth Corps. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 3, 1864. Respectfully referred to Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, who will direct the commissary at Shelbyville to stop the rations of these people. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. McMICHAEL, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, February 7, 1864. Respectfully referred to Major-General Slocuin, commanding Twelfth Corps, and attention called to the indorsement of the depart- ment commander. By command of Major-General Hooker: H. W. PERKINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. ON BOARD JULIET, BOUND FOR VICKSBURG, Friday (in a fog), January 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington: DEAR GENERAL: I am now en route to Vicksburg to execute a project for which all the preliminary arrangements are complete. Seven thousand cavalry, under Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith, will start from Collierville, 24 miles east of Memphis, next Monday, and ignoring all small detachments of the enemy will push for Pontotoc, Okolona, Columbus, Meridian, & c. At same time I will leave Vicks- burg with four divisions of infantry and artillery (two of General Hurlbut and two of General McPherson) and move by Clinton, Jack- eon, Br~iidon, Morton, & c., on Meridian, At sa~ne time will star Page 260 260 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. np Yazoo an expedition of gnn-boats and negro troops, by way of diversion, to threaten Grenada. The object is to break up the only remaining railroad connection between Mississippi and the east. I shall be tempted to swing aronnd to Mobile, bnt this would be im- prudent unless we are prepared to follow np by taking the Mobile harbor forts, and pnshing rapidly np the Alabama River to Selma and Montgomery. I hardly think I would accomplish all this with my limited force. After I have broken np Demopolis (Tombigbee), I could aid Banks, Steele, and Admiral Porter in taking Shreveport, which wonld be the death blow to onr enemies of the Sonthwest. Water is now too low, but in March and April it will favor. Gen- eral Grant is fully advised and I have niy orders, and merely note these facts by way of prelude to something personal When you sent me to Memphis from Corinth, without neglecting my military interests I cultivated a good feeling among the peo~ple. This I was enabled to do from a large acquaintance with the ruling families, and there is no doubt, for good or evil, I have a large influ- ence on this river. On arriving at Memphis some days ago the city authorities offered me an ovation. I accepted it with the condition that it should be purely social. It came off last Monday, and was genteel and handsome. I was compelled to speak, and endeavored to generalize as much as possible. I kiiow not how reporters will translate my remarks, but I know they were designed and calculated to do good, for a great number of influential men of Southern birth canie to me and said not a gentleman of Mississippi could deny an argument I made or conclusion I drew. Laying aside the constitu- tional and legal questions involved in this war, I took the ground that, according to the rules of honor as prescribed by the best clubs of Paris, London, New Orleans, and Charleston, the South was wrong. The people had gone willingly into an election, and because that election did not result as they wanted they refused to abide by the result and appealed to war. I also recalled a few of the facts known to me personally touching the seizure of Baton Rouge Arsenal, its garrison, its arms, their dispersion, the seizure of unoccupied forts, mints, & c., all made by order of two Senatorsone (Slidell) a New Yorker, and the other (Benjamin) a Jew, born in Havana. Most of the actors in Louisiana were foreigners. The man who sent me at Alexandria 4,800 arms from the arsenal was a Pole. I forget the name. He was ordnance sergeant, and since ordnance officer to Bragg. Bragg was a North Carolinian; Governor Moore the same, and Beauregard was the only Creole in the whole batch, and these men involved the safety of Louisiana, insulted the United States, and made us choose between an active war or silent submission to an usurped power. On this simple statement, the truth of which no man can question, I asked the Southern gentlemen present how they could allow their minds to dwell on the little issues made of homes and firesides, vandal outrages, Northern pusillanimity, & c. Do they not respect us the more for our determined and successful efforts to resent these insults than if we had tamely submitted, as Davis, Yancey, and Moore promised? I do not propose to turn speaker, and trust you will pardon this effort, which was rather ad- dressed to those who knew me in Carolina amid Louisiana than to those who heard me in Memphis, orto the Northern people, whose minds and feelings have drifted into newer channels. After the banquet was well over, and the shank of the supper was being discussed, an old Uuiou club, which I used to miurse, gathere Page 261 Cain. XLIV.] C0WRESPONDENCE, ETC.~-UN10N. 261 around me and pressed me to give them a home talk, such as I had been accustomed to. I spoke a second time more familiarly, and I find even that was reported by an evening paper, which may be repro- duced and need explanation. My purpose there was to encourage what I had already initiatedthe formation in the city of Memphis [of] a brigade of four regiments for its defense against a dash of guerrillas, should such be attempted in the absence of a too heavy garrison, heretofore kept there, and in close support. Already thirty two companies, of 100 each, are formed, and without any pay or assistance, save arms, have agreed to obey the orders of the p~t commanders. I provide each reg~m ent with a ceriliscated cotton shed as an armory, and issue to them second-hand muskets and ammunition, with blue sack coats and forage caps, to be used only when assembled for drill. In this connection I expressed a doubt whether Tennessee would gain much by a mere political State organization. They are in a state of anarchy. No sheriff can serve a writ in the interior, and there is no court that can admiiiister law. I said order must grow out of chaos in a slower and more natural way. Men suited to each stage of the progress of development would rise equal to the occasion, and by way of illustration instanced the example of this war. When it first burst upon us we were all paralyzed for want of suitable leaders, but as the war progressed these evolved. In this connection I used your name in such a way as even you could not object. I spoke of your indomitable industry, and called to mind how when Ord, Loeser, Spotts, and I were shut up in our state-room, trying to keep warm with lighted candles, and playing cards on the Old Lexingtoii, off Cape Horn, you were lashed to your berth studying, boning harder than you ever did at West Point. I spoke of your knowledge of law, especially the higher branch of itthe law of war and of nations. 1 had noticed with concern that some disorganizing newspapers were trying to undermine your authority and influence, and supposed it resulted from your abrupt, brusque manner, even to members of Congress, but concluded by saying you knew more of your profession than Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Chase, arid Mr. Seward combined, and I be- lieved in their turn they appreciated you, and the public would come to a right conclusion in the end. I mentioned Grants name with marked esteem, for his strong points are in his simple courage and faith in his cause, in his attachment to his friends and co- workers, and his utter absence of vainglory an(l selfish pride. I mention these facts merely to prevent my being misquoted, which may not be; but I am going away where I cannot be heard of for some time, and want to guard against misrepresentation. There is no desire to misquote me down here, but I know many at the North would make a new schism in heaven itself if they could gain an hours notoriety by it. I think you and all thinking men will ap- prove my earnest resolve to keep out of all political complications. Mr. Chase may try his trade schemes, so that he is neutral as be- tween the public enemy and my army, and civil governors may be inaugurated and go to work, but we have not now, and never have had, more than enough men to accomplish military results, let alone guarding civil interests and local combinations. With respect, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General Page 262 26~ KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., A LA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. KNOXVILLE, January 30, 18647 a. m. General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Telegram received. The enemy have Crossed the French Broad River in some force below Dandridge. General Sturgis, whose cavalry gained decided victory over the enemys cavalry on the 28th, is now obliged to retire toward Maryville. McCooks dlvlslon be- haved very handsomely on the 28th, and finally cleared the field with ~ saber charge, captnring two steel. rifle gnns and over 100 prisoners. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, January 30, 18647.30 a. m. Major-General GRANGER: General Sturgis reports three brigades of infantry as having crossed the French Broad below Dandridge. This is robably in consequence of his victory over their cavalry; it is wellf~ however, to be on onr gnard. You will therefore give full instructions to General Willich what to do if he is attacked, and indicate the points on the river to which he can fall back if forced to do so. He should also send all his stores of grain to one of your stations on the rail- road as fast as he collects them. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. LOUDON, January 30, 1864. Major-General FOSTER: Dispatch received. Orders have been sent to General Willich to be on the alert, and in case the enemy moves agalust hlm ln force to fall back in this direction; that will enable [me] to concentrate my forces in his front, while you fall upon his flanks and rear from Knoxville. I think it best to bring the brigade at Kingston to this place. Shall I do so? There is one section of Willichs battery still without horses. Cant they be had? G. GRANGER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 30, 18649 a. m. Brig. Gen. S. D. STURGIS, Commanding ~Javalry Corps: GENERAL: As you are compelled to leave the country on the south side of the French Broad River, the commanding general directs the following disposition and movements of your command: You will collect from your corps all the best mounted men, to the number, if possible, of 2,000. This force can be increased here by mounting, say, 200 men, on horses turned into the quartermasters department. With this force you will cross the Holston River be- low Knoxville, at one of the fords between London and Knoxville. Thence you will proceed by the way of Clinton through the Powel Page 263 CHAP. XLIV~) C0~I~1iSP0~DENCE, ETC.~J~IO~~ 263 River Valley to Cumberland Gap, and thence by the way of Jones- yule, Stickleyville, and Estiliville to Carters Depot, on the Wa- tauga, and Union or Zollicoffer on the iloiston. You will endeavor to destroy the bridges at these points; succeeding or failing in this, you will march on Abingdon, destroying the bridges and railroad on your way; thence you will procee to altville, and attempt to destroy the salt-works at that place. Whether successful or not in this effort, you will strike off to the westward, cross the Clinch Mountains andCumberland Range at the most convenient gap, and await further orders in Kentucky. Should your progress be arrested at any time by a superior force, rendering it impossible to carry out these instructions, you will make the best of your way into Kentucky. You will perceive that this is an undertaking of considerable risk, but the results to be gained warrant the enterprise. If you have no officer in whom you have sufficient confidence to intrust him with this important command, you will yourself take charge of the expe- (lition. The remainder of the Cavalry Corps will be left on the south side of the Holston and French Broad, to hold the enemys cavalry in check. I inclose a list of the fords on the Holston between Knoxville and Kingston. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, C1hief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Tuckaleechee Cove, January 30, 1864. Col. E. M. MCCOOK, Comdg. Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland: COLONEL: You will move your command on the road to Maryville at 6 a m. to-morrow. Cause your command to be provided with one days forage. Colonel Wolford will move as soon as you are out of the way, and Colonel Garrard will bring up the rear. By order of Brigadier-General Sturgis: WM. C. RAWOLLE, Captain, A. D. C., and Aetinq Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, January 30, 186411.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga, Tenn.: Probably Johnstons detachment is made to counteract Shermans movements, as I presume no immediate attack on Mobile is expected. Brig. Gen. K. Garrard, late chief of Cavalry Bureau, has been or- dered to report to you for~ duty. What is it about the evacuation and burning of Corinth? H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. * List not found Page 264 2~34 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. CfJATTANOOGA, TENN., January 30, 1864. (Received 3 a. in., 31st.) Maj. Gen. H. W HALLECK, General-in- Chief: The report regarding Corinth was received from prisoners by Col- onel Miller. I do not consider it reliable. Brigadier-General Gil- lem reports having sent parties out from the line of the Northwestern Railroad as soon as he learned of the rebels crossing the Tennessee River, and having returned with Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer. 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, and 20 men as prisoners. Work on the road is progressing favorably. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Teun., January 30, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corndg. Mu. Division of the Mississippi, Nashville, Teun.: GENERAL: As I have seen you since the receipt of your letter of the 29th instant, I deem it of but little consequence to make any reply to that portion referring to the movements of this army and the Army of the Tennessee this spring, as I fully concur with you in the view you take of the best moves for them to make. In reply to the latter portion of your letter, I would suggest the landing of the column at Smithfield and vicinity, marching from that point to Sussex Court-House, thence to Hicksford, on the Petersburg and Roanoke Railroad, and thence to Raleigh. By this route the column would experience but little difficulty in crossing the Nottoway, Meherrin, and Roanoke Rivers, and would also find large plantations, well supplied with forage and cattle. The roads are also good and well watered. By the lower route or the one you propose, the column would encounter great difficulties in crossing all three of the above-named streams, because they are bordered by extensive and boggy swamps. II will also suggest another route, which perhaps might be better for a smaller force than either of the other two (say 20,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry). I would land at Winton, on Chowan River, march tbence to Northampton Court-House, and thence to Weldon. This is the shortest practicable route, and only presents one difficultythat of crossing Roanoke River. There is still another route. Land at Washington, march thence to Raleigh, and from Raleigh to Weldon. The Roanoke is one of the finest streams in the country to cover the movements of an army. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, commanding. NASHVILLE, January 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. G. M. DODGE, Pulaski: Your dispatch, suggesting the organization of a mounted force sufficient to hunt down and drive the enemys cavalry, now threat- ening our railroads in Middle Tennessee, to a point beyond any in Page 265 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 26~ mediate apprehension of danger, is approved of; bnt owing to the expedition already ordered and in motion, onr cavalry and mounted force is so rednced that it will be difficult to get np a force strong enough to cross to the south side of the Tennessee at present. The enemy, however, mnst not be permitted to remain on this side. Yon will therefore collect and organize at once, under a competent officer, all the mounted men possible of yonr command for the pur- pose snggested in yonr dispatch and indicated above. The place for them to rendezvons, and when and where to move for the attainment of the desired object, will be left entirely to yonr own jndgment and direction. A copy of yonr dispatch of the 19th instant, giving information obtained by the force of yours from 6 miles west of Florence the day before, was on date of receipt sent to General Thomas with the fol- lowing directions: You will direct General Crook to organize an expedition at once, of sufficient force, and proceed without delay by the most practicable route and drive Roddey out from where he now is, and destroy all boats and materials he can find that might in any contingency be used by the enemy in crossing the Tennessee River. No report has yet been had from General Crook. General W. S. Smith was to have moved from Memphis the 25th instant, via Oko- lona, with a large force of cavalry ,G eneral Sherman at the same time from Vicksburg eastward a formidable force of all arms, and General Logan has already thrown a pontoon bridge across the Ten- nessee River at Larkins Ferry, over which he will cross in a day or two at farthest, moving toward Rome with all his command, leav- ing only his railroad gnards behind. The forces at Chattanooga are not inactive. From all these expeditions and threatening movements it is hoped mnch will be accomplished, and especially in forcing the enemy back from within striking distance of our communications. By order of Major-General Grant: JOHN A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG.. THIRD Div., ELEVENTH CORPS, Whitesides, Tenn., January 30, 1864. Lient. Col. T. A. MEYSENBURG, Assistant Adjutant-General, Eleventh Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a section of artillery, two pieces, 12-pounders, of Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery, arrived here yesterday afternoon and reported to me; this artillery came with horses belonging to another battery which were sent back. The pieces are in position in the earth-work occupied formerly by a battery of Fourth Army Corps. Convinced of the insufficiency of the earth-work erected here, the embrasures not covering the whole ground the fort was destined for, nor even by direct firing covering the ground with the whole fire, only a third of it being effective, and after a careful examination of the work, and how this deficiency in it could be remedied, I found that entirely different embrasures ought to be made. I then ordered Lieut. Richard Wilson, second lieutenant Third U. S. Artillery, to give me his views in a report, of which I have the honor to subjoin a copy; and as my instructions were to occupy the positions of th Page 266 200 KV.,SW. VA., ThNN., MIss., AlA., AND N. GA. [C~HAP. XLIV. Third Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Corps, as I found them, I deem it my duty to report the present state of things and that I ordered the alterations as indicated to be made. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, FR. HECKER, Colonel, Commanding. [Inclosure.] WifiTESIDES, TENN., January 30, 1864. Col. FR. HECKER, Gomdg. Brigade and Post: COLONEL: An examination of the earth-work in which the section of artillery under my command has been placed results in the dis- covery that the embrasure ou the south side covers only the ravine facing it. As its construction prevents the traversing of, the piece more than two degrees to the right or left, a converging fire cannot be obtained from the embrasures on the east side, i. e., to converge with the fire from the south. I would therefore respectfully request that the southern embrasure be filled up and that two embrasures be made in order to obtain the desired result. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHD. WILSON, Second Lieutenant, Third U. S. Artillery, Oomdg. Section Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery. PULASKI, January 30. 1864. (Received 31st.) Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General: Colonel Phillips reports from Colbert Reserve that the enemy crossed the river at several ferries. He captured several prisoners and fifteen wagons and teams from them; visited all the ferries to Eastport. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. PULASKI, January 30, 1864. Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant-General: Two of my scoUts have just got inone from Montgomery, the other from Atlanta. Both report movements and concentrating of troops at Mobile. One from Atlanta says no troops left Johnston, but all commands southward have been moved to Mobile, as well as troops from Charleston and North Carolina. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. (Same to Bowers.) PULASKI, TENN., January 30, 1864. Lieut. Col. T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General: The scout from Montgomery says that it was thought there that a movement was on foot from Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orlean Page 267 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNIOiN~ against Mobile, and it caused a good deal of excitemenf. Whether the report was true or not it has caused a movement of troops there, but when they left the force that had gone there was uot large. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. FIRST DIVIsIoN, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp Procla~nation, Woodville, Ala., January 30, 1864. Maj. R. R. TowNEs, Asst. Adji. Gen., 15th Army Corps, Hmntsville, Ala.: MAJOR: In compliance with orders from corps headquarters, sent by telegraph, I have sent Col. George A. Stone, with four regimt~nts, to Larkins Landing. They took 50 rounds of cartridges per man. I will send wagons with sufficient cartridges to make the required number (100) per man, as soon as the cars arrive. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. WOODS, Brigadier- General, Cornman ding. JANUARY 30, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Nashville: One of my scouts has returned from south side of river. He was at Corinth. It is evacuated and destroyed, and scouting party from Lees cavalry was there. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-Genercd. NASHVILLE, January 30, 1864. Bi~igadier-General WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have just received copy of the order for Brigadier-General Wards (First) brigade to proceed to the front. There are no troops in my district that can be spared from other places sufficient to relieve this brigade. Brigadier-General Ward is preparing to go Monday. The departure of the brigade will leave but three regiments here. One would have to go upon the road be- tween this and Mnrfreesborough. The Thirteenth Wisconsin has re-enlisted and is to go home, leaving but oue regiment to take care of and do all the dutyat Nashville. I have directed Brigadier-Gen- eral Ward to delay movement until his troops are relieved. A com- munication ou this subject will be forwarded to-morrow. L. H. ROUSStEAU. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NASHVILLE, Nashville, Teun., January 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Cumberland: GENERAL: I think it proper I should report to you touching affairs in this district generally, and I do so. The troops are generally under good discipline and very well drilled; far better than I expected to find. They are well equipped and in good condition, excepting of cours Page 268 268 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MJSS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Stokes, and a few others who are neither well drilled, disciplined, or equipped. It is proper for me to remark here that two battalions of that regiment will never be of service together, and I shall press upon Governor Johnson the snggestion of the general commanding the department to separate them. Generally matters go on pretty well between the military and the people in the district, but with some exceptions. They have not gone so well at and about Gallatin. At other posts in the district there has been n@ real cause for complaint, the post commanders having been vigilant in suppressing the rebellion and just in their treatment of the people. I call especial attention to the admirable administration of affairs. in his command by Col. Henry R. Mizner, Fourteenth Michigan Volunteers, at Columbia. His troops, generally led by Maj. Thomas C. Fitz Gibbon, a very efficient and gallant officer, have captured, I believe, more armed rebels than he has men in his regiment. The disposition of the people to return to their allegiance is gen- eral and apparent. I think that eight-tenths of the people of this district desire the restoration of civil authority and the old Govern- ment, and will say so when the proper occasion is offered. I have conversed with most of the leading and influential men of the dis- trict, and think I am not deceived. The change is very marked and decided, ancV the general command- ing himself would be surprised to see it. The disorders and confusion incident to the war have caused great suffering, of which they are heartily tired, and are desirous of peace on almost any terni~. The negro population is giving much trouble to the military, as well as to the people. Slavery is virtually dead in Tennessee, although the State is excepted from the emancipation proclamation. Negroes leave their homes and stroll over the country uncontrolled. Hun- dreds of them are supported by the Government who neither work nor are able to work. Many straggling negroes have arms obtained from soldiers, and by their insolence and threats greatly alarm and intimidate white families, who are not allowed to keep arms, or who would generally be afraid to use if they had them. The military cannot look after these things through the country, and there are no civil authorities to do it. In many cases negroes leave their homes to work for themselves, boarding and lodging with their masters, defiantly asserting their right to do it. It is now and has been for some time the practice of soldiers to go to the country and bring in wagon-loads of negro women and children to this city, and I suppose to other posts. Pro- tections are granted to some slaves to remain with their owners, exempt from labor, as in case of Mrs. Buchanan, relative to Secretary E. H. East, whose letter on that subject is forxvarded with this. * General Paine has adopted the policy of hiring slaves to their own- ers by printed contracts, made in blank and filled up for the occa- sion, which, though a flagrant usurpation, I have not interfered with his action on that and many other subjects, preferring to submit such matters to the consideration of the general commanding the ~department, which I shall do in a separate communication forwarded at the same time this goes. Inclosed I send you blank contract used by Brigadier-General Paine. * Letter not found Page 269 ChAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 269 Officers in Command of colored troops are in constant habit of pressing all able-bodied slaves into the military service of the United States. One conrmunication from citizens near McMinnville on that sub- ject I have already forwarded you. Many similar complaints have been made. This StatC being excepted from the emancipation proclamation, I supposed all [these] things are against good faith and the policy of the Government. Forced enlistments I have endeavored to stop, but find it difficult if not impracticable to do so. In fact, as district commander, I am satisfied I am unable to correct the evils complained of connected with the black population, and, besides, I am not willing to take upon myself the fixing of any rules in these matters without orders or advice from department headquarters. At best, the remedy would be difficult to find, and I suppose can only be furnished by the restoration of civil authority. By proclamation Governor Johnson has ordered elections in March of civil officers. I desire to call attention to another matter. From impressments, legal and illegal, and from thefts, there are very few horses, mules, or oxen left on the farms, and the few that are left are almost worth- less. At present there are many large farms without one serviceable work beast on the place. The farmers are afraid to purchase because of repeated impressments. Every mounted regiment that goes through the country takes what it pleases of stock, & c., and pays what price, or none at all, it likes. Between the loyal and disloyal no discrimination is made. Unless an order be made preventing future impressments and protecting the farmers, little or no crops will be produced. When the civil authority shall be restored, assurances of protection from department headquarters to all persons who would take the oath of amnesty prescribed in the Presidents proclamation, in my opinion, would induce the community almost mu a body to volun- tarily take that oath and seek the protection of Government. At present that proclamation is of little practical utility amongst the people, as there is no person appointed by whom the oath should be administered, no place or time fixed for that purpose. It would seem that some importance should be attached to the administration of that oath to produce the effect designed, and should not be (as oaths heretofore) lightly administered. The policy of seizing houses in Nashville in which to place com- missary and quartermaster stores is bad for the Government and unjust to the people; it is done at an enormous expense, as rents average high here and the Government cannot afford to take a loyal mans store-house without paying him a fair compensation. A very small portion of the rents thus paid would be sufficiemit to erect tem- porary buildings, which would furnish ample room for all such stores. Several quite extensive buildings of the character indicated have been erected and others are nearly completed, but it would certainly be better if all Government stores were kept in Government build- ings, as it would save expense of labor in handling the stores and placing them in and taking them out of upper stories of houses, as well as of money in rents. The building of the Northwestern Railroad is progressing pretty well. The following is a report of the present condition of the road: From Nashville: Road in running order, 34 miles; ready for grad- in~ and iron, 2Q uiiles Page 270 270 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. From Tennessee River in this direction: Ready for iron, 18 miles; grading yet to be done, 6 miles. Colonel Innes, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, reports that he requires two more negro regiments, [with] which, in ad- dition to some 300 of McCallums men (he understands is ordered to report to him, and that if the quartermaster will send forward the iron he can get one or two more engines to send to the Tennessee River), he can finish the road ready for business in sixty days. Fifteen hundred tons of iron for that road left Pittsburg for this place three days ago. I shall endeavor to supply Colonel Innes with the forces he desires as soon as it may be done. The Fourteenth Michigan (Colonel Mizner) is re-enlisting, and will soon probably go on furlough as veterans. Other troops will have to fill their place. The road to Columbia, including bridges built, was repaired by men principally under my command. Some time since, as you were informed at the time, I sent a regiment of colored troops to guard at small bridges and to erect stockades. This I thought necessary, as squads of the enemy were going through the country and might in- terrupt transportation by the destruction of those bridges. When General Wards brigade, now ordered to the front, shall leave here, there will not be enough troops to guard the railroad between this and Murfreesborough and the supplies at this point. There will then be but four regiments left herethe Thirteenth Wisconsin, Seventy-third Ohio, Eighteenth Michigan, and One hun- dred and second Ohio; one of them must be sent on the railroad toward Murfreesborough. The Thirteenth Wisconsin has re-enlisted and will soon go home, thus leaving two regiments of infantry and Colonel Galbraiths bat- talion of cavalry to guard this place. It seems to nie that now one of the two regiments at McMinnville could be spared from that point Twenty-third Missouri Volunteersto this place, thus leaying Colonel Gilbert, the more efficient of the two, in command of~ the post. It is hoped that the bridge now being built by him will be finished by the time the Twenty-third Missouri starts for this place, if you think it should be so ordered; but even the addition of that regiment will not afford a sufficient guard for the supplies here. I have tele- graphed on this subject to-day. The Eighth Iowa Cavalry is on the line of the Northwestern Railroad, and General Gillem thinks it is needed there. Respectfully submitted. LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU, ]Ifajor- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksburg, January 30, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Chattanooga, Teun.: Arrived last night. McPherson all ready. Hurlbut behind time. All things favorable thus far for movement on Meridian. General Banks sends an officer to engage for the Red River expedition twenty- five boats. He writes me ou the faith of General Halleck that Steele and I are to co-operate with him. March 1 is as early as we should mQY~ On ~hmveport, and th~ VnQY~rVIQTItS of Admiral Porter shoul Page 271 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 271 Control ours. Your orders are not specific that I should go up Red River after the Meridian movement. Please telegraph me, through Admiral Porter, your orders for myself and Steele. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, January 31, 1864. Major-General GRANT: Your dispatch of 2 p. m. on the 29th is received. Your orders commanding active parties to be kept in the front are carried out as far as possible with the present exhausted state of the country, the weakened condition of the animals and men, and the state of the roads. I was about sending all the animals to Kentucky for forage, but will now keep them within call. Orders to insure as great prep- aration as we are capable of have been issued. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, January 31, 1864. Major-General GRANT: I have received a dispatch from General Rawlins directing me to prepare to take the offensive. I have given all the necessary orders. The veteran volunteers that have gone home from this army, with the re-enforcements received by Longstreet, makes his infantry force 5,000 stronger than mine. I shall have to depend on infantry prin- cipally, as very little artillery can be taken. I shall therefore require 10,000 additional infantry. A pontoon bridge is also necessary, of 1,200 feet in length. I have sent Colonel Babcock to Chattanooga to endeavor to get one. I also want a force sent from Chattanooga to work on the railroad through to the Hiwassee, and to bridge that stream. If you will give me this assistance I will do all I can to drive Longstreet out of the State, and will take the field in an ambu- lance. You can rely on my efforts. J. G. FOSTER, M~jor-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 31, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Knoxville: Do you think the enemy intends to advance on Knoxville? Tf so, you should not permit any more veteran regiments to go on furlough. I am doing all I can to et the railroad in order to supply you, and will be obliged if you will report fully your present situation and prospects. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers, Gommanding. KNOXVILLE, January 31, 18642 p. m. General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: I am preparing to take the offensive. To do this with effect, in the face of Longstreets re-enforcements, will require at least 10,000 Pifantry from you; i14 addition, that ~p~i ph~o working gangs on Page 272 272 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the road to the Hiwassee also on the Hiwassee bridge so as to in- crease our supplies, which may be boated over the Tennessee at London and afterward sent by rail to this place. I also require a pontoon train of 1,200 feet in length. Colonel Babcock will come down in the first boat to attend to this. The cavalry from Atlanta is reported to be moving into East Tennessee through North Caro- lina. Seven regiments started on the 13th instant. Please telegraph what is the extent of the assistance you can give me. I have on hand over 1,000,000 rations of meat, but no bread or breadstuffs. Please load the boats with all the bread you can spare from forward. J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 31, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD, Commanding District of the Clinch: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 27th instant.. It will be necessary for you to send an officer to Camp Nelson to see that your requisitions for subsistence stores are filled and to attend personally to their transportation to the gap. You should endeavor to accumulate a considerable supply, in order to guard against all possible contingencies. There are now at Camp Nelson large numbers of pack-mules, originally intended for transporting supplies to this place, but the difficulty of procuring forage along the road and here has induced the commanding general to countermand the order sending them down. A portion of these mules could be used in carrying stores to Cumberland Gap. Orders were issued some time since to General Willcox, while commanding the District of the Clinch, to send home both the Eighty-sixth and One hundred and twenty-ninth Ohio. Colonel Pennebaker~ while in command, detained the One hundred and twenty-ninth, as it still had some time to serve. Under the original order you will send home at once the One hundred and twenty- ninth Ohio. General Sturgis, on the 27th instant, gained a very handsome success over the enemys cavalry near Sevierville, capturing two pieces of artillery and 200 prisoners The enemy afterward crossed a large force of infantry over the French Broad, and General Stur- gis had to give up the pursuit. Longstreet is still at Russellville. His infantry are between that place and Morristown, with de- tachments as far down as New Market, on south side of Holston. They are repairing the railroad, and have the bridges completed over the Watauga and Holston. Trains run down as far as Greene- ville. They have a small force of cavalry at Strawberry Plains, but the main body of cavalry is on the south side of French Broad. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. P. S.Your dispatch of the 20th instant has been received. Your reasons for not undertaking the expedition are satisfactory. Other arrangements have been made to bring about the same result. ]~DWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff Page 273 CEAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 273 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, ]Ifaryville, January 31, 186410 p. m. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department, Knoxville: GENERAL: I reached this place with most of my command this evening. This morning I detached the Fourteenth Illinois to go up into the corner of North Carolina and destroy a camp of Indians and whites (rebels), who are a terror to the loyal people both there and through Sevier County. I left Colonel Garrard some 10 miles back with the balance of his brigade to see that no rebel troops followed the de- tachment and to guard this front in that direction. I send Captain Rawolle to Knoxville, in order that you may be enabled to obtain reliable and intelligent information in regard to my movement and its necessity, and of the condition of things gen- erally in the vicinity of Sevierville and Daudridge. Orders had been issued for my command to move in the morning to the Little Tennessee when General Willich sent me a paper from you, indicating a forward move. With this information before me I have thought it best to remain; have informed the general that I will do so if he desires it, or agrees with me as to the propriety of doing so. I am, general,very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Tnckaieechee Clove, January 31, 1864. General E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff, Knoxville: GENERAL: We have been marching slowly to this place, resting and feeding our worn-down animals, and to-day will reach Maryville. I would respectfully suggest the necessity of being ready both at Knoxville and at Maryville, in case Longstreets force advances. It is understood generally among the people that he intends by rapid marching to fall on the Fourth Corps and destroy it (to use their own expressions). There is no doubt but the enemy has infantry and cavalry both at Sevierville now; in what force I cannot say, but it is not to be despised. The infantry which crossed the river against us appeared to have happened to meet us on their march, [more] than to have been sent to Dandridge to operate against. They were well clothed and shod and equipped for traveling. A scout which I had sent out returned yesterday morning and reported a large camp of infantry and cavalry between Sevierville and McNutts Bridge. All the information I have received since only goes to confirm this. I am, sir, very respectfully, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. 18 R RvOL XXXII, PT I Page 274 274 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, January 31, 1864. Brigadier-General Cox, Commanding Twenty-third Army Corps: You will send the reconnaissance ordered toward Sevierville at daylight to-morrow, with instructions to observe carefully the Trun- dles Cross-road, with orders to report at once should they find any force has passed there toward Maryville. By order of General Foster: J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Loudon, Tenn., January 31, 1864. Maj. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN, Commanding Second Division. Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: Yon will bring up Shermans brigade of your division from Kingston and encamp it on the north side of the river opposite this place, as soon as possible. No more veteran regiments will be sent home until further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. GRANGER Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, January 31, 186412 m. General GRANGER: Orders have arrived to prepare to take the offensive. Stop all regiments and officers that are about to go home. Bring up your brigade from Kingston. Get things in hand and be ready for orders. General Willich must be re-enforced if he is attacked, so as to avoid losing more country. ~. G. FOSTER Major-General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, January 31, 186410 a. m. General GRANGER: Dispatch received. With regard to horsing of the section of Wil- lichs battery, I cannot understand why you did not attend to it before the battery left this place, as I requested you to be particular and have the batteries well supplied with 8 horses to each piece and caisson. It is now too late, I fear. I believe all the extra horses 1have been turned over to the cavalry. J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, January 31, 18647.30 p. m. Major-General GRANGER: General Sturgis is falling back upon Maryville with his whole force, on account, his quartermaster says, of starvation. General Wil- lich to-day gave him 6,000 rations. Longstreets infantry is nea Page 275 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 and below Sevierville, but not advancing. Willich has 1,300 bushels corn and 30 cattle; thinks he cannot subsist his command. longer than twenty days without having the cavalry forage on his ground. R. 0. SELFRJDGE, Lieutenant- Colonel and A8sistant Inspector- General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 31, 1864. General GORDON GRANGER, London: The commanding general directs that General Willich be ordered to send a scouting party to Sevierville to learn whether the enemy are now in that neighborhood; if the scouting party find any con- siderable body of the enemy General Willich will make a reconnais- sance in sufficient force to develop the rebel strength. EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., January 31, 18642.45 p. m. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.: The following colonels are brigade commanders and have com- manded brigades for the length of time set opposite their respective names: Col. T. R. Stanley, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, over a year. Col. William Grose, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, over a year. Col. C. G. Harker, Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, over a year. Col. Daniel McCook, Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, over a year Col. F. Van Derveer, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, since February, 1863. Col. John T. Croxton, Fourth Kentucky Infantry, since May, 1863. Col. John Coburn, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, since May, 1863. Col. Frederick Hecker, Eighty-second Illinois Infantry, since No- vember, 1863. Col. Charles Candy, Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and Col. George A. Cobham, jr., One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, commaiiding brigades when Eleventh and Twelfth Corps arrived in this department. Col. Edward M. McCook, Second Indiana Cavalry, since April, 1863. Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, since July, 1863. Col. William W. Lowe, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, since July, 1863. Col. J. T. Wilder, Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, over a year. CoL L. D. Watkins, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, since August, 1863. Col. A. P. Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, since April, 1863. For brevets I recommend Colonels Stanley, Harker, Daniel Mc- Cook, Van Derveer, and Croxton, for reasons stated in my special mentions November 20, 1863; Colonel Grose, as an efficient adminis- trative officer, provident of his men, and gallaiitry in action; Co Page 276 276 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. onel Long, for reasons embraced in my telegram December 29, and letter Jannary Th, forwarding his report of engagement with Wheel- ers rebel Cavalry; Colonel Lowe, for his efficiency at Fort Donelson and sconting after gnerrillas infesting that vicinity till they were all driven away, and for efficient services since lie has commanded a brigade; Colonel Wilder, for active and valnable services while this army was at Mnrfreesborongh, for gallantry as brigade commander at Hoovers Gap and Chickamanga, efficiency dnring the whole snmmer campaign, and looking well to the wants of his men; Col- onel Watkins, for his actions dnring the past snmmer, and in the oper- ations in front of this place, and for his efficiency as a cavalry and brigade commander; Col. Edward M. McCook, for efficiency and gal- lantry during the operations of this army and as commander of a cavalry brigade. Colonel McCook has been commanding a division the greater part of the past year. Colonels Cobnrn and Cam p bell have each fair repntations as brigade commanders, bnt I am nnab let o speak specially. Colonels Hecker, Candy, and Cobham have not been in this army a great while, and I am not prepared to speak specially of them. GEO. H. THOMAS llifajor-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. NASHVILLE, January 31, 1864. Major-General THOMAS: It is reported that Dalton is evacnated. Is it so? Please telegraph any information you may have relating to it, that General Sherman may be advised of the same. By order of Major-General Grant: JOHN A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-GeneraL HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 311, 1864. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, Nashville: Dalton is not evacnated. Their position is very much the same as when yon were here. I have directed General Rousseau to make the report yon desire. GEO. H. THOMAS Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., January 31, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The major-general commanding is very anxious that the First Division of your corps should join it in as good condition as possible, both men and animals, to effect which it will be neces- sary that their march to the front should be made with judgment and deliberation. As the winter is not over they will be likely to encounter bad weather and wretched roads, and he desires that the brigade commanders be iuformed that no nCcessity exists at presei~ Page 277 CHAP. XLIV] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 277 for making hurried or long marches, and also that it will be advisa- ble for them to make detours from the usually traveled highway, if by so doing a better road can be fonud, having in mind always sup- plies of rations and forage. It has been suggested to him that their columns march from Decherd, by way of Tracy City, to Bridgeport, instead of following the road along the line of the railroad. Many of the officers on duty with the division may be familiar with this road, and can judge of its advantages or disadvantages. The gen- eral only desires that the best route should be selected, and that the march should be made solely with a view to the arrival of the col- umn in serviceable condition. As the First Brigade is supplied with its transportation, and as we know of no rebel force of any magni- tude north of the Tennessee River, it is presumed that it will move without further delay, and due notice will be given for the Second to follow it. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, General ROUSSEAU, Chattanooga, January 31, 1864. Nashville: The general commanding directs that you report to the chief en- gineer of the Military Division of the Mississippi, at Nashville, the condition of the defenses at Nashville, as to whether they are capa- ble of standing a siege; if the depots of supplies are properly cov- ered from artillery fire and protected from assault; also the same information with reference to railroad bridges; also information as to whether any work is being done on the defenses of Nashville what artillery is in position, its character; also the amount and con- dition of the ammunition. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, Commanding. PULASKI, TENN., January 31, 1864. Col. GEORGE E. SPENCER: Find out all you can about Johnstons army, whether it is at Dal- ton. Talk to the officer just as though you knew it had all gone from there. There evidently are large moves on the board by the rebels, and that is one of them. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, MEMPHIS, January 31, 1864. Germantown: Enemy in force are engaging pickets of Third Brigade between Collierville and Monut Pleasant. Keep your scouts well out south and southwest, and hold yourself in readiness to support Colonel MoCrillis, if necessary. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General Page 278 278 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. f7OHAP. XLIV. MEMPHIS, January 31, 1864. Col. L. F. MCCRILLIS, Colliervilie: Watch the enemy closely; do not allow him to reach the road between Germantown and Collierville. Give a warm reception if they come within striking distance. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. FOURTH DIvIsION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, On board steamer Commercial, January 31, 1864. Colonel MONTGOMERY Commanding 25th Regt. Wisconsin Vol. infantry: COLONEL: I am directed by Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch to say that the fleet will remain at the landing during the night; also that he desires if possible that you embark, your command to-night, and move with the fleet in the morning. Very respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, F. W. FOX, Assistant Adjutant-General. COLLIERVILLE, January 31, 1864. Captain WOODWARD, AssistantAdjutant-General: Our scouts are fighting rebels between here and Mount Pleasant. A courier sent in reports them about 1,000. L. F. McCRILLIS, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksburg, January 31, 1864. Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Tennessee, Huntsville: DEAR SAWYER: In my former letters I have answered all your questions save one, and that relates to the treatment of inhabitants known or suspected to be hostile or secesh. This is in truth the most difficult business of our army as it advances and occupies the Southern country. It is almost impossible to lay down rules, and I invariably leave this whole subject to local commanders, but am willing to give them the benefit of my acquired knowledge and ex- perience. In Europe, whence we derive our principles of war, as developed by their histories, wars are between kings or rulers, through hired armies, and not between people. These remain, as it were, neutral, and sell their produce to whatever army is in possession. Napoleon, when at war with Austria and Russia, bought forage and provisions of the inhabitants, and consequently had an interest to protect farms and factories which ministered to his wants. In like man- ner the allied armies in France could buy of the French habitants whatever they neededthe produce of the soil or manufactories of the country. Therefore the rule was and is, that wars are confine Page 279 O~AP. XLIV.] COI~RESPONDE~CE, ETO.IJNIOTh 279 to the armies and should not visit the homes of families or private interests. But in other examples a different rule obtained the sanc- tion of historical authority. I will only instance that when in the reign of William and Mary the English army occupied Ireland, then in a state of revolt, the inhabitants were actually driven into foreign lands and were dispossessed of their property and a new popu~ lation introduced. To this day a large part of the north of Ireland is held by the descendants of the Scottish emigrants sent there by Williams order and an act of Parliament. The war which now prevails in our land is essentially a war of races. The Southern people entered into a clear compact of govern- ment, but still maintained a species of separate interests, history, and prejudices. The latter became stronger and stronger till they have led to a war, which has developed fruits of the bitterest kind. We of the North are beyond all question right in our lawful cause, but we are not bound to ignore the fact that the people of the South have prejudices which form part of their nature and which they cannot throw off without an effort of reason or the slower process of natural change. Now, the question arises, should we treat as abso- lute enemies all in the South who differ from us in opinion or preju- dices, kill or banish them, or give them time to think and gradually change their conduct so as to conform to the new order of things which is slowly and gradually creeping into their country? When men take arms to resist our rightful authority we are corn- pelled to use force, because all reason and argument cease when arms are resorted to. When the provisions, forage, horses, mules, wagons, & c., are used by our enemy it is clearly our duty and right to take them, because otherwise they might be used against us. In like manner all houses left vacant by an inimical people are clearly our right, or such as are needed as store-houses, hospitals. and quar- ters. But a question arises as to dwelhiiigs used by women, children, and non-combatants. So long as non-combatants remain in their houses and keep to their accustomed business their opinions and prejudices can in nowise influence the war, and therefore should not be noticed; but if any one comes out into the public streets and creates disorder, he or she should be punished, restrained, or ban- ished, either to the rear or front as the officer in command adjudges. If the people or any of them keep up a correspondence with parties in hostility they are spies, and can be punished with death or minor punishment. These are well-established principles of war, and the people of the South having appealed to war are barred from appealing to our Con- stitution, which they have practically and publicly defied. They have appealed to war, and must abide its rules and laws. The United States as a belligerent party, claiming rights in the soil as the ulti- mate sovereign, have a right to change the population, and it may be and is both politic and just we should do so in certain districts. When the inhabitants persist too long in hostility it may be both politic and right we should banish them and appropriate their lands to a more loyal and useful population. No man will deny that the United States would be benefited by dispossessing a rich, prejudiced, hard-headed, and disloyal planter, and substituting in his place a dozeii or more patient. industrious, good families, even if they be of foreign birth. I think it does good to l)resent this view of the case to many Southern gentlemen who grew rich and wealthy, not by virtue alone of their personal industry and skill, but by reason o Page 280 280 KY., SW. VA., TIENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. rOIIAP. XLIV. the protection and impetus to prosperity given by our hitherto moderate and magnanimous Government. It is all idle nonsense for the Southern planters to say that they made the South, that they own it, and that they can do as they please, even to break up our Government and shut up the natural avenues of trade, intercourse, and commerce. We know, and they know, if they are intelligent beings, that as compared with the whole world they are but as five millions are to one thousand millions; that they did not create the land; that the only title to its use and usufruct is the deed of the United States, and if they appeal to war they hold their all by a very insecure tenure. For my part II believe this war is the result of false political doc- trine, for which we all as a people are responsible; that any and every people have a natural right to self-government, and I would give all a chance to reflect and when in error to recant. I know slave owners, finding themselves in possession of a species of prop- erty in opposition to the growing sentiment of the whole civilized world, conceived their property in danger and foolishly appealed to war, and by skillful political handling involved with themselves the whole South on the doctrine of error and prejudice. I believe that some of the rich and slave-holding are prejudiced to an extent that nothing but death and ruin will extinguish, but hope, as the poorer and industrial classes of the South realize their relative weakness and their dependence upon the fruits of the earth and good will of their fellow-men, they will not only discover the error of their ways and repent of their hasty action but bless those who persistently maintained a constitutional Government strong enough to sustain itself, protect its citizens, aiA promise peaceful homes to millions yet unborn. In this belief, whilst I assert for our Government the highest mili- tary prerogatives, I am willing to bear in patience that political non- sense of slave rights, States rights, freedom of conscience, freedom of the press, and such other trash as have deluded the Southern peo- ple into war, anarchy, bloodshed, and the foulest crimes that have disgraced any time or any people. I would advise the commanding officers at Huntsville, and such other towns as are occupied by our troops, to assemble the inhabitants and explain to them these plain, self-evident propositions, and tell them that it is now for them to say whether they and their children shall inherit the beautifnl land which by the accident of nature has fallen to their share. The Government of the United States has in North Alabama any and all rights which they choose to enforce in warto take their lives, their homes, their lands, their everythingbecause they cannot deny that war does exist there, and war is simply power unrestrained by constitution or compact. If they want eternal war, well and good; we accept the issue, and will dispossess them and put our friends in their place. I know thou- sands and millions of good people who at simple notice would come to North Alabama and accept the elegant houses and plantations there. If the people of Huntsville think different, let them persist in war three years longer, and then they will not be consulted. Three y ears ago by a little reflection and patience they could have had a l~undred years of peace and prosperity, but they preferred war; very well. Last year they could have saved their slaves, but now it is too late Page 281 CHAP. XLIV4 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U~ION. 281 All the powers of earth cannot restore to them their slaves, any more than their dead grandfathers. Next year their lands will be taken, for in war we can take them, and rightfully, too, and in another year they may beg in vain for their lives. A people who will persevere in war beyond a certain limit ought to know the consequences. Many, many peoples with less pertinacity have been wiped out of national existence. My own belief is, even now the non-slaveholding classes of the South are alienating from their associates in war. Already I hear crimination. Those who have property left should take warning in time. Since I have come down here I have seen many Southern planters who now hire their negroes and acknowledge that they knew not the earthquake they were to make by appealing to secession. They thought the politicians had prepared the way and they could part in peace. They now see that we are bound together as one nation by in- dissoluble ties, and that any interest or any people that set themselves up in antagonism to the nation must perish. Whilst I would not remit one jot or tittle of our nations right in peace or war, I do make allowances for past political errors and prejudices. Our national Congress and supreme courts are the proper avenues on which to discuss conflicting opinions, and not the battle-field. You may not hear from me again, and if you think it will do any good, call some of the better people together and explain these, my views. You may even read to them this letter and let them use it so as to pre- pare them for my coining. To those who submit to the rightful law and authority all gentleness and forbearance; but to the petulant and persistent secessionists, why, death is mercy, and the quicker he or she is disposed of the better. Satan and the rebellious saints of Heaven were allowed a continuous existence in hell merely to swell their just punishment. To such as would rebel against a Government so mild and just as ours was in peace, a punishment equal would not be unjust. We are progressing well in this quarter, though I have not changed my opinion, that although we may soon assume the existence of our National Government, yet years will pass before ruffianism, murder, and robbery will cease to afflict this region of country. Truly, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, ]tfajor- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQR5. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 31. * January 31, 1864. * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox, commanding Twenty-third ,Army Corps, will, at 7 a. m. to-morrow, the 1st proximo, send one brigade of that corps by the Strawberry Plains road to Flat Creek, and cover the railroad train while conveying lumber from that vicinity to Knoxville, Teun. After the train has been safely loaded and sent to the latter place the brigade will return to its former camp. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General Page 282 KY., SW, VA., ~ Mts~A., AtA., ANP ~ t~A6 ECHAP. XLIV. Abstract fro returns of the Department of the Cumberland~ Maj. Gen~ George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of January~ 1864. Present for ~ ~ I Pieces of duty ~ ~ artillery. ,~ ~) ~. rj~ n TTc.~dAu~l~ters Command. 3 ~ bi b~ S n n 0 ~ General headquarters Fourth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Second Division Third Division Total Fourth Army Corps... Hookers command: Headquarters Eleventh Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Second Division Third Division Total Eleventh Corps Twelfth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Second Division Total Twelfth Army Corps.. Total Hookers command... Pourteenth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Second Division Third Division Total Fourteenth Army Corps. Cavalry Corps: Headquarters First; Division Second Division Total Cavalry Corps Artillery Heserve b Chattanooga: Infantry Engineer Brigade Pioneer Brigade Total Post of Chattanooga.. Signal Corps District of Nashville: Headquarters Clarksville, Tenn Fort Donelson, Tenn Gallatin, Tenn MclVlinnville, Tenn Murfreesborough, Tenn Nashville, Tenn Nashville and Northwestern Haliroad. Total District of Nashville 36 607 821 978 .... 8 8 9 ~89 6,019 7,251 12,421 18 326 5,538 6,487 12,849 11 281 4,507 5,471 10,531 6 904 16,064 19,217 35,810 35 11 58 73 81 10 73 102 148 200 4,481 5,545 6,491 93 2,107 2,718 5,384 12 131 2,761 3,493 6,413 11 434 9,412 11,858 18,436 .... 23 13 150 192 232 176 4,203 4,734 7,469 20 43 1,810 2,195 7,318 .... 10 232 6.163 7,121 15,019 .... 30 677 15,633 19,052 33,536 .... 53 3 3 4 224 5,636 6,960 13,623 17 214 5,666 6,871 10,427 6 195 4,396 5,378 11,568 18 676 15,698 19,212 35,622 .... 41 6 6 6 144 2,458 3,038 7,122 5 292 5,652 6,869 10,519 ... 6 442 8,110 9,913 17,647 .... 11 ~ 2,283 2,483 3,043 8 123 44 845 1,240 1,459 53 1,116 1,414 2,093 34 991 1,386 2,173 13~ 2,952 4,040 5,725 19 105 125 197 3 3 3 15 241 475 500 6 9 264 457 489 4 34 666 852 1,005 6 1 49 50 57 24 570 672 714 179 4,555 5,929 7,125 9 16 110 2,631 3200 3,624 6 375 8,976 I 11,638 13,517 9 .... Chattanoogit, Telin. London, Tenn. Tyners Station, Tena. London, Tenn. Maryville, Teun. Lookout Valley, Tenn. Lookout Valley, Tenn. Nashville, Tenn. Lookout Valley, Tenn. Shelimound, Tenn. Tullahoma, Tena. Do. Bridgeport, Ala. Chattanooga, Tenn. Do. Near Rossville, Ga. Chattanooga, Tenn. Chattanooga, Tenn. East Tennessee. Huntsville, Ala. a Nashville, Tenn. Nashville, Teun. 38 aTroops at Bridgeport and Huntsville, Ala., Hossville, Ga., and Calhoun, Collierville, Columbus, Nashville, and Pulaski, Teun. bAt Bridgeport, Chattanooga, and Nashville, ~8 Page 283 CO1~RI~sP0NP]~NoI~ 1~C.TTNION~ ~83 Abstracts from returns of the Department of the OumberlaRd, & 0.Continued. Present for ~ a Pieces of duty. . artillery. a a+~ ~, ~,a -- C~2 I Command. ~ .~ ~ Headquarters. a a a a a aa ~ ~ a a a a 0 ~ ~ Unassigned: Artillery 3 58 75 86 Cavalry 16 243 282 642 Maryville, Tenn. Engineers 21 961 1,284 1,446 Nashville and North-- western Railroad. Infantry 42 918 1,161 1,392 Bridgeport, Ala., and Cedar Grove, Tenn Grand totala 3,371 72,608 89,267 149,641 17 301 Grand total, according to 3,498 ~i722o ~i7~ is4,662 17 317 monthly return of the de- partment. a According to the most reliable returns on file. Organization of troops in the Department of the Cumberland, com- manded by Maj. Gen. George H Thomas, U. S. Army, January 31, 1864. HEADQUARTERS. 1st Battalion Ohio Sharpshooters, Capt. Gershom M. Barber. 10th Ohio, Col. Joseph W. Burke. Signal Corps, Capt. Paul Babcock, jr. FOURTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER. FIRST DIVISION. Maj. Gen. DAVID S. STANLEY. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES CRUET. 21st Illinois, Maj. James E. Calloway. 38th Illinois, Capt. William C. Harris. 29th Indiana, Lieut.Col. David M.Dunn. 31st Indian~t, Col. John T. Smith. 81st Indiana, Lieut. Col. William C. Wheeler. 1st Kentucky, Col. David A. Enyart. 2d Kentucky, Lieut. Col. John R. Hurd. 90th Ohio, Capt. Nicholas F. Hitchcock. 101st Ohio, Col. Isaac M. Kirby. Second Brigade. Col. JESSE H. MOORE. 96th Illinois, Lieut. Col. John C. Smith. 115th Illinois, Lieut. Col. George A. Po- teet. 35th Indiana, Col. Bernard F. Mullen. 84th Indiana, Maj. Andrew J. Neff. 8th Kentucky, Capt. Coleman D. Ben- ton. 21st Kentucky, Col. Samuel W. Price. 40th Ohio, Col. Jacob E. Taylor. 51st Ohio, Maj. David W. Marshall. 99th Ohio, Lieut.Col. John E. Cummins. CHAP. XLPY. Page 284 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA, [CHAP. XLIV. Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM GROSE. 59th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Clayton Hale. 75th Illinois, Col. John E. Bennett. 80th Illinois, Lient. Col. William M. Kilgour. 84th Illinois, Col. Louis H. Waters. 9th Indiana, Col. Isaac C. B. Suman. 30th Indiana, Capt. Joseph W. Whitaker. 36th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Oliver H. P. Carey. 24th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Armstead T. M. Cockerill. 77th Pennsylvania, Capt. Joseph J. Lawson. Artillery. Capt. PETER SIMoNsoN. Indiana Light, 5th Battery, Lient. Alfred Morrison. 4th United States, Battery H, Lieut. William H. Heilman. 4th United States, Battery M, Lieut. George W. Dresser. SECOND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. PHILIP H. SHERIDAN. - First Brigade. Col. FRANCIS T. SHERMAN. 36th Illinois, Col. Silas Miller. 44th Illinois, Col. Wallace W. Barrett. 73d Illinois, Col. James F. Jaquess. 74th Illinois, Lieut. Col. James B. Kerr. 88th Illinois, Lieut. Col. George W. Chandler. 22d Indiana, Maj. Thomas Shea. 2d Missouri, Lient. Col. Arnold Beck. 15th Missouri, Capt. Samuel Rexinger. 24th Wisconsin, Capt. Edwin B. Par- sons. Second Brigade. Col. JOHN Q. LANE. 100th Illinois, Lient. Col. Arba N. Water- man. 15th Indiana,Capt. Benjamin F. Hegler. 40th Indiana, Col. John W. Blake. 51st Indiana, Lieut. Col. John M. Comparet. 57th Indiana, Lieut. Col. George W. Lennard. 58th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Joseph Moore. 26th Ohio,* Lient. Col. William H. Young. 97th Ohio, Maj. James W. Moore. Third Brigade. Col. CHARLES G. HARKER. 22d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Francis Swan- wick. 27th Illinois, Col. Jonathan R. Miles. 42d Illinois, Capt. Edgar D. Swain. 51st Illinois, Capt. Albert M. Tilton. 79th Illinois, Col. Allen Buckner. 3d Kentucky, Col. Henry C. Dunlap. 64th Ohio,* Col. Alexander Mcllvain. 65th Ohio, Lieut. Col. William A. Bul- litt. 125th Ohio, Capt. Edward P. Bates. Artillery. Capt. WARREN P. EDGARTON. 1st Illinois Light, Battery M, Capt. George W. Spencer. Indiana Light, 10th Battery, Lieut. Al- fred Cosner. 1st Missouri Light, Battory G, Lieut. Lorenzo D. Immell. * On veteran furlough. 28 Page 285 CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETC. ----UNION. THIRD DIVISiON. Brig. Gen. AUGUST WILLICH. First Brigade. Col. RICHARD H. NODINE. 25th Illinois, Capt. Samuel Houston. 35th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William P. Chandler. 89th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William D. Williams. 32d Indiana, Lieut. Col. Frank Erdel- meyer. 68th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Harvey J. Espy. 8th Kansas,* Col. John A. Martin. 15th Ohio,* Lieut. Col. Frank Askew. 49th Ohio,* Lient. Col. Samuel F. Gray. 15th Wisconsin, Maj. George Wilson. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM B. HAZEN. 6th Indiana, Capt. Allen W. Prather. 5th Kentucky, Col. William W. Berry. 6th Kentucky, Maj. Richard T. Whit- aker. 23d Kentucky,* Lieut. Col. James C. Foy. 1st Ohio, Maj. Joab A. Stafford. 6th Ohio, Col. Nicholas L. Anderson. 41st Ohio,* Lieut. Col. Robert L. Kim- berly. 93d Ohio, Capt. Daniel Bowman. 124th Ohio, Lieut. Col. James Pickands. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL BEATTY. 44th Indiana,* Lieut. Col. Simeon C. Al drich. 79th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Samuel P. Oyler. 86th Indiana, Col. George F. Dick. 9th Kentucky, Lient. Col. Chesley D. Bailey. 17th Kentucky, Col. Alexander M. Stout. 13th Ohio,* Col. Dwight Jarvis, jr. 19th Ohio,* Col. Charles F. Manderson. 59th Ohio, Maj. Robert J. Vanosdol. Artillery. Capt. CULLEN BRADLEY. Bridges Illinois Battery, Lieut. Morris D. Temple. Ohio Light, 6th Battery,* Capt. Cullen Bradley. Pennsylvania Light, Battery B,* Lieut. Samuel M. McDowell. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER. HEADQUARTERS. 15th Illinois Cavalry, Company K, Lieut. Charles M. Harvey. ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. CARL SCHURZ.t FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM T. WARD. First Brigade. - Col. BENJAMIN HARRISON. 102d Illinois, Col. Franklin C. Smith. 105th Illinois, Col. Daniel Dustin. 129th Illinois, Col. Henry Case. 70th Indiana, Maj. Samuel Merrill. 79th Ohio, Col. Henry G. Kennett. Secoad Brigade. Col. JOHN COBURN. 33d Indiana, Lieut. Col. James M. Hen. derson. 85th Indiana, Col. John P. Baird. 19th Michigan, Col. Henry C. Gilbert. 22d Wisconsin, Col. William L. Utley. * On veteran furlough. t Commanding during the temporary absence of General Howard. CHAP. XLIV.] 28 Page 286 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. ~CflAP. XLIV. SECOND DIVISION. Col. ADOLPHIJS BLTSCHBECK. First Bri1jade. Col. PATRICK H. JONES. 33d New Jersey, Maj. David A. Pelou bet. 134th New York, Lieut. Col. Allan H. Jackson. 154th New York, Lieut. Col. Daniel B. Allen. - 27th Pennsylvania, Maj. August Riedt. 73d Pennsylvania, Maj.Charles C.Cres- Son. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES WOOD, Jr. 33d Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr. 136th New York, Lieut. Col. Lester B. Faulkner. 55th Ohio, Col. Charles B. Gambee. 73d Ohio, Col. Orland Smith. THIRD DIVISION. Col. STEPHEN J. MCGROARTY. First Brigade. Col. HORACE BOUGHTON. jOist Illinois, Col. Charles H. Fox. 45th New York, Col. George von Ams- berg. 143d New York, Lient. Col. Hezekiah Watkins. 61st Ohio, Lieut. Col. William H. H. Bown. 82d Ohio, Col. James S. Robinson. Second Brigade. Col. JOHN T. LOCKMAN. 58th New York, Capt. Michael Esem baux. 119th New York, Lieut. Col. Edward F. Lloyd. 141st New York, Col. William K. Logie. 26th Wisconsin, Maj. Frederick C. Winkler. Third Brigade. Col. FREDERICK HECKER. 52d Illinois, Maj. Ferdinand H. Rolshausen. 68th New York, Lient. Col. Albert von Steinhausen. 75th Pennsylvania, Maj. August Ledig. ARTILLERY. Maj. THOMAS W. OSnoRN. Second Division. Third Division. 1st New York Light, Battery I, Capt. 1st Michigan Light, Battery I, Capt. Michael Wiedrich. Luther R. Smith. 4th United States, Battery G, Lient. 1st Michigan Light, Battery K, * Lieut. Christopher F. Merkle. Adolf Schill. New York Light, 13th Battery,* Capt. William Wheeler. UNASSIGNED. 8th New York (independent company), Capt. Anton Bruhn. 2d Kentucky Cavalry, Company B, Capt. William Arthur. ~At Nashville, Teun. 28 Page 287 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. TWELFTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. HENRY W. SLOCUM. HEADQUARTERS. 10th Maine Battalion, Capt. John Q. Adams. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALPHEUS S. WILLIAMS. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH F. KNIPE. 5th Connecticut,* Col. Warren W. Packer. 20th Connecticut, Col. Samuel Ross. 3d Maryland, Col. Joseph M. Suds- burg. 123d New York, Col. Archibald L. Mc- Dougall. 46th Pennsylvania, Col. James L. Sel- fridge. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. THOMAS H. RUGER. 27th Indiana, Col. Silas Colgrove. 2d Massachusetts,* Col. William Cogs- well. 13th New Jersey, Col. Ezra A. Carman. 107th New York, Col. Nirom M. Crane. 150th New York, Col. John H. Ketcham. 3d Wisconsin,* Col. William Hawley. Artillery. Capt. HARRISON B. YORK. Kentucky Light, 2d Battery, Lient. George W. Nell. 1st New York Light, Battery M, Capt. John D. Woodbury. Ohio Light, 9th Battery, Capt. Harrison B. York. 4th United States, Battery F, Lieut. Edward D. Muhlenberg. SECOND DIVISION. Col. DAVID IRELAND. First Brigade. Lieut. Col. ARIO PARDEE, Jr. 5th Ohio,* Lieut. Col. John H. Patrick. 7th Ohio, Maj. Frederick A. Seymour. 29th Ohio, Col. William T. Fitch. 66th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Eugene Powell. 28th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas J. AhI. 147th Pennsylvania,* Capt. Jacob P. Kreider. Second Brigade. Capt. BENJAMIN JELLEFF, Jr. 29th Pennsylvania.* 109th Pennsylvania.* 111th Pennsylvania.* Third Brigade. Lieut. Col. KOERT S. VAN VOORHIS. 60th New York, Col. Abel Godard. 78th New York,* Lieut. Col. Herbert von Hammerstein. 102d New York,* Capt. Lewis R. Steg- man. 137th New York, Capt. Milo B. El- dredge. 149th New York, Capt. Robert E. Hop- kins. Artillery. Lieut. DAVID H. KINZIE. Pennsylvania Light, Battery E,* Lieut. James D. McGill. 5th United States, Battery K, Lieut. David H. Kinzie. * On veteran furlough, detacliments non-veterans remaining in ~he held. 28 Page 288 288 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CSAP. XLIV. FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN M. PALMER. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. RICHARD W. JOHNSON. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. CARLIN. 104th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Douglas Rape- man. 38th Indiana, Col. Benjamin F. Scrib- ner. 42d Indiana, Lieut. Col. William T. B. Melntire. 88th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Cyrus E. Briant. 2d Ohio, Col. Anson G. McCook. 33d Ohio, Lieut. Col.James H. M.Mont- gomery. 94th Ohio, Col. Stephen A. Bassford. 10th Wisconsin, Capt. Jacob W. Roby. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN H. KING. 19th Illinois, Maj. James V. Guthrie. 11th Michigan, Capt. Ephraim G. Hall. 69th Ohio, Maj. James J. Hanna. 15th United States, 1st Battalion, Maj. Albert Tracy. 15th United States, 2d Battalion, Maj. John R. Edie. 16th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. Charles F. Trowbridge. 18th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. George W. Smith. 18th United States, 2d Battalion, Capt. Henry Haymond. 19th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. James Mooney. Third Brigade. Col. HENRY A. HAMBRIGHT. 24th Illinois, Col. Geza Mihalotzy. 37th Indiana, Col. James S. Hull. 21st Ohio, Capt. James L. Curry. 74th Ohio, Maj. Joseph Fisher. 78th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Archi- bald Blakeley. 79th Pennsylvania, Capt. Jacob D. Gompf. 1st Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. George B. Bingham. 21st Wisconsin, Capt. Rudolph J. Wei~- brod. Artillery. Capt. FRANCIS L. GUENTHER. 1st Illinois Light, Battery C, Capt. Mark H. Prescott. 1st Michigan Light, Battery A, Capt. Francis E. Hale. 5th United States, Battery H, Capt. Francis L. Guenther. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES D. MORGAN. 10th Illinois, Col. John Tillson. 16th Illinois, Lieut. Col. James B. Cahill. 60th Illinois, Col. William B. Anderson. 10th Michigan, Lient. Col. Christopher J. Dickersen. 14th Michigan, Col. Henry R. Mizner. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN BEATTY. 34th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Oscar Van Tassell. 78th Illinois, Licut. Col. Carter Van Vleck. 3d Ohio, Capt. Leroy S. Bell. 98th Ohio, Maj. James M. Shane. 108th Ohio, Maj. Joseph Good. 113th Ohio, Maj. Lyne S. Sullivant. 121st Ohio,Capt. Maecenas C. Lawrence Page 289 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 289 Third Brigade. Col. OSCAR F. HARMON. 85th Illinois, Maj. Robert G. Rider. 86th Illinois, Maj. Allen L. Fahnestock. 110th Illinois, Lient. Col. E. Hibbard Topping. 125th Illinois, Lieut. Col. James W. Langley. 52d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles W. Clancy. Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM A. HOTCHKISS. 2d Illinois Light, Battery I, Capt. Charles M. Barnett. Minnesota Light, 2d Battery, Lient. Richard L. Dawley. Wisconsin Light, 5th Battery, Capt. George Q. Gardner. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ABSALOM BAIRD. Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM H. HAYS. 74th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Myron Baker. 4th Kentucky, Col. John T. Croxton. 10th Kentucky, Maj. Henry G. David- son. 18th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. Hubbard K. Milward. 14th Ohio, Col. George P. Este. 38th Ohio, Lieut. Col. William A. Choate. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN B. TURCHIN. 82d Indiana, Lient. Col. Paul E. Sb- cum. 11th Ohio, Maj. Asa Higgins. 17th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Durbin Ward. 31st Ohio, Lieut. Col. Frederick W. Lis- ter. 36th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Hiram F. Devol. 89th Ohio, Capt. John H. Jolly. 92d Ohio, Maj. John C. Morrow. Second Brigade. Col. GUSTAVE KAMMERLING. 75th Indiana, Lient. Col. William OBrien. 87th Indiana, Cob. Newell Gleason. 101st Indiana, Lieut. Col. Thomas Doan. 2d Minnesota, Lieut. Cob. Judson W. I Bishop. 9th Ohio, Capt. Bartholomew Benz. 35th Ohio, Capt. Samuel LHommedieu. 105th Ohio, Lient. Cob. William R. Tolles. CAVALRY. Brig. Gen. WASHINGTON L. ELLIOTT. FIRST DIVISION. Col. EDWARD M. McCooK. First Brigade. Cob. ARCHIBALD P. CAMPBELL. 2d Michigan, Lieut. Col. Benjamin Smith. 9th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas J. Jor- dan. 1st Tennessee, Lieut. Cof. James P. Brownlow. 19 R RVOL XXXII, PT II Artillery. Capt. GEORGE R. SWALLOW. Indiana Light, 7th Battery, Lieut. George M. Repp. Indiana Light, 19th Battery, Capt. Sam- uel J. Harris. 4th United States, Battery I, Lieut. Frank G. Smith. Second Brigade. Cob. OSCAR H. LA GRANGE. 2d Indiana, Maj. Joseph B. Presdee. 4th Indiana, Maj. George H. Purdy. 2d Tennessee, Cob. Daniel M. Ray. 3d Tennessee, Lient. Cob. Duff G. Thorn- burgh. 1st Wisconsin, Maj. William H. Torrey. CHAP. XLIV. Page 290 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Third Brigade. Col. Louis D. WATKINS. 4th Kentucky, Col. Wickliffe Cooper. 5th Kentucky, Lieut. CoL William T. Hoblitzell. 6th Kentucky, Maj. William H. Fidler. 7th Kentucky, Col. John K. Faulkner. Artillery. Indiana Light, 18th Battery, Capt. Eli Lilly. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. GEORGE CROOK. First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM W. LOWE. 3d Indiana, 3d Battalion, Lieut. Col. Robert Klein. 5th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Matthewson T. Patrick. 4th Michigan, Capt. Joseph B. Tolton. 7th Pennsylvania, Col. William B. Sipes. 4th United States, Capt. James B. Mc- Intyre. Second Brigade. Col. ELI LONG. 2d Kentucky, Lieut. Col. Elijah S. Watts. 1st Ohio, Maj. Thomas J. Patten. 3d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles B. Seidel. 4th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Oliver P. Robie. 10th Ohio, Col. Charles C. Smith. Third Brigade (mounted infantry). Col. SMITH D. ATKINS. 92d Illinois, Maj. John II. Bohn. 98th Illinois, Lient. Col. Edward Kitchell. 123d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Jonathan Biggs. 17th Indiana, Maj. William T. Jones. 72d Indiana, Maj. Henry M. Carr. Artillery. Chicago Board of Trade Battery, Lieut. George I. Robinson. ARTILLERY RESERVE. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. BRANNAN. First Division. Second Division. Col. JAMES BARNETT. Capt. JAMES H. STOKES. 1st Ohio Light, Battery B, Capt. Norman Indiana Light, 21st Battery, Capt. Will- A. Baldwin. iam W. Andrew. 1st Ohio Light, Battery C, Sergt. George 1st Michigan Light, Battery D, Lieut. M. Salkeld. Henry B. Corbin. 1st Ohio Light, Battery F, Lieut. Giles Ohio Light, 12th Battery, Lieut. Frank J. Cockerill. Jackson. 1st Ohio Light, Battery G, Capt. Alex- 1st Tennessee Light, Battery A, Lieut. ander Marshall. Albert F. Beach. 1st Ohio Light, Battery M, Capt. Fred- Wisconsin Light, 8th Battery, Capt. erick Schultz. Henry E. Stiles. Ohio Light, 18th Battery, Lient. Joseph McCafferty. 29 Page 291 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Engineer Brigade. Col. TIMOTHY R. STANLEY. 13th Michigan, Col. Joshua B. Culver. 21st Michigan, Lieut. Cob. Loomis K. Bishop. 22d Michigan, Maj. Henry S. Dean. 18th Ohio, Maj. Johnson M. Welch. Detachments. 1st Ohio Light, Battery E,* Lieut. Stephen W. Dorsey. 1st Ohio Light, Battery K,* Capt. Lewis Heckman. 10th Wisconsin Battery,~ Capt. Yates V. Beebe. POST OF CHATTANOOGA. Col. MARION C. TAYLOR. Infantry. Artillery. 10th Indiana, Lient. Col. Marsh B. Tay- Maj. CHARLES S. COTTER. br. 15th Kentucky4 Maj. William G. Hal- Indiana Light, 4th Battery, Lieut. Henry pin. J. Willets. 9th Michigan, Lient. Col. William Wil- Indiana Light, 8th Battery, Lieut. Jere- kinson. miah Voris. 14th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. Thomas Indiana Light, 11th Battery, Lieut. John J. Morgan. H. Ehiers. 15th United States, 2d Battalion, Maj. 1st Ohio Light, Battery I, Lieut. William John R. Edie. Dammert. Ohio Light, 20th Battery, Lieut. Charles F. Nitschelm. 1st Wisconsin Heavy, Company C, Capt. John R. Davies. ENGINEER TROOPS. Pioneer Brigade. Col. GEORGE P. BUELL. 1st Battalion, Capt. John W. Elam. 2d Battalion, Capt. Joseph W. R. Stain- baugh. 3d Battalion, Capt. William Clark. Pontoon Battalion, Capt. Patrick OCon- nell. DISTRICT OF NASHVILLE. Maj. Gen. LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU. NASHVILLE, TENN. Brig. Gen. ROBERT S. GRANGER. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. ROnERT S. GRANGER. Brig. Gen. HORATIO P. VAN CLEVE. 73d Indiana, Capt. Emanuel M. Will- 23d Missouri, Maj. Jacob A. Trumbo. iamson. 115th Ohio, Cob. Jackson A. Lucy. 18th Michigan, Cob. Charles C. Doobittle. 4th Tennessee.~ Maj. Michael L. Pat- 102d Ohio, Lieut. Col. George H. Bow- terson. man. 31st Wisconsin, Maj. George D. Rogers. 10th Tennessee, Lieut. Col. James W. Scully. 13th Wisconsin, Cob. William P. Lyon. Artillery. Capt. JAMES E. WHITE. Indiana Light, 12th Battery, Lieut. James A. Dunwoody. Indiana Light, 20th Battery, Lieut. John I. Morris. 1st Michigan Light, Battery E, Capt. John J. Ely. * At Bridgeport. Ala.. Maj. Walker E. Lawrence commanding. tAt Calhoun, Tenn. t Detachment 42d Indiana attached. ~ At Knoxville, Tenn. 29 Page 292 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Unattached. 1st Missouri Engineers, Col. Henry Flad. CLARKSVILLE. Col. ARTHUR A. SMITH. 83d Illinois (five companies), Maj. Will- - iam G. Bond. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery H, Capt. Henry E. Whittemore. GALLATIN. Brig. Gen. ELEAZER A. PAINE. 71st Ohio, Capt. James W. Carlin. 106th Ohio, Maj. Lauritz Barentzen. 13th Indiana Battery, Capt. Benjamin S. Nicklin. 1st Michigan Light Artillery, Battery E (section), Lieut. Charles M. Durand. MMINNVILLE. Col. WILLIAM P. ROBINSoN. 17th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. William R. Shafter. FORT DONELSON. Lieut. Col. ELIJAH C. BROTT. 53d Illinois (five companies), Capt. John G. Hamrick. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery C, Capt. James P. Flood. NASHVILLE AND NORTHWESTERN RAIL- ROAD. Brig. Gen. ALVAN C. GILLEM. 8th Iowa Cavalry, Col. Joseph B. Dorr. 12th Tennessee Cavalry, Capt. John S. Kirwan. 12th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. Charles R. Thompson. 13th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. John A. Hottenstein. 1st Kansas Battery, Capt. Marcus D. Tenney. MURFREESBOROUGH. Tennessee Home Guards (one company), Capt. James Clift. UNASSIGNED. 1st Kentucky Battery, Capt. Theodore S. Thomasson. 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. William J. Palmer, Maryville, Tenn. 1st Michigan Engineers, Col. William P. Innes, Nashville and Northwestern Rail- road. 39th Indiana (mounted), Col. Thomas J. Harrison, Cedar Grove, Tenn. 28th Kentucky (mounted), Col. William P. Boone, Bridgeport, Ala. Abstract from returns of the Department of the Ohio, Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of January, 1864. Present for ~ c Pieces of duty. ~ artillery. ii H Command. Headquarters. ii i~c~ ~ be bO H .5 ~ PS General headquarters [not reported]. Ninth Army Corps: Headqua~~~ First Division Second Division Total Ninth Corps Twenty-third Army Corps: Headquarters Second Division Third Division 30 2413 418 557.... 5 133 1,968 2,403 4,481 .... S 40 778 989 1,802 .... 4 209 2,989 3,810 0,840 .. 20 12 139 99 59 140 2,888 3,461 2,257 2,876 178 4,972 . . -- 4,095 Near Knoxville, Teun. Erins Station. Lyons Mill. Knoxville, Term. 10 Do. Do. 29 Page 293 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Abstract from returns of the Department of the Ohio, & c..Continued. Present for duty. Command. Twenty-third Army CorpsContd. East Tennessee Brigade Engineer Battalion District of Kentucky Total Twenty-third Army Corps. District of the Clinch Cavalry Corps: Headquarters First Division .. Second Division Total Cavalry Corps Newport Barracks, Ky Grand total a Grand total according to monthly return of depart- ment. rji a 0 Q 72 6 426 n a a b. a S be a be be Pieces of artillery. 1,237 1,661 2,245 129 169 211 9,299 11,554 14,643 i6i 754 15,899 19,861 26,344 7 111 231 4,353 5,276 7,342 ... 21 7 7 7 158 2,878 3,551 5,072 77 1,806 2,593 4,478 242 4,684 6,151 9,557 4 87 139 145 1,440 28,012 35,23w 50,228 7 152 1,512 30,201 38,116 55,111 32 113 Headquarters. Loves Hill, Teun. Knoxville, Tenn. Camp Nelson. Cumberland Gap. Maryville, Tenn. Do. Millers Cove, Tenn. aAccording to the most reliable returns on file. The Fourth Army Corps (excepting First Division) and the First Division Cavalry Corps, Army of the Cuinberland, also serving under General Foster. See p. 282. Abstract from return of the District of Kentucky, Brig. Gen. Jacob Ammen, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of January, 1864. Command. Headquarters Eastern Kentucky Southwestern Kentucky ColumbusKy Glasgow, Ky .... Hopkinsville, Ky Lebanon, Ky Munfordville, Ky New Haven, Ky Nolin. Ky Husseilville, Ky Total Southwestern Kentucky. Miscellaneous: Barboursvllle, Ky Brownsville, Ky Camp Burnside, Ky Camp Nelson, Ky Flemingsburg, Ky Lexington, Ky Louisville, Ky Mount Sterling, Ky Paris, Ky Grand total a Present for duty. 5 50 1,446 a a a a S be 1 be 5 1,719 Headquarters. Camp Nelson, Ky. Louisa, Ky. Lebanon, Ky. Pieces of artillery. a 6 1,908 - 8 -. 33 hO 798 . 21 388 564 762 27 476 583 695 6 111 133 150 6 35 966 1,264 1,414 4 55 12 154 195 295 2 57 60 71 23 526 668 812 159 3,388 4,265 5,407 4 61 28 618 722 818 23 428 647 843 38 994 1,208 1,642 4 50 1,011 1,185 1,314 3 18 9 241 272 304 2 84 104 139 10 16 301 416 605 18 301 378 730 28 487 633 927 426 9,299 11,554 14,643 7 j 101 a Included in Department of the Ohio. See above. 29 Page 294 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 294 Organization of hoops in the Department of the Ohio, Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding, January 31, 11864. NINTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. PARKE. HEADQUARTERS. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery E, Lieut. William P. Gravez. 6th Indiana Cavalry, Col. James Biddle. Signal Corps, Capt. Nahum Daniels. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EDWARD FERRERO. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. DAVID MORRISON. Col. EBENEZER W. PEIRCE. 36th Massachusetts, Maj. William F. 29th Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. Joseph Draper. H. Barnes. 20th Michigan, Maj. Byron M. Cutcheon. 2d Michigan, Col. William Hum- 79th New York, Maj. William Simpson. phrey. 17th Michigan, Lieut. Col. Frederick W. Swift. 27th Michigan, Lieut. Col. William B. Wright. 46th New York, Col. George W. Travers. 50th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Edward Overton, jr. Artillery.* 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery D, Capt. William W. Buckley. 3d United States, Batteries L and M, Lient. Erskine Gittings. SECOND DIVISION. t Brig. Gen. ORLANDO B. WILLCOX. First Brigade.t Second Brigade. Col. JOSEPH K. SIGFRIED. Lieut. Col. MOSES N. COLLINS. 21st Massachusetts, Lieut. Col. George 2d Maryland, Lieut. Col. Henry 110w- P. Hawkes. ard, jr. 48th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Henry 35th Massachusetts, Capt. George P. Pleasants. Lyon. 51st Pennsylvania, Maj. William J. 11th New Hampshire, Capt. Sewall D. Bolton. t Tilton. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. JXCOB D. Cox. HEADQUARTERS. McLaughlins Squadron Ohio Cavalry, Maj. Richard Rice. Engineer Battalion, Capt. Charles E. McAlister. * Battery L, Second New York Artillery, gone home for reorganization. ~ The Fifteenth Indiana Battery relieved from duty with Ninth Army Corps. ~ On veteran furlough Page 295 OEAP. XLIV.] 295 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. HENRY M. JUDAH. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. SAMUEL R. MOTT. Col. MARSHAL W. CHAPIN. 80th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Alfred D. 107th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Francis H. Owen. Lowry. 25th Michigan, Capt. Samuel L. Dem~ 13th Kentucky, Col. William E. lob- arest. son. 118th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Thomas L. 23d Michigan, Maj. William W. Young. Wheeler. Elgin (Illinois) Battery, Capt. Andrew M. 111th Ohio, Col. John R. Bond. Wood. Henshaws (Illinois) Battery, Capt. Ed- ward C. Henshaw. 24th Indiana Battery, Lieut. Henry W. Shafer. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MILO S. HASCALL. First Brigade.* Col. FELIX A. REEVE. 100th Ohio, Lieut. Dennison S. Hughes. 104th Ohio, Maj. William J. Jordan. 8th Tennessee, Maj. William S. Bar- nett. 19th Ohio Battery, Capt. Joseph C. Shields. FIRST EAST TENNESSEE BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. JAMES G. SPEARS. 3d Tennessee, Col. William Cross. 5th Tennessee, Lient. Col. Charles C. McCaleb. 6th Tennessee, Maj. A. Marion Gamble. Second Brigade. Col. DANIEL CAMERON. 65th Illinois, Maj. John Wood. 24th Kentucky, Col.John S. Hurt. 103d Ohio, Col. John S. Casement. Wilder (Indiana) Battery, Lieut. John S. White. DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY.t Brig. Gen. JACOB AMMEN. SUB-DISTRICT OF EASTERN KENTUCKY. Col. GEORGE W. GALLUP. 14th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. Orlando Brown, jr. 39th Kentucky, Col. David A. Mims. SUB-DISTRICT OF SOUTHWESTERN KENTUCKY. Brig. Gen. EDWARD H. HOBSON. Columbia, Ky. 13th Kentucky Cavalry, Col. James W. Weatherford. Hoplcinsville, Ky. 35th Kentucky, Col. Edmund A. Star- ling. Munfordville, Ky. 2d Ohio Heavy Artillery (detachment), Maj. Daniel W. Hoffman. Noun, Ky. 34th Kentucky, Company G, Capt. Chris- topher C. Hare. Glasgow, Ky. 37th Kentucky, Col. Charles S. Hanson. Lebanon, Ky. 1st Kentucky Light Artillery, Battery C, Capt. John W. Neville. New Haven, Ky. 33d Kentucky (battalion), Capt. William Knight, jr. Russellville, Ky. 48th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. William W. Hester. *The Forty-fourth Ohio (Eighth Cavalry) and Battery D, First Ohio Light Artil lery, at Cincinnati, Ohio. ~ Or First Division, Twenty-third Army Corps Page 296 ky., SW. VA~, TENN., MiSS., ALA., AND Itt. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. MISCELLANEOUS. Barboursville, Ky. 14th Kentucky Cavalry (eight compa- nies), Lieut. Col. Henry C. Lilly. Camp Burnside, Ky. Col. ZENAS R. BLIss. 49th Kentucky, Col. John G. Eve. 7th Rhode Island, Capt. Alfred M. Channell. 11th Kentucky Cavalry, Company K, Capt. Charles L. Unthank. 1st Kentucky Light Artillery, Battery E, Capt. John J. Hawes. Flemingsburg, Ky. 5th Ohio Cavalry Battalion, Maj. John F. Ijams. Louisville, Ky. 20th Kentucky, Maj. Thomas B. Waller. Newport Barracks, Ky. Recruiting party, etc., Lieut. Col. John P. Sanderson. Brownsville, Ky. 47th Kentucky, Col. Andrew H. Clark. Camp Nelson, Ky. 63d Indiana, Col. James McManomy. 26th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. Thomas B. Fairleigh. 7th Kentucky Cavalry (one company), Capt. George T. Stacey. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery M, Lieut. George W. Reed. 2d Ohio Heavy Artillery, Companies I and M,Capt.Thomas A.Stevenson. Lexington, Ky. lsrWisconsinHeavyArtillery,Company B, Capt. Walter S. Babcock. Mount Sterling, Ky. 45th Kentucky, Col. Nathan A. Brown. Paris, Ky. 40th Kentucky, Col. Clinton J. True. DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH. Brig. Gen. THEOPHILUS T. GARRARD. 91st Indiana, Col. John Mehringer. 6th Indiana Cavalry (2d and 3d Battal- 117th Indiana, Col. Thomas J. Brady. ions), Lieut. Col. Courtland C. 118th Indiana, Lieut. CoL Henry C. El- Matson. liott. 11th Tennessee Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Reu- 34th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. William Y. ben A. Davis. Dillard. 1st Michigan Light Artillery, Battery 2d North Carolina (Mounted), Lieut. L, Lieut. Thomas Gallagher. Col. James A. Smith. 1st Michigan Light Artillery, Battery 129th Ohio, Col. Howard D. John. M, Lieut. Augustus H. Emery. 16th Illinois Cavalry, Col. Christian 22d Ohio Battery, Licut. George W. Thielemann. Taylor. 1st Tennessee Light Artillery, Battery B, Lieut. Isaac P. Knight. CAVALRY CORPS. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL D. STURGIs. FIRST DIVISION. Col. FRANK WOLFORD. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Lieut. Col. SILAS ADAMS. Col. THOMAS J. HENDERSON. 1st Kentucky, Capt. John B. Fishback. 112th Illinois (mounted infantry), Lieut. 11th Kentucky, Maj. William 0. Boyle. Col. Emery S. Bond. 12th Kentucky, Maj. Milton Graham. 8th Michigan, Maj. Henry C. Edgerly. Third Brigade (mounted infantry). Col. S. PALACE LOVE. 11th Kentucky, Capt. Woodford M. Houchin. 27th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. John H. Ward. 45th Ohio, Licut. Col. George E. Ross. 29 Page 297 CHAP. XLJVJ CORRE~PONI4~NCE, ETC.UINIOTh 2~7 SECOND DIVISION. Col. ISRAEL GARRARD. First Brigade. Lieut. Col. GEORGE G. MINER. 9th Michigan, Maj. Michael F. Gallagher. 7th Ohio, Maj. James Mclntire. Second Brigade. Lient. Col. THOMAS H. BUTLER. ~4th Illinois, Maj. Francis M. Davidson. 5th Indiana, Maj. John Woolley. 65th Indiana (mounted infantry), Capt. Walter G. lodge. 9th Ohio (1st Battalion), Maj. William D. Hamilton. Colvins (Illinois) Battery, Capt. John H. Colvin. Abstract from returns of the Army of the Tennessee, ]Jiliaj. Gen. William T. Sher- man, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of January, 1864. Present for duty. Command. General headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Second Division Third Division Fourth Division Detachments Cavalry forces Total Fifteenth Army Corps Sixteenth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Left Wing: a Headquarters Second Division Fullers brigade ~ Detachments Third Division Fourth Division (detachment)... Cavalry division District of Cairo District of Memphis Total Six euth Army Corps.. ___ Seventeenth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Third Division Fourth Division Mississippi Marine Brigade Total SeventeenthArmy Corps ___ U. S. Colored Troops: Haynes Bluff, Miss Natchez, Miss Vicksburg, Miss Total colored troops Grand total 6 Grand total, according te monthly return of the de partment 3,948 6 14 I H H CS H ~Piecesof artillery. H H1 ~ bL CS b~ H H 20 22 Headquarters. Huntsville, Ala. 7 7 10 218 3,598 4,735 7,286 14 195 3,416 4,572 7,189 20 193 3549 4,499 6,784 8 200 1,482 4,351 7,038 14 89 1,458 1,914 2,393 106 2,339 2,85i 4,069 4 1,003 17,842 22,915 34,769 .... 60 9 9 9 264 4,209 5,217 6,835 14 6 6 6 191 4,318 5,656 9,541 22 13 284 448 656 46 1,038 1,186 1,548 308 5,898 6,972 8,205 .... 14 138 2,578 3,080 3,759 .... 4 314 6,327 8,126 9,925 .... 14 114 2,358 3,480 3,997 9 9 213 5,022 6,889 7,775 61 14 1,616 32,032 41,069 52,256 70 91 22 52 129 140 240 4,333 5,447 7,489 2 i6 234 4,491 5,750 8,592 16 225 4,916 5,873 7,444 16 41 719 958 1,282 6 762 14,511 18,157 24,947 8 48 134 2,488 2,991 3,294 6 69 1,648 2,355 2,494 160 3,006 3,904 4,259 363 7,142 9,250 10,04~ .... 6 3,758 71,533 91,481 122,041 78 205 ~3,709 94,520 123,129 79 Huntsville, Ala. Woodvile, Ala. Larkins Landing, Ala. Huntsville, Ala. Scottsborough, Ala. Hebrons Plantation, Miss. In the field. Memphis, Tenn. Pulaski, Tenn. Do. Prospect, Tenn. Vicksburg, Miss. En routeto Vicksburg. Memphis, Tenn. Cairo, Ill. Memphis. Vicksburg, Miss. Do. Do. Near Vicksburg, Miss. 208 a Troops at Athens, Ala., and Lynuville, Prospect, and Pulaski, Tenn. b .& ccording te the most reliable returns on file Page 298 298 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. Organization of troops in the Department and Army of the Ten- nessee, commanded by Maj. Gen. William T. Shermar U. S. Army, January 31, 1864. HEADQUARTERS. Signal Corps, Capt. Ocran H. Howard. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN. HEADQUARTERS. Signal Corps, Lient. George H. McNary. 3d U. S. Cavalry, Capt. George W. Howland. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. CHARLES R. WOODS. First Brigade. Col. MILO SMITH. 13th Illinois, Capt. Edwin Went. 26th Iowa, Capt. Nelson C. Roe. 30th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Aurelius Roberts. 27th Missouri, Col. Thomas Curly. 76th Ohio, Col. William B. Woods. Second Brigade. Lient. Col. JEREMIAH W. JENKINS. 4th Iowa, Maj. Samuel D. Nichols. 9th Iowa, Col. David Carskaddon. 31st Iowa, Maj. Theodore Stimming. 29th Missouri, Maj. Philip H. Murphy. 31st Missouri, Maj. Frederick Jaensch. Third Brigade. Col. GEORGE A. STONE. 25th Iowa, Lient. Col. David J. Palmer. 3d Missouri, Col. Theodore Meumann. 12th Missouri, Lieut. Col. Jacob Kaerch- ner. 17th Missouri, Maj. Francis Romer. 32d Missouri, Maj. Abraham J. Seay. Artillery. Capt. GEORGE FROEHLICH. Iowa Light, 1st Battery, Lient. William H. Gay. 2d Missouri Light, Battery F, Lieut. Louis Voelkner. Ohio Light, 4th Battery, Lieut. Louis Zimmerer. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MORGAN L. SMITH. First Brigade. Lient. Col. DAVID C. COLEMAN. 55th Illinois, Capt. Jacob M. Augustin. 116th Illinois, Ma,j. Anderson Froman. 127th Illinois, Lient. Col. Frank S. Cur- tiss. 6th Missouri, Lieut. Col. Ira Boutell. 8th Missouri, Capt. Alexander A. Jameson. 57th Ohio, Maj. John McClure. 13th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. John B. Miller. Second Brigade. Col. THEODORE JONES. 83d Indiana, Col. Benjamin J. Spooner. 30th Ohio, Lient. Col. George H. Hildt. 37th Ohio, Maj. Charles Hipp. 47th Ohio, Maj. Thomas T. Taylor. 54th Ohio, Lient. John Adams. 4th West Virginia, Lient. Col. John L. Vance Page 299 CHAr. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 299 Cavalry. 16th Illinois, Companies A and B, Lieut. Solomon W. Kelly. Artillery. Capt. PETER P. WooD. 1st Illinois Light, Battery A, Capt. Peter P. Wood. 1st Illinois Light, Battery B, Capt. Israel P. Rumsey. 1st Illinois Light, Battery H, Lieut. Francis De Gress. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN E. SMITH. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. JESSE I. ALEXANDER. Col. CLARK R. WEVER. 63d Illinois, Col. Joseph B. MeCown. 56th Illinois, Lieut. Col. John P. Hall. 48th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Edward J. 17th Iowa, Capt. ThomasPing. Wood. 10th Missouri, Maj. Joseph Walker. 59th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Jefferson K. 24th Missouri, Company E, Lieut. Dan- Scott. iel Driscoll. 4th Minnesota, Lieut. Col. John E. Tour- 80th Ohio, Maj. David Skeels. tellotte. 18th Wisconsin, Col. Gabriel Bouck. Third Brigade. Col. JABEZ BANBURY. 93d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Nicholas C. Buswell. 5th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Ezekiel S. Sampson. 10th Iowa, Lieut. Ccl. Paris P. Henderson. 26th Missouri, Col. Benjamin D. Dean. Cavalry. 4th Missouri, Company F, Lieut. Alexander Mueller. Artillery. Capt. HENRY DILLON. CogsWells (Illinois) Battery, Lient. William R. Elting. Wisconsin Light, 6th Battery, Lieut. James G. Simpson. Wisconsin Light, 12th Battery, Lieut. Edward G. Harlow. FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. HUGH EWING. First Brigade. Col. REUBEN WILLIAMS. 26th Illinois (detachment), Lieut.Charles E. Linsley. 90th Illinois, Maj. Patrick Flynn. 12th Indiana, Lieut. Col. James Good- now. 100th Indiana, Maj. Ruel M. Johnson. Second Brigade. Col. CHARLES C. WALCUTT. 40th Illinois, Maj. Hiram W. Hall. 103d Illinois, Maj. Asias Willison. 6th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Alexander J. Mil- ler. 46th Ohio, Maj. Henry H. Giesy. Third Brigade. Col. ALEXANDER FOWLER. 48th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Lucien Great- house. 97th Indiana, Col. Robert F. Catterson. 99th Indiana, Maj. John M. Berkey. 53d Ohio, Col. Wells S. Jones. 70th Ohio, Col. Joseph R. Cockerill. Artillery. Capt. ALBERT CUDNEY. 1st Illinois Light, Battery F, Lieut. Sam- uel S. Smyth. 1st Illinois Light, Battery I, Capt. Al- bert Cudney. 1st Missouri Light, Battery D, Lieut. Frank White Page 300 300 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. UNATTACHED. 15th Michigan Mounted Infantry, Col. John M. Oliver. 5th Ohio Cavalry, Col. Thomas T. Heath. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBIJT. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JAMES M. TUTTLE. First Brigade.t Col. WILLIAM L. MCMILLEN. 114th Illinois, Lieut. Col. John F. King. 93d Indiana, Maj. Samuel S. Crowe. 72d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles G. Eaton. 95th Ohio, Lieat. Col. Jefferson Brum- back. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. MOWER. 47th Illinois, Col. John D. McClure. 5th Minnesota, Col. Lucius F. Hubbard. 11th Missouri, Lient. Col. William L. Bar- nunl. 8th Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. John W. Jef- ferson. Third Brigade. Col. JAMES L. GEDDES. 8th Iowa, Lient. Col. William B. Bell. 12th Iowa, Lieut. Col. John H. Stibbs. 35th Iowa, Maj. Abraham John. 33d Missouri, Lieut. Col. William H. Heath. Artillery. Capt. NELSON T. Spoon. 1st Illinois Light, Battery E, Lieut. John A. Fitch. Indiana Light, 6th Battery, Lieut. Louis Kern. Iowa Light, 2d Battery, Lieut. Joseph R. Reed. LEFT WING. Brig. Gen. GRENVILLE M. DODGE. HEADQUARTERS. Signal Corps, Capt. James M. MeClintoek. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. THOMAS W. SWEENY. First Brigade. Col. DE WITT C. ANTHONY. 52d Illinois, Capt. Do Witt C. Hurd. 66th Indiana, Lient. Col. Roger Martin. 2d Iowa, Capt. Ermon E. Mastick. 7th Iowa, Capt. Christian Hedges. Second Brigade. Col. AUGUST MERSY. 9th Illinois, Lient. Col. Jesse J. Phil lips. 12th Illinois, Capt. Justin D. Towner. 66th Illinois, tient. Alvin H. Davis. 111th Illinois, Col. James S. Martin. 81st Ohio, Col. Thomas Morton. * Reorganized January 24, by General Orders, No. 17, headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps. f Also borne on return of the District of Memphis. See p.303 Page 301 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Third Brigade. Col. MADISON MILLER. 7th Illinois, Lieut. Washington W. Judy. 50th Illinois, Capt. Selah W. King. 57th Illinois, Capt. William S. Swan. 39th Iowa, Col. Henry J. B. Cummings. 18th Missouri, Lieut. Col. Charles S. Shel- don. Fullers Brigade (detachment). Capt. WILLIAM FEENEY. 18th Missouri, Company C (mounted), Capt. Edxvard S. Donnelly. 27th Ohio, Lieut. Edward Gibson. 39th Ohio, Capt. John ~ Drake. 43d Ohio, Capt. Joel A. Dewey. 63d Ohio, Lieut. Jacob S. Antrim. 1st Michigan Light Artillery, Battery C, Lieut. Henry Shier. Not brigaded. 2d Alabama, A. D., Col.Wallace Camp bell. 64th Illinois (six companies), Maj. Sam- uel T. Thomson. Pioneer Brigade, 4th Battalion, Capt. Milton Keruper. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery F, Lieut. Albert M. Murray. Artillery.* Capt. BENJAMIN TANNRATH. 1st Michigan Light, Battery B, Lieut. Albert L. Pickett. 1st Missouri Light, Battery H, Ueut. John H. Conant. 1st Missouri Light, Battery I, Capt. Ben- jamin Tanurath. Ohio Light, 14th Battery, Lieut. Seth M. Laird. THIRD DIVIsION.t Brig. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. First Brigade. Col. DAVID MOORE. 58th Illinois, Col. William F. Lynch. 119th Illinois, Col. Thomas J. Kinney. 89th Indiana, Col. Charles D. Murray. 21st Missouri, Maj. Edwin Moore. Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM T. SHAW. 14th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Joseph H. New- bold. 27th Iowa, Col. James I. Gilbert. 32d Iowa, Col. John Scott. 24th Missouri, Col. James K. Mills. Third Brigade. Col. EDWARD H. WOLFE. 49th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William W. Bishop. 117th Illinois, Col. Risdon M. Moore. 52d Indiana, Maj. William T. Strick- land. 178th New York, Col. Edward Wehler. Artillery. Indiana Light, 3d Battery, Capt. James M. Cockefair. Indiana Light, 9th Battery, Capt. George R. Brown. Indiana Light, 14th Battery, Lient. Fran- cis W. Morse. FOURTH DIVI5ION.t Brig. Gen. JAMES C. VEATCH. 25th Indiana, Col. William H. Morgan. 35th New Jersey, Col. John J. Cladek. 17th New York, Col. William T. C. Grower. 25th Wisconsin, Col. Milton Montgomery. 32d Wisconsin. Col. James H. Howe. 2d Illinois Light_Artillery, Battery D, Capt. Charles S. Cooper. - Maj. George H. Stone, commanding artillery of the Left Wing. f Reorganized January 24, by General Orders, No. 17, headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps. tAssigned January 25, by General Orders, No. 19, headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps. OtIAP XLIV.] 30 Page 302 302 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAr. XLIV. CAVALRY DIVISION. First Brigade. Col. JOHN K. MIZNER. 1st Alabama, Lieut. Col. Ozro J. Dodds. 7th Kansas, Col. Thomas P. Herrick. 3d Michigan, Lieut. Col. Gilbert Moyers. 6th Tennessee, Col. Fielding Hurst. Brig. Gen. BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON. Third Brigade. Col. LA FAYETTE MOCRILLIS. 72d Indiana Mounted Infantry, Maj. Henry M. Carr. 3d Illinois, Capt. Andrew B. Kirkbride. 5th Kentucky, Maj. Christopher T. Cheek. 2d Tennessee, Lieut. Col. William P. Cook. 3d Tennessee, Maj. John B. Minnis. 4th Tennessee, Lieut. Col. Jacob M. Thornburgh. Walings Brigade. Col. GEORGE E. WARING, Jn. 2d Illinois (1st Battalion), Capt. Frank- lin Moore. 7th Indiana, Col. John P. C. Shanks. 4th Missouri, Maj. Edward Langen. 2d New Jersey, Col. Joseph Karg~. 19th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Joseph C. Hess. Second Brigade. Col. ALBERT G. BRACKETT. 6th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Mathew H. Starr. 7th Illinois, Lieut. Col. George W. Traf- ton. 9th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Henry B. Burgh. 2d Iowa, Maj. Datus E. Coon. 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery K, Lieut. Isaac W. Curtis. DISTRICT OF CAIRO. Brig. Gen. HUGH T. REJD.* Cairo, Ill. Brig. Cen. HUGH T. REID. Gist Illinois, Company K, Capt. Alfred J. Judy. 122d Illinois (seven companies), Col. John I. Rinaker. Island No. 10, Tenn. Capt. ROBERT M. EKINGS. 34th New Jersey, Company C, Lieut. Augustus W. Grobler. 7th Louisiana, A. D.. Company C, Capt. James B. Rogers. 9th Louisiana, A. D., Company D, Lieut. Cornelius Claflin. Columbus, Ky. Col. WILLIAM H. LAWRENCE. 34th New Jersey (nine companies), Maj. Gnstavns N. Abeel. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery G, Capt. Frederick Sparrestrom. 2d Tennessee Heavy Artillery, A. D., Lieut. Col. Peter P. Dobozy. Paducah, Ky. Col. STEPHEN G. HICKS. 122d Illinois, Companies C, H, and K, Maj. James F. Chapman. 13th Tennessee Cavalry, Lient. John F. Gregory. tth Tennessee Cavalry, Company A, Lieut. Milton W. Hardy. Union CYity, Tenn. 7th Tennessee Cavalry (ten companies), Col. Isaac R. Hawkins. * Assigned to command January 25, by General Qrders, No, 19, of that date from headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps Page 303 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. DISTRICT OF M~MPHIS. Brig. Gen. RALPH P. BTJCKLAND2~ MEMPHIS. First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM L. McMILLEN. 114th Illinois. Lieut. Col. John F. King. 93d Indiana, Maj. Samuel S. Crowe. 72d Ohio. Lient. Col. Charles G. Eaton. 95th Ohio, Lient. Col. Jefferson Brum- back. 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery E, Lieut. John A. Fitch. Second Brigade.t Col. GEORGE B. lOGE. 108th Illinois, Col. Charles Turner. 113th Illinois. Capt. Bliss Sutherland. 120th Illinois, Col. George W. McKeaig. First colored Brigade. Col. JAMES M. ALEXANDER. 1st Alabama, A. D., Lieut. Col. James M. Irvin. 1st Tennessee, K D., Col. Edward Bon- ton. 2d Tennessee, A. D., Col. Frank A. Ken- drick. Detachments. 7th Louisiana, A. D. (three) companies). Col. John 9th Louisiana, A. D. (three ~ Phillips. companies). 9 7th Wisconsin Battery, Lieut. William Hearsey. Fort Pickering. Col. IGNATZ G. KAPPNER. 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery G, Lieut. Gustave Dachsel. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery B, Capt. Fletcher H. Chapman. 1st Tennessee Light Artillery, Battery C, Lieut. Henry C. Kelly. 1st Tennessee Battery, A. D., Lieut. Alexander M. Hunter. 1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery, A. D., Lient. Col. James P. Harper. Field artillery detachment, Capt. Carl A. Lamberg. Provisional Encampment, Maj. William N. Lansing. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON. HEADQUARTERS. 4th Company Ohio Cavalry. Capt. John S. Foster. Signal Corps, Capt. Lucius M. Rose. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ELIAS S. DENNIS. First Brigade. Col. FREDERICK A. STARRING. ~2d Illinois,t Lient. Col. Joseph Stock ton. 1st Kansas, Lient. Col. Newell W. Spicer. 58th Ohio,t Capt. Andrew Gallfy. 10th Wisconsin, Maj. Thomas Reynolds. Second Brigade. Col. ADAM G. MALLOY. 11th Illinois, Col. James H. Coates. 95th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Leander Blan- den. 14th Wisconsin, Col. Lyman M. Ward. 17th Wisconsin, Maj. Donald D. Scott. ChAP. XLIV.] 303 *Assigned January 25, by General Orders, No. 19, headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps. ~ Troops from Corinth organized into brigade January 27. ~Attacbed to the post of Vicksburg Page 304 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. ~CHAr. XLIV. Third Bri~jade. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER CHAMBERS. 11th Iowa, Lieut. Col. John C. Abererombie. 13th Iowa, Col. John Shane. 15th Iowa, Col. William W. Belknap. 16th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Addison H. Sanders. Artillery. Maj. THOMAS D. MAURICE. Minnesota Light, 1st Battery Lieut. Henry Hunter. 1st Missouri Light, Battery C, Capt. John L. Matthaei. 1st Missouri Light, Battery M, Lieut. John H. Tiemeyer. Ohio Light, 5th Battery, Lient. Amos H. Worley. Ohio Light, 10th Battery, Lieut.William L. Newcomb. Cavalry. 2d Wisconsin (seven Companies), Maj. Harry E. Eastman. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. MANNING F. FORCE. 20th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Daniel Bradley. 29th Illinois, Col. Loren Kent. 31st Illinois, Lient. Col. Robert N. Pear- son. 45th Illinois, Maj. John 0. Duer. 124th Illinois, Lieut. Col. John H. Howe. Second Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN F. POTTS. 20th Ohio, Maj. John C. Fry. 32d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jefferson J. Hib- bets. 68th Ohio, Lieut. Col. George B. Welles. 78th Ohio, Col. Greenberry F. Wiles. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JASPER A. MALTBY. 8th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Josiah A. Sheetz. 17th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Francis M. Smith. 30th Illinois, Col. Warren Shedd. 81st Illinois, Lieut. Col. Andrew W. Rogers. 7th Missouri, Col. William S. Oliver. Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS. 1st Illinois Light, Battery D, Capt. Edgar H. Cooper. 2d Illinois Light, Battery L, Lient. Jabez H. Moore. 1st Michigan Bight, Battery H, Lieut. Marcus D. Elliott. Ohio Light, 3d Battery, Licut. Francis J. Meyers. Ohio Light, 26th Battery, Capt. Theobold D. Yost. Cavalry. 2d Wisconsin, Company H, Capt. Ernest J. Meyers. FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MARCELLUS M. CROcIKER. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. T. KILBY SMITH. Col. CYRUS HALL. 41st Illinois, Lieut. Col. John H. Nale. 14th Illinois, Maj. John F. Nolte. 53d Illinois, Maj. Rolland H. Allison. 15th Illinois, Col. George C. Rogers. 3d Iowa, Maj. George W. Crosley. 76th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Charles C. Jones. 33d Wisconsin, Col. Jonathan B. Moore. 30 Page 305 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 305 Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. WALTER Q. GRESHAM. 32d Illinois, Lieut. Col. George H. English. 23d Indiana, Lient. Col. William P. Davis. 53d Indiana, Maj. Warner L. Vestal. 12th Wisconsin. Licut. Col. James K.Proudfit~ Artillery. Capt. JOHN W. POWELL. 2d Illinois Light, Battery F, Lieut. Walter H. Powell. 2d Illinois Light, Battery K, Lieut. Wesley Platt. Ohio Light, 7th Battery, Lient. Harlow P. McNaughton. Ohio Light, 15th Battery, Lieut. James Burdick. Cavalry. 11th Illinois. Company G, Capt. Stephen S. Tripp. CAVALRY. Col. EDWARD F. WINSLOW. 4th Illinois, Maj. Charles D. Townsend. 5th Illinois, Maj. Abel H. Seley. 11th Illinois, Lient. Col. Lucien H. Kerr. 4th Iowa, Maj. Alonzo B. Parkell. 10th Missouri, Maj. Frederick W. Benteen. MISSISSIPPI MARINE BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. ALFRED W. ELLET. 1st Infantry Regiment, Maj. David S. Tallerday. 1st Cavalry Battalion, Maj. James M. Hubbard. Pennsylvania (Segebarths), Battery C, Artillery, Capt. Daniel P. Walling. Ram Fleet, Lieut. Col. John A. Ellet. U. S. COLORED TROOPS. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HAWKINS. Haynes Bluff. 1st Arkansas, A. D., Col. William F. Wood. 10th Louisiana, A. D., Col. Frederick M. Crandal. 11th Louisiana, A. D., Col. Van E. Young. 3d Mississippi, A. D., Col. Richard H. Ballinger. 1st Mississippi Cavalry, A. D., Col. Embury D. Osband. 1st Battery, Louisiana Light Artillery, A. D., Capt. Isaac B. Goodloe. Vieksburg. 7th Louisiana, A. D. (detachment), Maj. George W. Young. 8th Louisiana, A. D., Lieut. Col. Ferdinand E. Peebles. 12th Louisiana, A. D., Col. Charles A. Gilchrist. 1st Mississippi, A. D., Col. A. Watson Webber. 2d Mississippi, A. D., Col. George M. Ziegler. 4th Mississippi, A. D.. Col. William T. Frohock. 6th Mississippi, A. D., Lient. Col. Samuel A. Harrison. 1st Mississippi Heavy Artillery, A. D., Col. Herman Lieb. 2d Mississippi Heavy Artillery, A. D., Lieut. Col. Hubert A. MeCaleb. 2d Battery Louisiana Light Artillery, A. D., Capt. William M. Pratt. Natchez. Col. AMORY K. JOHNSON. 28th Illinois, Maj. Hinman Rhodes. [JANUARY 31APRIL 30, 1864.For troops in the Department of the Gulf east of the Mississippi River, see Seiies I, Vol. XXXIV.] 5~0 F RVOL XXXII, PT I Page 306 306 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. WASHINGTON, February 1, 186412. 30 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Saint Louis, Mo.: General Fosters condition is such that General Schofield must hasten to relieve him. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. NASHVILLE, February 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Knoxville: Major-General Schofield is, by direction of the General-in-Chief, en route from Saint Louis to Knoxville to relieve you, that you may take the benefit of your leave of absence. By order of Major-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. KNOXVILLE, February 1, 186411 a. m. Major-General GRANGER: Give instructions for General Willich to watch all the roads from Sevierville to Maryville, and patrol the one by Rockford and Louis- ville; if he finds the enemy advancing in force on the latter road he will fall back to Louisville or some other secure position, so as not to be cut off. I have no information of any force being nearer to him than Boyds Creek. I hope to attack this force as soon as possible. You will therefore order Hazen~s brigade to march at once to this point, and Sheridans division to march to Campbells Station, and await orders. Send orders to General Willich to guard the fords of the Holston between this point and London, in case he has to fall back; he will in no case, however, fall back farther than Louisville before he is forced back by superior numbers. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, February 1, 1864. Major-General GRANGER: The order directing General Sheridan to move to Campbells Sta- tion and General Hazen to move here is countermanded. Inform General Willich that the emergency for this move is over. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: JAS. H. STRONG, ieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Inspector. General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, February 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. FERRERO, Commanding First Division, Ninth Army Corps: GENERAL: On receipt of this order you will call in all guards and pickets, and, leaving a small guard of convalescents and men leas Page 307 CHAP. XLJV.] CORRESPON1)ENCE, ETC. UNION. 3437 able to march Las a guard] over the property in your several regi- mental aud other Camps, you will move on the road to Knoxville, following the Second Division of the corps, which has orders to move at once. The men will carry their overcoats, blankets, aud shelter-tents, three days ratious in haversacks, and 40 rounds of ammunition per mau iu cartridge-boxes. Forty rounds of ammunition per man in addition will be carried in wagons. You will take one section of artillery, with 10 horses to the piece (if so many be deemed necessary by the commanding officer of the battery), and the limber boxes of the caissons. No wagons will be taken except those for extra ammunition and for forage for the battery horses. By command of Major-General Parke: SAML. WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Mar yville, Tenn., February 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER: GENERAL: On looking over the map I think you will agree with me that if it is still desirable to make the raid on Carters bridge, & c., the most practicable route would be via the Little Tennessee, Quallatown, Webster, Waynes[ville], Asheville (where the arsenal might be destroyed in passing), and Burnsville, thence to Chucky Gap. This route would have the advantage of being concealed from the enemy, considerable forage, great amount of horses, and much shorter than via Powells Valley. A little time is necessary to pre- pare the command, shoe the horses, & c., in order to warrant any- thing like success by either route, and I therefore respectfully offer this suggestion for your consideration in the interim. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, London, February 11, 1864. Mai. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN. Goindg. Second Division, Fourth Army Gorps, Loudon: GENERAL: Pursuant to instructions from department headquar- ters, you will move your division to Campbells Station and there await further orders. Take with you as much subsistence and forage as possible. The Fifth Tennessee Infantry will be left to garrison the town and depot. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. GRANGER, MQlor- General, Commanding Page 308 308 KY., SW. VA., TENS., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HDQRS. 2D Div. CAVALRY, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Camp on ]Ifaryville road, 2-~ Miles from Knoxville, At Dr. Rodgers White House, February 1, 1864. Brigadier-General POTTER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report one of the servants of my staff sick with small-pox, and on that acconnt traveling in the rear. left Maryville this morning at 10 a. m. At that time a large body of rebel cavalry charged into the town, coming in on the road that inns from Tuckaleechee Cove. He made his escape, being well mounted. At Rockford he was intercepted by a rebel force that had come down Little River on this side of the river from the direction of the mouth of Ellejoy Creek. This force at Rockford he had full time tc observe. He thinks there were three regiments, averaging about the same size as our cavalry regiments do, say 300 or 400 men each. One regiment was drawn up in line of battle on the far side of Little River, and two were on this side. His horse and spurs were taken from him. When he left Rockford about 3 p. m. they had gone into camp at Rockford. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISRAEL GARRARD, Colonel, Commanding Second Division, Cavalry Corps. CHATTANOOGA, February 1, 1864. Brig. Gemi. J. A. RAWLINS, Nashville: The latest information I have is that the rebels have two regiments of cavalry, four regiments of infantry, and three guns at or near Tunnel Hill; one division between Tunnel Hill and Dalton; three brigades and some other troops between Dalton and Tilton. Six pieces (new) artillery, just arrived at Dalton, were being trained on the 28th. No other artillery there. Eighteen thousand rations are issued for all the troops at Dalton, Tunnel Hill, and Tilton. Four divisions have been sent down the railroad to Mobile, Ala., and Rome, Ga. The pickets extend 12 miles north of Dalton, in direc- tion of Charleston. There are no troops east of Dalton. Governor Brown has ordered all families dependent on the Government for support to move south of the Etowah River. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, February 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. H. THOMAS: The following dispatch received: PULASKI, February 1, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General: A scout just in from Selma says a division from Johnstons army and Martins [?j brigade, besides other troops spoken of in former dispatch, moved west toward Nobile and Meridian. I think there is no doubt of a movement of troops towar Page 309 ~ThAP. XLtV.J COI~RP~PONPtNcE, tTC.tT~IO~. Mobile or Mississippi. He also says it was common talk that Johnston was to fall back behind the Etowah River. Phillips captured 20 horses, 200 head cattle, 600 of sheep, and 100 head horses and mules. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. Please comply with request of yesterday for any information you may have on the subject. JNO. A. IRAWLINS Brigadier- General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Woodville, Ala., February 1, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER FIRST BRIGADE, For Lieut. Viol. A. Roberts Commanding Fcrpedition of 100 mounted men for Claysrille: You will proceed to Claysville, opposite Guntersyille, and watch the movements of the enemy in that vicinity, sending daily parties down the river as far as Deposit, and occasionally as far as the mouth of Paint Rock. You will also watch all the fords and ferries above Guntersville to the pontoon bridge at or near Larkins Ferry, pre- venting all crossing from this side as far as possible, arresting all persons coming from the other side and retaining them unless you are satisfied they are refugees. Send a party of 50 men up to the bridge (Larkins Ferry) as soon as you arrive at Claysville, and if there is no guard there, they will remain and protect the bridge, and send me word; if already protected, they will return to Clays~ ville. Keep me advised of everything of importance that transpires. The men under your command are not allowed to forage, but must pay for what they get. By order of Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods: C. II. KIBLER, Assistant Adjutant-General. COLLIERVILLE, February 1, 1864. General BUCKLAND: Please send about 200 men to this point and as many to German- town, to hold these points after we leave until all Government prop- erty can be brought in by the railroad. The dismounted cavalry can be used for [this] purpose if sufficiently armed and organized. We get off to-day and to-morrow. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of~ Cavalry. Brigadier-General REID, PADUCAH, February 1, 1864. Commanding District: The railroad train was fired into at Riuggold, 12 miles south of Mayfield, Saturday evening, as it came in. The train failed to come in last night. The rumor is that it was captured. I have reliable information that the rebels, 100 strong, are 12 or 15 miles below May Page 310 310 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MTS~., ALA., AND N. GA. rOHAP. XLIV. field. It is said that they intend to make an attack on colored troops stationed there. I have no fears of the result. If they do I will keep you advised. Respectfully, your obedient servant. S. G. HICKS, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Ywksbnrg, February 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON, Commanding District of Vieksburg: GENERAL: Before ~~Te depart for the interior I wish you would instruct General Hawkins as follows: He is designed from Haynes Bluff to operate on the peninsula between the Yazoo and tributaries, so as to insure the safety of the plantations bordering the Mississippi. In time a similar force will be placed at Harrisonburg to operate up the Onachita and its tributaries. These two forces can more per- fectly secure the leasehold estates aloiig the Mississippi than if dis- tributed along the main river. The present expedition of gun-boats and troops will produce the first effect; but this must be continued and kept up by General Hawkins command. Please instruct him to move his men by degrees over to the Big Black, and back and up the peninsula as far as Mechanicsville. Let him also collect skiffs to the number of fifty, or furnish him the material to make them. These skiffs will carry ~ or 6 men each, and will enable him to send detachments of 200 or 300 men up Deer Creek and across to the Mississippi by Steeles Bayou; also up the Sunflower and its many devious channels, as well as the Bayou Phalia. Such expeditions will suit the habits of his troops, and will effectually prevent the smaller bands of guerrillas from approaching the river plantations. By protecting the planters in that region he will soou create an in- terest that will keep him advised of the movements of the bands of guerrillas that now infest that country. The whole country between the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers is one labyrinth of creeks connect- ing with each other, making it very favorable to parties in boats. and soon the officers and men will get a knowledge of these that will give them every advantage over parties en horseback. Let General Hawkins go to work at once to put in operation this I)lan, and when- ever he needs one or more steam-boats for large expeditions he can call for them from the commanding officer here at Yicksburg. Gen- eral Shepard, of the negro organization. has reported to me. You may put him on duty in connection with the negro troops in your command that will not interfere with other gemierals of white troops. I am, with respect, yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. Corn manding. NASHVILLE, February 1, 18645 p. mu. (Received Black River, 8th.) Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN: General Dodges scouts, just in from Montgomery aiid Atlanta, report concentration of troops at Mobile from Charleston ana North Carolimia. A scout from Selma says about one (livision fr i Page 311 CRAP. XLIY.1 CORRESPONJY~NCE, ETC.ITNION. 311 Johnstons army and Martins [?] brigade have moved west toward Mobile and Meridian, and that it was common talk that Johnston was to fall back behind the Etowah River. The movement of Gen- eral Thomas on the 29th cansed the enemy to fall back from Tunnel Hill. Logan has his bridge completed and is moving across the river at Larkins Ferry, and from thence will threaten Rome, while General Thomas keeps the attention of the enemy engaged in his front. By order of Major-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 1, 1864. Major BRADFORD, Commanding Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry: SIR: All the cavalry of the Department of the Tennessee having been turned over to my command, by order of Major-General Sher- man, commanding the department, you are hereby ordered to estab- lish yonrself for the present at Fort Pillow, on the Mississippi River, and make that your recruiting rendezvous for the present. You will take a good defensible position for your Camp, taking advantage of any intrenchments that may already exist, and constructing any that may be necessary. You will scout the surrounding country thoroughly as far to the rear as you may deem it safe to take your command, making every effort in your power to hunt up and destroy guerrilla parties~ You will subsist your command upon the coun- try as far as possible, and take the stock necessary to keep it well mounted, giving vouchers to loyal men only. Keep your command in condition for active service at all times, drawing arms, ammu- nition, and equipments from the ordnance department at this city. Use all diligence to recruit your regiment rapidily, and apply to the chief commissary of musters, stationed here, to muster your men promptly. WM. SOQY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Mu. Div. of the Miss. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIo, No. ~32. February 1, 1864. * * * * * * * X VII. The Ninth and Twenty-third Army Corps will move from the south side of the Holston River at daybreak to-morrow morning, the 2d instant, in accordance with the verbal instructions of the major- general commanding the department. The men will be in light marching order, and supplied with three days rations in their haver- sacks, and 80 rounds of ammunition per man. No wagons ex- cept those needed for the transportation of extra ammunition will be taken. One section of artillery will accompany each corps. Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke, commanding Ninth Army Corps, will be in com- mand of the entire force. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, Jn., Assistant Adjutant- General Page 312 312 KY., S\X. VA., TITh N., MISS., ALA., ANt) N. GA. rOHAP. LI\. MOUNT STERLING, February 1, 1864. (Received 2d.) Capt. A. C. SEMPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General: Captain Jones, of my regiment, is jnst in with 18 prisoners. They. are the most notorions mnrderers and gnerrillas. Jones killed the notorious Hamilton and others. JNO. 30N BROWN, Cc ~ei Forty;fifth Kentucky. CHATTANOOGA, February 1, 1864 (Received 2d.) General J. G. FOSTER: Your two dispatches of 31st ultimo received. The bridge mat- ters will be attended to. I will assist you all I can in your opera- tion against Longstreet, but it will be iziecessary for you to give me timely notice of what you need, as it will be necessary to draw some of Shermans forces here, to move on Dalton simultaneously with your advance. We must act in concert. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. KNOXvILLE, February 2, 1864. Major-General GRANGER: Under my orders to prepare for the offensive, cannot let any more regiments go home now. J. G. FOSTER. Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, February 2, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. GRANGER: You will have to depend upon your own resources. General Fos- ter does not understand why you call on him for supplies at Camp- bells Station. I could give no reason, as I knew nothing of the move. H. C. RANSOM, Lieutenant- Colonel and Quartermaster. FEBRUARY 2, 1864. REPORT FROM GREENE COUNTY. R. C. Carter (in Greene County seven days): Longstreets present force will not exceed 18,000 men. January 21.A part of Ransoms division, 1,200 men, passed up the country under General Corse. They said they were going to Bristol; had no arms; all infantry. Three hundred cavalry stationed on Lick Creek, each man having 2 horses. This is 15 miles north Page 313 CITAP. XL1V.] (~OR11ESP(}NT)ENCE, FTC.tTNiON. 313 east of Bulls Gap. General A. E. Jackson passed up the south side of Nola Chucky River with his brigade, some 600 men. January 24.Twelve pieces of artillery, 10 horses to each piece, and about 125 men, went into camp 4 miles northeast of Greeneville. January 25.General Longstreets headquarters still at Russell- ville, and the main body of his infantry in camp at Morristown, Russellville, and vicinity. January 26.The cars came to Greeneville and to Raders, 12 miles below. Jctnuary 27.Ten box cars loaded with soldiers came to Greene- ville. January 28.The cars came down loaded with supplies. Long- streets army is said to be very scarce of food. Rebels have the bridge on Lick Creek nearly completed. January 29.The rebel pickets were all called in between Morris- town and Rutledge, and Ruckers Legion passed Morristown going to salt-works. There were rio forces at Paint Rock nor southeast of Newport. A large amount of army supplies are being collected at Jonesborough, and at the depots on the railroad. A few men under General Vaughn were at Rogersville. January 30.One hundred wagons met Ruckers Legion and turned back with him. R. A. CRAWFORD, Colonel and Chief of Police. PULASKI, TENN., February 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, Nashville: Colonel Spencer staid in Decatur last night under flag of truce; says that Roddey only knows that Johnston has fallen back and sent troops to Mobile. Roddey says Sherman is moving to take it. Roddey has moved his command to the vicinity of Decatur. In Decatur only two companies; two regiments and a battery are at mouth of Limestone. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Tullahoma, Teun., February 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Department of the Cumberland: GENERAL: Believing that the organization known as the Eleventh and Txvelfth Corps, now under command of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, was not designed by His Excellency the President to be a permanent organization, and being convinced by the instructions given by him to General Rosecrans, then in command of the Army of the Cumberland, that it was not his design or desire that the Twelfth Corps should in any event continue a part of the organiza- tion, I desire respectfully to call the attention of the commanding general to the subject. I think the only instance in any army o Page 314 314 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the United States in winch an officer has occupied a position iiiter- mediate between that of a corps commander and the commanding general of the army, occurred in the Army of the Potomac, which by order of General Buruside was organized into what were termed grand divisions, consisting of two corps each; which grand divisions were commanded by the senior general officers present with the army. The order constitnting these divisions specified the powers intrusted to their respective commanders. (General Orders, No. 184, headquarters Army of the Potomac, November 14, 1862. *) After an experience of less than two months, General Hooker, then commanding the Army of the Potomac, discontinued this organiza- tion, announcing in paragraph I, General Orders, No. 6, headquarters Army of the Potomac, February 5, 1863 :f The division of the army into grand divisions impeding rather than facilitat- ing the dispatch of its current business, and the character of the service it is liable to be called upon to perform being adverse to the movement and operations of heavy columns, it is discontinued, and the corps organization is adopted in its stead. If the fact that the appointment of a commander to a position in- termediate between that of a corps commander and the general com- manding the army, he being authorized by the War Department to take final action on certain matters previously referred to the com- manding general, had a tendency to impede rather than facilitate business, I respectfully submit that the appointment of a com~ mander to a similar position without authorizing him to take final action on any matters cannot tend very strongly to expedite current business. But whatever may be thought of the expediency of the system of organizations of this character, it cannot be denied that, if adopted, it should be made general. As the matter now stands, although I am senior in rank and have served in the capacity of corps com- mander for a longer period than any officer in command of a corps n this army, yet, so far as communicating with the general com- inanding the army is concerned, I am in precisely the position held by a division commander of other corps. If the general commanding does not feel authorized to make any change in the organization of the army, so as to place me in a posi- tion similar to that held by other corps commanders, I respectfully request that this communication may be forwarded, together with a copy of the letter from his Excellency to General Rosecrans, to which reference is made. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. SLOCUM, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. [First indorseinent.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., February 3, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with the request that it be referred to the War Department. At the time of my assignment to the command of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps I was requested to consolidate the two corps into one, which at my suggestion was deferred until after the transfer of the H Series I, Vol. XIX, Part II, p. 583. t See Series I, Vol. XXV, Part II, p. 51 Page 315 CHAP. XLi\.] CORR & 1~ONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 ~ two corps to the West, apprehending at the time that the consolida- tion would mar the celerity and success of the movement. Subse- quently, on discovering the feeling existing between the two corps, had my opinion been asked, it would have been adverse to the pro- posed consolidation from considerations of the public good. In case the two corps had been consolidated, Major-General Sb- cum s relation to the commander of the department would have remained unchanged, so long as he continued on duty with the com- mand. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, (Jommanding. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 5, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, through headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi. GEO. H. THOMAS, ]Jiliajor- General, U. S. Volunteers, (iornrnanding. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, Nashville, Tenn., February 9, 1864. Respectfully forwarded and attention invited to General Slocums statement. The position occupied by General Hooker is embarrassing to the service, and I think injurious. I am inclined rather to recommend that the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps be filled up from the new levies to having them consolidated, but what to do with General Hooker is the question. I have no command to give him at present. While the States north of the Ohio were in my command I recommended that they be called one district and General Hooker placed in com- mand. They are now a separate department. ~ ~. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksbnrq, February 2, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Golnmbus, Ky. SIR: General Tuttle has just arrived, and tells me that it is rumored in Memphis that the cavalry of General A.. J. Smiths command. which should have reached Memphis or the railroad weeks ago, had returned to Union City, uYiable to pass the Obion. I hope, for the sake of common decency, this is not true. If, knowing that the movements of the armies at Chattanooga, at Mobile, and Vicksburg depended on a simultaneous movement of cavalry, the officer com- manding that cavalry has turned back from any cause, he should be double-ironed and put under guard. Death would be a mild punish- inent for him. If, however, it be so, order the command under the next officer, or any officer, to start again without wagons and execut Page 316 816 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANI) N. aA. [CHAP. Xliv. their orders if only one man gets through. It is a disgrace to the cavalry arm of the service that they cannot cross a creek. Lefthem keep more to the eastward, about Paris, and come along down by Purdy, and crossing Hatchie anywhere from Pocahontas to Bolivar. Of course, the use of that cavalry is lost to us in this movement, and now they shall keep out and learn the country and how to cross a creek, and to travel without wagons a distance of 100 or 200 miles. If the officers of the cavalry cannot brino volunteer to do it. ~ it through, detail some good I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN Mc~jor- General, Comman4ing. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, ITicksburg, February 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE, Commanding Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, Viclcsburg: DEAR GENERAL: The delay in your arrival compelled me to call on General McPherson for his reserve brigade, in order to complete the force deemed requisite to accomplish our present purpose. You will therefore be left in the neighborhood of Vicksburg with your two brigades, and will assemble them at the railroad bridge on Big Black, keep that bridge safe for the passage of troops and teams, and guard that approach. I wish you to keep on hand about thirty or forty wagon loads of bread and salt, ready to push them out to us in case of need. Keep the railroad in good order, and have your command so well in hand that they can move at a minutes notice. You know that I am going 150 miles straight into the enemys country, and what we do must be done quickly and well. Should the enemy in my absence threaten Vicksburg, your command will, of course, take part in its defense, when you will receive orders from General McArthur, who is in command of Yicksburg and its sur roundings. I propose to cut loose from all my base on leaving Big Black, but will try to get a messenger in to you occasionally. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. MEMPHIS, TENN., Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, February 2, 1864. Commanding Department of the Tennessee: SIR: I feel exceedingly chagrined that I have not been able to make a start with my command up to the present time. The brigade that moved from Columbus on the 19th ultiino has not yet reported. I am unofficially informed that they bad great difficulty in crossing the Obion River and lost a considerable number of men and horses drowned. It is said that one regiment succeeded in getting over, and is on its way here by the route first contemplated, the trains having been sent back to Columbus to be brought down by water. The r Page 317 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 317 maining two regiments started around by way of Jackson. The lieu- tenant-colonel of the regiment, who arrived here several days ago, thinks they must be heard from to-day. My force without them will fall a little short of 5,000 men, and as in our conversations a force of 7,000 was always hypothecated, I feel in doubt as to what you would direct me to do if you were here. I feel eager to pitch into them, but I know that it is not your desire to send a boy to mill, and I rely upon your confidence, and trust that you will approve the course which circumstances, with all the light that my best thought can reflect upon them, may seem to indicate as wisest, best, and most promising. My great anxiety is as to results and not as to my own connection with them. I have now, I think, reliable information as to Forrests strength and position, and I think he will show fight between the Coldwater and Tallahatchie. If he does, and moves far enough to the east to run against me in the vicinity of Salem or Ripley, it will suit us much better than to fight him as low down as Pontotoc, where he could concentrate a larger force, and where we would be to some extent jaded and farther from home. I have my whole command in readiness to move at a moments warning, and if the cavalry from Columbus is not heard from to-morrow I will move down and try what I can do with what I have. The delay in infantry in getting off relieves my mind a little, as I think you will be delayed a few days beyond expectation in Vicksburg. I send you inclosed a state- ment* of an intelligent young gentleman just in from Johnstons army. I have no doubt he intended to tell the truth, bnt of the ac- curacy of his statement you can better judge in the light of other intelligence you have. Wheelers cavalry will be likely to be thrown over upon the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, I think. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gem., Chief of Cavalry, Mit. Div. of the Miss tsstpp~t. I have just received dispatches from the command that is moving from Columbus, copies * of which I inclose. W. S. S. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 2, 1864. [Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Tennessee:] DEAR GENERAL: Seventy of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, on the way from Bolivar to this city with dispatches for me from Colonel Waring, came upon McGuirks Third Mississippi Regiment of Cav- alry, 300 strong, at La Grange; pitched into them, routed them, killed 2, wounded several, and captured 9 prisoners, and a portion of them returned to Bolivar with their prisoners. The remainder came on with the dispatches, copies* of which I inclose. Yours, truly, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier- General, Chief of Cavalry. * Not identified Page 318 318 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. LOUISVILLE, February 2, 1864. (Received 12 p. in.) IVL C. MEIGS, Quarlermasler- General, Washington: I am carrying out secretly and very successfully your private instructions in regard to forage, but I am embarrassed for want of funds. I am entirely out and have not received a cent on my Jan- uary requisitions. R. ALLEN, Brigadier- General and Quartermaster. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 33. Knoxville, Teun., February 2, 1864. * * * * * * XI. Paragraph IV, Special Orders, No. 24, current series, from these headquarters, is hereby modified as follows: All the officers horses by that order directed to be taken to Kentucky will be sent to Kingston, Teun., to be supplied with forage. All the horses used by the artillery of the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps, and by the reserve artillery, for draft purposes, and which were ordered to ~be turned over to the quartermasters department, will be sent to Kings- ton, Teun., to be supplied with forage. The following transportation is allowed for the use of the Ninth and Twenty-third Army Corps, viz: TWO wagons, one ambulance, and te ins to each regiment; one wagon, one ambulance, and teams to each battery; one wagon, one ambulance, and teams to each corps, division, an(I brigade head- quarters. All of the above allowance of transportation (except so much as is authorized to be retained under the provision of para- graph IV, Special Orders, No. 24, current series, from these head- quarters) will be sent, under charge of the quartermasters depart- ment, to Kingston, Teun., to be supplied with forage. The trans- portation and horses so piaced at Kingston will be held ready for the use of troops mentioned in case of any movement. * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 6. ~ Vicksbnrg, Miss., February 2, 1864. I. Maj. W. F. Bradford, commanding Thirteenth Tennessee Cav- alry Volunteers, will, immediately upon receipt of this order, move his entire command to and occupy Fort Pillow, reporting to Brig. Gen. R. P. Buckland, commanding District of Memphis. II. Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith will move his command to-day to Clear Creek, if possible, on Bridgeport road. To-morrow his head of col- umn must by night be across the Big Black at Messingers Ferry. He will take up the pontoon train, under Cai )tain Kossak, at Colonel Winslows cavalry camp, and see tInt the bridge is laid, He will apply for giudes to Major-General McPherson Page 319 CHAP. XLIV.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 319 Brigadier-General Veatch will move his command out this after- 110011 to the camp selected. The Thirty-third Missouri, hitherto assigned to General Tuttle, will accompany General Veatchs Command unless ordered to the contrary. The general supply train will move in charge of Brigadier-Gen- eral Veatch. In the morning General Veatch will follow the line of General Smiths march on the Bridgeport road to Messingers Ferry, and cross at the pontoon bridge, which will then be taken up and form part of the general train until further orders. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Huribut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., February 3, 1864li p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, (Received 5th.) Nashville: Everything is quiet in this section. General Sturgis can muster only 1,500 horses able to go on the raid; these are being shod and got ready. I have changed the route to be followed, because Jones cavalry is at Little War Gap to intercept any raids from that direc- tion. I have ordered Sturgis to send his dismounted men to Camp Nel- son, to get horses and be ready to move across the Cumberland Mountains by one of the gaps and act against the enemys flank at the time the general advance is made. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTYTHIRD ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Teun., February 3, 18649.40 p. in. Brig. Gen. H. M. JUDAR, Gommanding Second Division: GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to inform you that Captain Reyiiolds, of the scouts, has just come in and confirms the reports of the enemy having crossed a force at Strawberry Plains. He thinks that the force consists of a division of cavalry and a sec- tion or two of artillery. I ani, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. D. SAUNDERS, (Japtain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, February 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD, Commanding District of the Clinch: GENERAL: Your (lispatch of January 30 has bean received. There is reasoii to think tbat Colonci Love overestimates the enemy Page 320 320 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. force in the front. From all we can learn Longstreet has no inten- tion to assume the offensive at present. The force which attacked Colonel Love is probably a portion of Jones command. If you should be attacked at the gap, the commanding beneral expects you to hold out to the last. While Colonel Strickland is engaged in repairing the road at Wheelers Gap, he will report to General Ammen, whose command includes that district I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. NASHVILLE, February 3, 1864. Major-General THOMAS: I start for Chattanooga this evening and wish to reach Knoxville as soon as possible. If a boat is going up to-morrow will you please detain it till I arrive? Also, please let me see you at Chattanooga. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., February 3, 1864. Major-General SCHURZ, Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: The following telegram is just received, and by direc- tion of the major-general commanding is sent for your information: HEADQUARTERS, Chattanooga, February 2, 1864. Major-General HOOKER: Upon representations of Generals Granger and Rousseau, Wards brigade will be permitted to remain at Nashville until troops can be obtained to relieve it. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. PERKINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. ASST. ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, DEPT. OF THE OHIO, Lexington, Ky., February 3, 1864. Brigadier-General POTTER, Chief of Staff, Knoxville (via Chattanooga): Yesterday morning a company of the Forty-fifth Kentucky capt- ured a party of 5 guerrillas in the act of hanging a Union man near Mount Sterling. The man was hanging to a tree at the time the party was captured. Can I have the guerrillas tried by a iuihtary commission, and if found guilty at once executed? W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 321 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 321 HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 3D Div., 16TH ARMY CORPS, In Field on Big Black River, February 3, 18649 p. m. Capt. J. HOUGH, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Third Div., Sixteenth Army Co(ps: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report my command safe across Big Black. Strong pickets have been placed in the advance, and every care will be taken to guard against surprise. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MOORE, Golonel, Oommanding First Brigade. UNION CITY, February 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. T. REID, Commanding District of Columbus: SIR: My secret service man has returned this evening and reports Colonel Greer, with 100 men, in the northern part of Henry; Bolen, with 25, half way between Paris and Huntingdon; Captain Holmes, a few miles southeast, with 30 men. Their statements are to the effect [that] when they gather their men they are to cross the river. ISAAC R. HAWKINS, Colonel, Commanding Post. UNION CITY, February 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. H. T. REID, 6~ommanding District of Columbus: SIR: Major Bradford, Thirteenth Tennessee, has this day received orders from General Smith, chief of cavalry, to move with his entire force to Fort Pillow, and expects to start to-morrow. I have a party of 60 men scouring east and north of Dresden; will have to furnish guard for railroad train. Under the circumstances, would it not be best for the bridges between this place and Columbus to be guarded by troops from the latter place? ISAAC R. HAWKINS, Colonel, Commanding Post. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 3, 1864. Col. L. F. MCCRILLIS, Coltierville: Send a regiment to Moscow with instrnctions as soon as they arrive there to send two companies by way of New Castle or Middleburg to Bolivar, to communicate with Colonel Warings brigade and in- struct them to come by the most direct route from that point to Collierville, leaving Somerville on their right and coming by way of Egypt or Moscow, as by that route they will obtain forage. Instruct the officer in command of the two companies so that his jisluctions to Colonel Waring will not be misunderstood. B. H. GRIERSON, ~ri~ad~er-q~eral, 21 R RYQT~ ~XNII, 2~T I Page 322 322 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MIL. Div. OF THE Mississwin, No. 29. Nashville, Teun., February 3, 1864. * * * * * * * 2. Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield, U. S. Volunteers, having been assigned by the President to the command of the Department aiid Army of the Ohio, will proceed without delay to Knoxville, Tenn., and relieve Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster in said command. 3. Brig. Gen. George Crook, U. S. Volunteers, having been re- lieved from duty in the Department of the Cumberland and ordered by the General-in-Chief to report for duty to Brigadier-General Kel- ley, commanding Department of West Virginia, the quartermasters department will furnish him necessary transportation for 1 horse and servant. * * * * * * By order of Maj. Ge. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 34. Knoxville, Tenn., February 3, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, commanding Cavalry Corps, will at once dismount one division of his command and turn oVer the horses for the use of the other divisions. He will then proceed with the dismounted men to Richmond, Mount Sterling, or such other point in Kentucky as may be hereafter indicated. Upon arriv- ing at such place all expedition will be used in remounting, equip- ping, and arming the command, assimilating their arms as far as possible. The command will be prepared to take the field at the ear- liest practicable moment. * * * * * * * IX. Paragraph IV, Special Orders, No. 24, current series, from these headquarters, and paragral)h XXI, Special Orders, No. 29, same series, amendatory thereof, are hereby so modified as to allow one 6-mule team and wagon for the use of each general hospital at Knoxville, Teun. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 4TH Div., 16TH ARMY CORPS, No. 1. In the field, Clear Ureelc, February 3, 1864. I. The troops of this division now present will be temporarily organized as follows: First Brigade, Col. Milton Montgomery, Twenty-fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, commanding: Twenty-fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Thirty-fifth Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, Thirty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry Page 323 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE ETC.-UNION. 323 Second Brigade, Col. James H. Howe, Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, commanding: Thirty-second Regiment Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry, Seventeer~th Regiment New York Volun- teer Infantry, Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Company D, Second Illinois Light Artillery. All reports and returns required will be made to brigade com- manders. II. Colonel Howe, commanding Second Brigade, will move his command at 6 oclock a. m. on the 4th instant, and proceed with as little delay as possible to Black River. III. Colonel Montgomery, commanding First Brigade, will tak charge of the supply train of the corps and the ammunition and quartermasters and commissary trains of this division and move the trains with his brigade, following as closely as possible after Colonel Howe. By order of Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch: F. W. FOX, Assistant Adjutant-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 4, 1864. (Received 8.49 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Arrived here 5 p. m. to-day. Sherman left Vicksburg the 27th. Many troops have gone to Mobile, mostly from North Carolina and Charleston. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, Nashville, Teun., February 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.: Your letter of the 22d, inclosing copy of Colonel Stagers of the 21st to you, is received. I have also circular or order, dated Jan- uary 1, 1864, postmarked Washington, January 23, and received on the 29th. I will state that Beckwith is one of the best of men. He is com- petent and industrious. In the matter for which he has been dis- charged, he only obeyed my orders and could not have done other- wise than he did and remain. Beckwith has always been employed at headquarters as an operator, and I have never thought of taking him with me except when headquarters are moved. On the occasion of my going to Knoxville, I received Washington dispatches which I could not read until my return to this place. To remedy this for the future I directed Colonel Comstock to acquaint himself with the cipher. Beckwith desired to telegraph Colonel Stager on the subject before complying with my direction. Not knowing of any order defining who and who alone could be intrusted with the Washington cipher, I then ordered Beckwith to give it to Coloned Comstock and to in- form Colonel Stager of the fact that he bad done so. I had n Page 324 324 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CUAP. XLIV. thought in this matter of violating any order or even wish of the Secretary of War. I could see no reason why I was not as capable of selecting a proper person to intrust with this secret as Colonel Stager; in fact, thought nothing further of the matter, than that Colonel Stager had his operators under such discipline that they were afraid to obey orders from any one but himself without know- ing first his pleasure. Beckwith has been dismissed for obeying my order. His position is important to him and a better man cannot be selected for it. I respectfully ask that Beckwith be restored. When Colonel Stagers directions were received here the cipher had already been communicated. His order was signed by himself and not by the Secretary of War. It is not necessary for me to state that I am no stickler for form, but will obey any order or wish of my superior, no matter how conveyed, if I know, or only think it came from them. In this instance I supposed Colonel Stager was acting for himself and without the knowledge of any one else. I am, very respectfully, & c., U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST EAST TENNESSEE BRIGADE. Loves Hill, Tenn., February 4, 1864. Capt. EDWIN D. SAUNDERS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Twenty-third Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report the following information from one of the scouts which I sent up the river on yesterday: The scout proceeded to within a short distance of Strawberry Plains and ascertained that only a picket of the enemy was stationed at the Plains, and no force this side of the Plains. The picket of the rebels is cavalry, there being no infantry nearer than Mossy Creek. The reported crossing at the Plains on night of the 2d was but about 15 of the enemys cavalry of the picket stationed at Strawberry Plains. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES G. SPEARS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Teun., February 4, 1864. Brigadier-General Cox: SIR: The following information has just been received from sources deemed reliable: Ethan Sawyer (citizen), resident of New Market, Teun., passed last night within 4 miles of Strawberry Plains, and passed this morning, on his way to Knoxville, within 2 miles of McMillans Station, and heard of no rebel soldiers in that neighborhood, and that he heard of no rebel force north of Holston River, except scouting parties of from 5 to 10 cross over to north side during the day, but return to south side of Holston toward night. He reports rebel pickets at all fords and ferries above Ilerralds Ford; also 400 at Nances Ferry (character not stated); also reports rebel infantry force ~t Ne Page 325 CHAP. XLIV.] COT~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOTh 325 Market, Tenii. Rebel accounts set it at 15,000 men, but he thinks not more than 1,500 or 2,000 men. It is also reported among the rebels that they expect to advance on Knoxville iii a few days. William Smith, resident at McMillans Station (staid there last night and left there this morning for Knoxville), repo.rts no rebels at that point when he left, or at any other north of Holston River. He also corroborates the above statements in relation to rebel guards at the (lifferent fords and ferries above Herralds Ford, located 1~ miles below Strawberry Plains. Also in regard to rebel forces at Nance~s Ferry and New Market, Tenri. Respectfully submitted. N. M. McLANE, Scout. PULASKI, TENN., Brigadier-General RAWLINS, February 4, 1864. Chief of Staff, Nashville: There are indications of some kind of a. move south of here. At all the ferries and in the streams great activity in building boats is observed. Citizens have been suddenly stopped frout crossing over and those over there from this side retained. The report by scouts from every ferry from Decatur south is the same. It may be to cover a sudden departure. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. (Copy to Maj. R. M. Sawyer, assistant adjutant-general, Hunts- yille.) PULASKI, TENN., Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, February 4, 1864. Athens: Exchange for your men over the river and send the rest up here. it is very probable that a movement of our cavalry has been made by this time on Forrest at Okolona, and the movement towar(l Tus- cumbia can be accounted for by a movement on your left; but keep close watch in all directions. You will hear more from me to-muor- row or next day. Scouts must be kept well down toward Florence, day and night, to get news if they attempt to cross. This dispatch, so far as relates to movement, is private. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. Col. J. W. WEATHERFORD, GLASGOW, February 4, 1864. Columbia: Send sufficient force across the Cumberland and destroy all rebel bands. Keep the fords guarded with small force. When the expe dition crosses over order your men to take no guerrilla prisoners. E. H. HOBSON, Brigadier-General Page 326 3% KY., SW. VA., TENN., MiSS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. GLASGOW, Ky., February 4~ 1864. Colonel WEATHERFORD, Columbia: You can wait a few days. lit would be well to send force down Cnmberland toward Celina to prevent rebels from crossing into Ken- tncky if Thirteenth Tennessee shonld scatter them. E. H.HOBSON, COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 4, 1864. [General IRAWLINS ?]: DEAR GENERAL: I am deeply chagrined at the delay in our move- ment resulting from the non-arrival of tbe 2,000 cavalry ordered down from Columbus. They were delayed at the crossing of the Obion River, where they had great dim culty in getting over, and lost a considerable number of horses and men drowned. A portion of the command reached Bolivar on the 1st instant, Colonel Shanks, of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, in advance. He sent 70 men into La Grange to communicate with us. Not knowing that the command from above would come by that roundabout way, we were expect- ing them in at Memphis, and La Grange had been entirely aban- doned by us, and MeGuirks Third Mississippi Regiment, 300 strong, had taken possession and were having a good time of it generally, when the 70 men pitched into them and sent the whole m~egiment flee- ing pell-mell across the Wolf River, killing 2, wounding several, an(l capturing 9 prisoners. I intend complimenting them in orders. I have sent three companies to communicate with Colonel Waring, commanding the brigade, to bring them in with all haste. The moment they arrive I will be off. I now have 5,000 cavalry well in hand, well provided with every- thing, and eager for the work. A brigade of infantry will advance on Panola from Memphis to attract attention in that direction. All is ready, the roads are drying up, and if only Waring was here this would be my last letter to you before starting. My anxiety is less- ened somewhat by the fact that the last brigade of infantry left Memphis for Vicksburg on the 31st nitinmo, and are not niore than fairly off the boats by this time. In all my conversations with General Sherman a force of 7,000 men was supposed, and the general frequently remarked that he desired me to be able to whip all the rebel cavalry in Mmssmssmppi combmned; otherwise, I would move with the men I have and take all chances. I could not have moved sooner with the troops that have been on this line without going in a somewhat crippled condition, for want of many essential articles, which we have only been able to obtaimi within the last two days, such as arms and ammunition. The ord- miance and quartermasters departments in Memphis are very desti- tute of everything necessary to furnishing and keeping up cavalry. No surprise should be experienced at the rapid destruction of horses. It is now due imi a greater degree to the mieglect of the quartermas- ters department than of the mnen themselves; and if they were to devote a few hours per (lay muore to driving their fine teams our horses would all starve to death, and it might become necessary t Page 327 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 327 remount the cavalry every three days instead of every three months. We get all the forage we can from the conntry. I am Yery anxions to fish np the work I have on hand here, so that I can (levote my- self to procuring ordnance and quartermasters stores for onr cav- alry, and get depots established at abont three suitable points for supplying onr cavalry commands promptly. I will coinmnnicate with the Quartermaster-General and the chiefs of the Ordnance and Cavalry Bureaus on this subject. The men in this district now take good care of their horses, and I hope to extend the reformation in this respect throughout all the cavalry of our division. We must by all means get our cavalry in good shape within the next month or six weeks. I will do my best to fulfill your expectations on the trip we are just about to make. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Mit. Div. of the ]Iihsstssippi. HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Crossizig of Big Black, February 4, 186411.40 a. m. Col. MILTON MONTGOMERY, Commanding First Brigade: You will push forward the train with all possible speed. General Sherman has gone forward, and orders me to quarter 6 miles farther on to-night. Use every effort to get your train up in time. J. C. VEATCH, Brigadier- General. HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAy., MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, Coilierville, Tenn., February 4, 1864. Colonel MCCRILLIS, Commanding Third Brigade: SIR: Send a regiment to the vicinity of Quinns Mill, with orders to patrol the line of the Coldwater thoroughly as far westward as Olive Branch, permitting no one whatever to pass southward unless in our service as spies or scouts. Also to make every effort to cap- ture the enemys scouts north of the Coldwater, to procure inforina- tion as to strength, positions, movements, and intentions of the enemy. You will take care to keep this regiment supplied and ready for our forward movement at all times. The general wishes you to get the regiment ready at once and direct the commanding officer to report to him for orders. I am, colonel, very respectfully, WM. H. INGERTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 4, 1864. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Germantown: Start 200 men at daylight to-morrow morning, the 5th, south to- ward Hernando. throwing detachments toward the crossing on th Page 328 328 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Coidwater, with a view of preventing any parties from passing south, except such as are in the employ of the Government, and capturing all scouts of the enemy now north of Coldwater. Scouts will go from here and Collierville at the same time. Have your scouts be careful not to fire upon the others should they meet. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- Genera~. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. S. SMITH, Collierville: Scout of Second Iowa returned from Hernando reports all quiet in that direction. No force of the enemy this side of Coidwater Station. Balance of detachment of Seventh Illinois in from La Grange; brought 4 prisoners captured near La Grange. McGuirks command gone south from that point. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. COLLIERVILLE, February 4, 18647.30 p. m. General B. H. GRIERSON: Have all the cavalry left Memphis? Have you sent the scouts to Coldwater yet? WM. SOGY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. Soov SMITH, Collierrille, Teun.: Scouts sent out late tbis afternoon not yet returned. First Ala- bama ordered south at daylight in the morning, also 200 men from Germantown. Shall I ho d the Second Iowa to move when the in- fantry starts? B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. H. GRIERSON, ][Iie ntphis, Teun.: Throw scouts of First Alabama down toward Hernando, and from Germantown south to the Coldwater, and let them patrol along the ]ine of the Coldwater, covering that line perfectly as far eastward as Olive Branch. We will throw scouts down to the Coldwater from this point, who will patrol westward as far as Olive Branch. Order these scouts to permit nobody to pass the line of the Coldwater going south unless they are in our employ as scouts and spies. Let every effort be made to capture the enemys scouts now north of the Cold- water. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, 3fil. Div. of the Mississippi Page 329 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 329 NASHVILLE, TENN., February 4, 1864. (Received 3 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON: It is important that the armament for Capt. J. V. Meigs battery of light artillery should be or(lered at once, as all his men will be enlisted long before the battery can reach here. The latest decision from the Chief of Ordnance is that all arms shall pass through the hands of the colonel of the regiment, but as he is the last person to be mustered in, this decision greathy retards the arming and drilling new organizations of colored troops. I have therefore directed that the ordnance officer here, Captain Townsend, issue arms as needed by companies to the quartermasters of new regimentsquartermaster being the first officer mustered in. Requirements for a colored cav- alry regiment are needed. Can the Spencer arms be furnished? L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. MIL. Div. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, No. 3. Nashville, Teun., February 4, 1864. By authority of the Secretary of War, Col. D. C. McCallum, addi- tional aide-de-camp, U. S. Army, is hereby appointed general lnan- ager of all railways in possession of the Government, or that may from time to time be taken possession of by military authority, in the Departments of the Cumberland, the Ohio, the Tennessee, and of Arkansas, with all the powers and authorities conferred and duties imposed upon and vested in John B. Anderson, as general manager of said railways, by special order of the Secretary of War, of date War Department, Louisville, Ky., October 19, 1863 (as modified by paragraph 4, General Orders, No. 13, from these headqnarters), and will at once enter upon the discharge of the duties of general man- ager of railways as aforesaid. John B. Anderson is hereby relieved from duty as general man- ager of said railways, and from all connection with the same, and will turn over to said Colonel McCallum all property, moneys, con- tracts, and papers of every kind and description belonging to Gov- ernment or in anywise appertaining to or concerning said railways. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, H DQRS. MIL. Div. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, No. 30. Nashville, Teun., Februarg 4, 1864. * * * * * * 2. Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, U. S. Volunteers, having been assigned by the President to the command of the Twenty-third Army Corps, will proceed without delay to Knoxville, Tenn., and assume command of said corps. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 330 330 1KV., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. LEFT WING, 1 6TH ARMY CORPS, No. 35. Pulaski, Temi., Febru~ary 4, 1864. * * * * * * II. The following-named persons, ii~ ving been reported by officers of this command as being dangerous persons to remain within our lines (being aiders and abettors of the rebellion), will appear within ten days from the date hereof at the provost-marshal-generals office in Pulaski, Tenn., and give bonds in the sum of $5,000 each, and take an oath to hereafter behave and conduct themselves as peaceable and loyal citizens, and to commit no acts that will tend in any manner to aid or abet or give comfort to the rebellion: (1) T. N. Williams, (2) W. R. Porter, (3) 5. J. Mathews, sr., (4) Stephen Shelton, (5) Joel Glossess, (6) John Wilcoxson, (7) Jilton, (8) A. A. Burney, (9) Robert Williams (tanner), (10) John Hammond, (11) Harvey Shelton, (12) Willis Johnson, (13) Amos Cox, (14) Murphy Nutt, (15) W. P. Holcomb. This privilege is given them with the understanding that if not faithfully lived up to they, with their families, will be sent south of the Tennessee River and their property be taken, and if violated they will suffer death. III. So much of Special Orders, No. 21, series 1863, from these headquarters, as orders Mr. James W. Nance south of the Tennes- see River and beyond our lines, and seizes his property, is hereby re- voked. Mr. Nance will be allowed to return to his home, and such of his property as is not in use by Government will be delivered to him. * * * * * * * By order of Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge: J. W. BARNES, Assistant Adjntant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, February 5, 1864il a. m. Brigadier-General THOMAS, Adjutant- General, Nashville, Tenn.: Your telegram received. The battery is ordered. I wish you would send me by telegraph a statement of the whole number of colored troops organized, so far as you have information. Some clamor is being raised at the lack of energy and industry on that subject. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 5, 18642.50 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Contracts have been awarded at Indianapolis, Saint Louis, Chicago, and at Columbus for 11,500 cavalry horses. Shall I have them for- warded as they come in~ if so, to what points and what number? Please answer. J. H. WILSON, Brigadmer- General, in charge Gavairy Bureau Page 331 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U~ION. 331 COLLIERVILLE, February 5, 18646.50 p. m. Brigadier-General GRIERSON: Relieve Colonel Brackett at once and place the next officer in rank in command of the brigade. WM. SOQY SMITH, Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry. GERMANTOWN, February 5, 186411 p. m. (Received 8.30 a. in., 6th.) Captain WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division: The 200 men sent out this morning toward Hernando have returned. Went within 4 miles of Hernando. Found pickets at all crossings of the Coldwater. Fonnd 5 rebels at Rodgers Cross-Roads. No force at Hernando. Fifth Kentncky encamped at Dalys Mill. One Collins is raising a regiment across from Coldwater Station. The ferries destroyed below. The river not fordable. Brought in 1 prisoner. Another patrol bronght in 2 prisoners. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. COLLIERVILLE, February 5, 186410.35 a. m. General GRwRsoN: Have yon heard anything of Hnrst? We may have to use him. Have you heard anything from Yicksbnrg? WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier- General, Chief of Cavalry. COLLIERVILLE, February 5, 18647.25 p. m. General GRIERSON: I have jnst heard throngh a citizen that a command of two regi- ments of onr cavalry passed a point 12 miles west of Macon day before yesterday. Send ont immediately and commniiicate with them if possible. If found, their teams can be ferried over Wolf River and the command can move np on the north side to this point, where I have made a crossing. Send to-night. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 5, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. B. H. GRIERSON, Memphis, Tenn.: We will not take a supply train at all. Let a full complement of the rations required by my field orders be kept constantly on hamad. Have you sent a party to communicate with Waring, north of the Wolf River, to-night? Let the operator stay in the office until 12 p. m. to-night. WM. SOOY SMITH. Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavlary, ]iiEil. Div. of the Mississippi Page 332 332 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ~ ND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. Soov SMITH, Coil icr vile: I have sent a party to communicate with Colonel Waring, if it is him. I think the cavalry you have heard of west of Macon is Hursts, thoizigh I have heard nothing of him. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., Brigadier-General SMITH, February 5, 1864. Coilierville: A citizen from the vicinity of Senatobia reports that information had been received there that the Federal forces, reported 12,000 strong, had repulsed Lorings division near Greenwood, Miss., and that Forrest and Chalmers had gone south to that point. B. H. GIRIERSON, Brigadier- General. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 5, 1864. Colonel MCCRILLIS, Commanding Third Brigade: You are hereby directed to order one regiment of cavalry across the Wolf River at daylight to-morrow morning to proceed down the north bank of the river, sweeping the country thoroughly to a dis- tance of 8 or 10 miles back from the river, to capture any guerrillas they may meet, and bring in all the serviceable horses and mules they can find; to press all the wagons they can find and bring in all the forage they can procure, returning to-morrow evening. They must not jade their horses. One battalion should proceed to Morning Sun and ascertain if any of our cavalry has passed through, and, if so, what command, and when. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Military Division of the Miss. COLLIERvILLE, TENN., Colonel MCMILLEN, February 5, 1864. Commari ding Brigade, Memphis, Ten n.: Move your brigade to-morrow morning anti proceed via Hernando to the crossing of the Coldwater at the burnt mills, taking your pon- toons with you and one-half of the supply train. Select and prepare a crossing of the stream, place your a ery and brigade in position to cover it, then await further orders from me. Show this order to General Grierson. WM. SOOY SMITH. Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Military Division of the Miss Page 333 Ca& p. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U~ION. 333 COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 3, 18649 p. m. Colonel MCMILLEN, Commanding Brigade of Infantry, Memphis, Tenn.: Move without supply train. We Cannot wait. Take tools for building a temporary bridge over the Coidwater, using the boats already prepared. If you have reason to believe that the enemy have fallen away from the region between the Colidwater and Talla- hatchie, cross the Coidwater and move on Panola without further orders. Should he still hold that country in force and you become heavily engaged, we will move to your assistance; and should you hear heavy fring on your left, move promptly to the assistance of the force engaged. WM. ~ SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Military Division of the Miss. KNOXVILLE, February 5, 1864. Willis White, a sergeant from the First Tennessee Infantry, com- manded by Colonel Turney, stationed near Staunton, Va., deserted and came in this morning. Reports that he left Staunton, Va., on the 10th of January on fur- lough to come to Tennessee; that he saw no troops on the road at any point until he came to Russeliville and Morristown, which points he reached on the 25th ultimo. At these places the most of Longstreets infantry were encamped. On the day of the fight above Sevierville the most of the infantry and artillery went to Dand- ridge, crossed the French Broad River, and marched toward Sevier- ville, but returned the next day, recrossed the river, and camped near Dandridge. General Longstreet came over to Dandridge on last Monday and returned to Morristown. On Tuesday morning, the 3d instant, when he (the deserter) left Dandridge, the infantry were preparing to return to Morristown. The most of the cavalry were said to be in the neighborhood of Sevierville On last Sunday he says he met in the evening above Dandridge General Ransoms division going toward the railroad station. One of the captains and several of the men told him that they were going to take the cars and were going to Mobile, Ala. The men were hal- ]ooing and seemed delighted. They said they would march all night. He states that provisions are quite scarce at Morristown; that he saw over 300 men entirely barefoot and badly clad; Bushrod John- sons command is daily deserting; that there is great dissatisfac- tion amongst the soldiers. He says it was the desire of the officers and men to remain at their quarters until spring, but they were in constant dread of being flanked by the Federal army. He says the men will desert by hundreds just as soon as the leaves come out. No fortifications at Morristown or Russeilville. Rebels have com- fortable cabins. They were in constant dread of being cut off from Virginia. I examined him closely; he seems to be rather an intelligent man. Says he has been in army nearly two years; lives in Lincoln County, Teun. ; had two brothers in the Forty-fourth Tennessee, under Bushrod Johnson, who deserted shortly after they went to lorristown, R. A. CRAWFORD, Colonel and Chief of Secret Police Page 334 334 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. FEBRUARY ~5, 1864. F. M. Hanks, a deserter from the Eleventh Texas Regiment, Whartons Cavalry brigade or division, numbering 1,000 men, who are now encamped 4 miles below Sevierville, states that he left his command yesterday morning, the 4th instant; that General Arm- strongs command is in the forks of the French Broad and Pigeon Rivers, his command in all not exceeding 1,000 men; that all the cavalry on the south side of French Broad is said to be under Gen- eral Martin, whose headquarters are at Sevierville, as he is informed, and number about 4,000 men; states that their horses are in good order; they have in the forks of the river three 12-pounder Parrott guns and two 6-pounder howitzers. This man has just been sent to me; seems to be rather dull and ignorant. He also states that the infantry has all gone to Dandridge and will go from there to their quarters. States that a few days since he met 0 eneral Longstreet on his way to Dandridge; that last Sunday week Hoods division came down to New Market; that they were repairing the bridge at Mossy Creek. The foregoing is about all he knows. R. A. CRAWFORD, Colonel and Chief of Secret Police. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Ouio, Knoxville, February 6, 1864. Brig. Gem M. JENKINS, Commanding Confederate Advance Forces: SIR: I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowl- edge the reception of your communication, by flag of truce, Convey- ing a request that certain families may be permitted to remove with- out our lines. Any communication to the commanding general of this depart- ment, sent by flag of truce, in order to receive the attention it may merit, must come from the commanding general of the Confederate forces. If such a communication be forwarded it should contain the names of the families for whom the permission is requested. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff NASHvILLE, TENN., February 6, 18643.30 p. m (Received 11.20 a. in., 7th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I am making every effort to get supplies to Knoxville for the sup- port of a large force long enough to drive Longstreet out. The enemy have evidently fallen back with most of their force from General Thomas front, some going to Mobile. Has there been any move- ment in that direction by our troops? U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Teun., February 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Feeling satisfied that there was much useless extravagance in the quartermasters department, and having some cases reported to me o Page 335 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 335 probable peculation, I applied to the Quartermaster-General to detail an honest and experienced officer of the Department to inspect. His reply was that he had not such an officer available, but for me to select one and order him on that duty. I, under this authority, detailed Capt. J. H. Stokes, of the Chicago Board of Trade Battery, for that duty. The result has been already to find that the Government is being constantly defrauded by those whose duty it is to protect and guard the public interest. The guilty parties w~ill be relieved and brought to trial. Captain Stokes is an old officer of the regular army and also of the Quartermasters Department. He is eminently fitted for this duty, though a very disagreeable one for him, and particularly so whilst occupying the grade of captain of artillery. General Thomas informed me soon after my assumption of com- mand of this military division that he regarded Captain Stokes as one of his most efficient officers, and that he had recommended him for the position of brigadier-general. I now would most heartily indorse that recommendation, and if it cannot be granted would ask that he be appointed quartermaster of volunteers, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. I have no such staff officer and believe the law authorizes it. I do not require a staff officer of the Quartermasters Department for any other duty than that suggested by this letter. For the act- ive duties within my command I have General Allen, Colonels Myers and Donaldson, men eminently capable and far above suspicion. Indeed, i[ would prefer Captain Stokes, with rank to enable him to perform the duties assigned him, should report directly to General Allen instead of me. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, February 6, 1864. Major-General GRANT: I am about to start for Knoxville. Have been detained here two days for a boat. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox, Commanding Twenty-third Army Corps: GENERAL: I suspect the rebel movement is only a reconnaissance. A deserter who came in to-day, and who left the cavalry near Sevier- ville, made no mention of any advance. There is no infantry on the south side of the French Broad. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. P. S.I will show Colonel Camerons dispatch to General Foster, and will send you word at once if any change is to be made in pres- ent dispositions. E.E.P Page 336 336 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS FIRST EAST TENNESSEE BRIGADE, Loves Hill, Tenn., February 6, 1864. Capt. E. D. SAUNDERS, Asst. A~jt. Gem., Twenty-third Army Corps: SIR: I have the honor to report the following information, obtained through my scouts, which are constantly kept up from day to day: There are no rebels this side of the river, excepting in small squads of from 4 to 6, who are prowling through the country robbing and pillaging. For two or three days past 6 rebels have visited daily the mill at Flat Creek bridge and taken grain found there. There are also 2 rebel soldiers by the name of Epps, and 1 or 2 others by the name of Legg, who are scouting about their homes, and who are supposed to have been the men who shot one of Craw- fords scouts near the gap of the mountain. The scout this morn- ing is instructed to obtain all the facts relative to the same. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES G. SPEARS Brigadier- General, Comman~ding. HDQI~S. TWENTY-THIRD MICHIGAN INFANTRY VOLS., Camp Pratt, February 6, 1864. Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Second Div., 23d Army Corps: LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to repoit, for the information of the general commanding the division, the following items gleaned by my scouts last night: Longstreets headquarters at Morristown. Longstreet at New Market on Wednesday. Hoods old division, consisting of three brigades (Jenkins, Andersons, and one other), at present commanded by Jenkins, brigadier-general, four pieces of artillery (brass guns), and the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry (rebel), stationed at New Market and the fords along the left bank of the Holston. Estimated force of infantry and artillery, 3,000. The bulk of Lougstreets forces at Morristown and Dandrid~e. Movements toward Dandridge. Mate- rial for pontoon bridge at the French Broad, 5 miles above Dand- ridge. No troops of the enemy this side of the river, except scouts and guards at Barlows Mill, at mouth of Buffalo Creek, 6 in number. At this mill are about 4,000 bushels of wheat. It is reported that the owner of this mill is a rebel. Shall I send a party to destroy it and its contents? I think it can be done without risk. When our forces went up to Flat Creek on the 1st instant, the rebel pickets were withdrawn from Strawberry Plains. The troops at New Market have no camp or garrison equipage with th m. Trains on the railroad do not run below Greeneville. Fears are entertained by the rebels that the railroad will again be destroyed by our cavalry. It is reported that on the 17th ultimo Longstreet was at Dand- ridge with 20,000 men and twenty pieces of artillery, hoping to force a general engagement. Strips of rawhide were issued to his men to bind up and protect their feet. The enemys lose in SkirmISh of that day (Sunday) was 63 killed Page 337 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 337 Much of this information was obtained by scouts from citizens (one of whom had been in rebel army) who had just escaped through the enemys lines. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. WHEELER, Major, & C. [First indorsement.] KNOXVILLE, TENN., Brigadier-General Cox, February 6, 1864. Gommanding Twenty-third Army Gorps: I respectfully forward the within communication, although it may possibly afford no information you are not already possessed of. Shall I make further inquiries as to the feasibility of Major Wheelers proposed attempt upon the mill on Buffalo Creek? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. M. JUDAH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Tenn. February 6, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to headquarters department for the in- formation of the general commanding. General Judah has been directed to make further inquiries and report. J. D. COX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. NASHVILLE, February 6, 18642.30 p. m. Major-General THOMAS: Reports of scouts make it evident that Joe Johnston has removed most of his force from your front, two divisions going to Long- street. Longstreet has been re-enforced by troops from the East. This makes it evident the enemy intends to secure East Tennessee if they can, and I intend to drive them out or get whipped this month. For this purpose you will have to detach at least 10,000 men besides Stanleys division (more will be better). I can partly relieve the vacuum at Chattanooga by troops from Logans command. It will not be necessary to take artillery or wagons to Knoxville, but all the serviceable artillery horses should be taken to use on artillery there. Six mules to each 200 men should also be taken, if you have them to spare. Let me know how soon you can start. GRANT, Major-General. NASHVILLE, February 6, 18641.30 p. m. General J. H. WILSON, Chief of Cavalry Bureau: Send all the cavalry horses for my command to Nashville. Full 12,000 horses will be required here. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. 22 R RYOL XXXII, PT I Page 338 338 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAI~. XLIV. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIo, ASST. ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, Lexington, Ky., February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff, Knoxville, Tenn. (via Chattanooga): The guerrillas in Montgomery, Bath, and Powell are very trouble- some, murdering Union men every day, and Continually driving off stock. Within the last two weeks Col. J. M. Brown, Forty-fifty Kentucky, stationed at Mount Sterling, has killed upward of 30 of these guerrillas, and taken 22 prisoners; he has been very energetic. Five of the guerrillas sent in by him were captured immediately after having murdered one Union man and while in the act of hang- ing another. I am having them tried by a military commission. W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant A6~jutant-General. LEXINGTON, February 6, 1864. (Received 8th.) General POTTER, Chief of Staff: General Fry left Camp Nelson on the 24th. He has only got as far as Point Buruside. His animals are eating up all the forage in the country. He seized every pretext in his rea~h to delay his march since he first received his orders to report with his command at Knoxville. W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Rossville, Ga., February 6, 1864. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Department of the Cumberland: SIR: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with orders, I proceeded at 4p. m. on the 3d instant, under flag of truce, to escort a party of 28 secession citizens to the rebel lines. The first night out Iwentintocamp 2 miles outside the picket-line of GeneralDavis division of infantry; from thence I started, at 7 oclock on the morn- ing of the 4th instant, in the direction of Riuggold, passing through which place I arrived at the outpost of the rebel picket-line, 2 miles southeast of Riuggold, at 12 in., where I was halted, and a message dispatched to Lieutenant-Colonel Griffith, commanding First [Third] Kentucky (rebel) Cavalry, informing him of the arrival of a flag of truce. I was met by Lieutenant-Colonel Griffith about an hour afterward, who, having ascertained the object of the visit, conducted me half a mile inside their outer line of pickets and directed me to go into camp on the premises of a Mr. Jack, where I would await until he could communicate with General Kelly, who was in command at Tunnel Hill. Colonel Griffith then returned to his command, and I heard nothing from him or others officially until 9 a. m. of the 5th, when the colonel returned with an escort of 30 men and ambulances and wagons with which to convey the citizens to Tunnel Hill. He informed me that the delay was in consequence of the necessity o Page 339 CHAP. XLIV.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 339 oommunicating with army headquarters at Dalton before the busi- ness could be consummated. I transmit herewith original order from headquarters Department of the Cumberland, with receipt of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Griffith for prisoners indorsed therein. ~ Having com- pleted business, I started back at 10 a. m. of the ~th and brought 12 citizens (women and children) whom the rebels had passed outside their lines. I was accompanied 1 mile this side of Riuggold by Lieutenant-Colonel Griffith and his adjutant. I arrived at Ross- ville at 4 p. m. and reported to Colonel Boone, who issued a pass for the citizens to proceed to Chattanooga. It would be proper perhaps to state that while inside the rebel lines I was treated with extreme courtesy and kindness. At night I was furnished with a guard from the First Middle Tennessee (rebel) Cavalry, and no property what- ever was molested during our stay there. I was visited by a great number of officers from the camp at Tunnel Hill, and they all, without a single exception, treated myself and the escort with the greatest kindness and attention. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. VAN ANTWERP, Captain Fourth Michigan, Commanding Escort and Flag. Brig. Gen. J. A. RAwLINs, ATHENS, February 13, 1864. Chief of Staff: The Tennessee is rising rapidly. A regiment of mounted infantry went to Florence to-day to come up with boats. I think by to-mor- row or next day boats can get over shoals. Troops are passing through Montgomery daily, going to Atlanta.. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., Brig. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS, February 6, 1864. Chief of Staff, Nashville: Rebel mail just brought in has letters dated Rome, Ga., January 29. Speak of movement of cavalry force to front, & c.; also say that all Ten~esseeans have re-enlisted for three years or the war, & c. All speak of movement of their army and of cavalry to front. Will send few letters up to-morrow. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. PULASKI, TENN., Brig. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS, February 6, 1864. Nashville: A scout just in from south side of river says ferries only guarded by small picket; Johnsons regiment opposite Florence. All the rest of Roddeys command have gone up toward Larkins [?] Ferry to oppose those officers said to be coming there. * Inclosures omitted Page 340 340 KY., SW. VA., T INN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. He also says it is the common report in Roddeys camp that John- ston is 110W in Atlanta; that the yh ave sent two divisions to Long- street. This last is the report among officers, soldiers, and citizens. Forrest at Okolona and his force is not represented near as strong as formerly. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. COLLIERVILLE, February 6, 18642 p. m. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant- General: Scout just retnrned from Bolivar. Found Colonel Waring there. Had not got his train across the Hatchie yesterday morning. Ex- pected to cross yesterday, and start for this place via Macon this morning. Calculates to reach here to-morrow night. Scout left Bolivar yesterday morning abont 7 oclock. Roads tolerably good. L. F. McCRILLJS. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Jackson, Miss., February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE, Commanding on Big Black: GENERAL: Telegraph substantially to commanding officers at Vicksburg, Natchez, and Memphis, also to General Halleck, General Grant, and Admiral Porter, care of General Reid, Cairo, as follows: General Sherman s command, composed of McPhersons and Huributs corps, left Vicksburg on the 3d in two columns via the railroad bridge and Messingers. On the 4th, McPherson met the enemy (Wirt Adams brigade) and skirmished as far as Bolton. On the 5th, Huributs column encountered Starkes brigade of cavalry at Joe Davis plantation and drove it through Clinton toward Canton. Same day McPherson pushed Wirt Adams into and beyond Jackson. General Sherman occw pied Jackson on the 6th, and will cross Pearl and enter Brandon on the 7th, and so on. He reports three small brigades of cavalry and Lorings division of infantry up toward Canton, and Frenchs division of infantry to his front at or near Brandon.* After passing Pearl to-morrow morning I shall break up the bridge we have made of the enemys pontoons, so you must not attempt to communicate with me save by couriers well acquainted with the country and people. Our troops and trains are well up. Notify General McArthur that I want that Yazoo expedition pushed to the farthest point possible, and to remain up Yazoo near a month and communicating back to Yicksburg as often as Captain Owen thinks necessary. Also, Hawkins command should be most active, operat- ing from Haynes Bluff to Mechanicsburg and over to Big Black. I want you to stay at the bridge, and also to cover the pontoon bridge at Messingers. If there should be any sign of the enemys scouts op- posite Messingers that pontoon bridge should be only partially laid, and a guard kept there watching for any party I may send back. The delay of William Sooy Smith at Memphis may compel me to modify my plans a little, but not much. Roads are excellent. We find some corn and meat, but Jackson and country are desolate enough. Our troops fought very handsomely and keenly all the way, marching rough-shod over all opposition. The enemys loss in killed * Telegraphed by Geperal Tuttle from Black River bridge February 5, 1864 Page 341 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 341 is about 20, and 50 wounded, at least. We captured one of his guns, with horses and men. We have lost about 10 killed and 25 wounded. I send in pri~oners. The list of prisoners of war to be held at Vicks- burg to be sent North, and those marked refugees are soldiers who wanted to be captured, and whom you may cause to be released at Vicksburg and sent northward free. I think the enemy will meet us at some point between this and Meridian, with General Polk in command, with Lorings and Frenchs divisions and the entire cavalry force of General Stephen D. Lee, composed of Wirt Adams, Starkes, Fergusons, and Ross brigades of cavalry. Ross brigade of cavalry is the force met on Yazoo at Satartia, but is now hurrying across to Canton and eastward. Our movement has driven away from the river everything from Yazoo City to Natchez. Keep the command- ing officers named in the first part of this letter informed of all relia- ble intelligence of my progress, that they may act and be governed accordingly. Write to General Buckland to convey this intelligence to General Smith, and that I want him to execute the original plan to the letter. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Mc~jor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Jackson, Miss., February 6, 186411.20 a. m. Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: By direction of the general commanding, you will ad- vance one brigade of your corps and also your headquarters 2 miles to a point near where a road strikes off for the Canton road. You will recognize the point designed by finding two graves in the front yard of the house. The balance of your command can remain as they were, in camp where we left them this morning, until further orders. Nothing new of any consequence. Several deserters have come in. I am, general, with respect, yours, & c., L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Jackson, Miss., February 6, 18647 p. m. Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you will move one brigade of your command into town early in the morningsay as early as daylight. From this brigade lie expects you will relieve General McPhersons provost guard of one regiment, and also his pioneers in charge of the pontoon bridge, and cover the bridge until your entire command has passed the liver; and it should, therefore, be a brigade belonging to the (livision marchine in rear to-morrow. The remainder of your corps you will start at a half hour after sun- rise, which will enable it to cross the bridge without any delay. On Page 342 842 KY., SW. VA,, TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. division of General McPhersons command is now over, and the other will commence crossing promptly at daylight. The general will give you special instructions as you pass here in the morning. Ii am, general, with much respect, yours, truly, L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Jackson, Miss., February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. C. VEATCH, Commanding Fourth Division: GENERAL: You will move the rear brigade of your command into Jackson for the duty defined in the within copy* of orders of date from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding department, at day- light to-morrow morning. The remainder of your command and trains will move forward at 7 a. m. to-morrow. The use of the bass drum is prohibited. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Jackson, Miss., February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: You will move your entire command forward at 7 a. m. to-morrow. One brigade of Brigadier-General Veatchs command will precede you into Jackson at daylight, to relieve Major-General McPhersons guard. The use of the bass drum is prohibited. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. SooY SMITH, Collierville: Your dispatch received. Will join the brigade at Germantown to-day. The Alabama cavalry sent south yesterday not returned yet. The infantry have just moved out, and will encamp about 10 miles south to-night. When the Alabama cavalry returns I will order them south to join the infantry. Party sent northeast last night to communicate with Hurst or Waring not yet returned. Will order all detachments here to report to General Buckland. A, detach- ment of Seventh Indiana Cavalry is at Hickman. Had I not better order them to Memphis? B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. * See preceding Page 343 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UN ION. 343 COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. S. SMITH, Miemphis, Tenn.: Th~ following dispatch is received from Captain Kirkbride, com- manding the Third Illinois Cavalry: I struck the big road at Oakland. Neither Hurst nor Waring have passed on it. Citizens say there was a large force of our troops passing toward La Grange from the north two days ago. This is the officer you sent out last night with the 100 men. WM. H. INGERTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. NASHVILLE, February 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Huntsville, Ala.: From all the information that has come to these headquarters, the indications are that the enemy has greatly weakened himself in front of Chattanooga by sending forces to Mobile, and it is also re- ported two divisions [have been sent] to Longstreet, to enable him to hold his position in East Tennessee. To counteract this latter movement, and to successfully give battle to Longstreet, General Thomas has been directed to detach at least 10,000 men, besides Stanleys division, and proceed with them at the earliest practicable moment to Knoxville. To supply as far as possible the place of the troops thus withdrawn from Chattanooga, you will at once order, in readiness to move there on the receipt of orders, all the available force of your command that can possibly be spared without endanger- ing too greatly the railroad they are now guarding. By order of Major-General Grant: JOHN A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp, 14 Miles from Jackson, Miss., February 6, 18643 a. m. Lieutenant-Colonel HEATH, C~omdg. Thirty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry: By direction of Major-General Hurlbut, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, you will take charge of the pontoon train and return with all convenient speed to Big Black, reporting your arrival to Brigadier-General Tuttle. Jackson is now in our possession, and the Pearl River bridge. You will try to reach Big B lack to-night, and give such assistance to Captain Kossak, in charge of train, as he may need. Keep your train closed up, and guard your flanks well. It is not probable that you will meet anything more than straggling parties of the enemy. Respectfully, JAMES C. VEATCH, Brigadier-General Page 344 344 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIW HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp, 13 Miles from Jackson, Miss., February 6, 1864. Col. JAMES H. HOWE, Commanding Second Brigade: You will take the rear, taking charge of the entire train, except the pontoons, during the first march of 8 miles, after which you will be relieved of the train by Colonel Montgomery, and will in turn take the front. By order of Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch: F. W. FOX, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cramp, 13 Miles from Jackson, Miss., February 6, 1864. Colonel MONTGOMERY, Commanding First Brigade: You will take the front at precisely 5 oclock. Coopers battery, of Second Brigade, will report to you for the morning march. Respectfully, JAMES C. VEATCH, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE POST AND DEFENSES, Colonel COATES, Vicksburg, Miss., February 6, 1864. Commanding Yazoo Expedition: COLONEL: Your dispatches for General Sherman have been re- ceived by me, and will be forwarded the first opportunity. You will move up the river daily, keeping up a threatening attitude, without endangering your command, and if possible hold the enemy where they are. By doing so you will assist the object of the main expedition. I do not understand that any assistance will be sent you from the main force, as the capture of Yazoo City is only of secondary importance at present. I send Lieutenant Town, of my staff, ~vho will remain with you for a day or two, and by whom you can send any information you may further gain as to the strength and disposition of the enemy, communicating to me at the earliest possible moment, should they evince any disposition to advance in this direction, in which case you will harass and delay them as much as possible. Communicate with me as frequently as possible. There is no news from General Sherman; consequently, the pre- sumption is that he is now beyond Jackson, Miss. Yours, truly, J. McARTHUR, Brigadier- General. P. S.In telegraphing to me from Haynes Bluff, dispatch the same to General Tuttle, at Big Black. ~ MOARTHUR, Brigadier- General Page 345 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 345 NASHVILLE, February 6, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I take the liberty of inclosing an article in relation to East Tennessee, to which I beg to call your attention. From all I have been able to learn since my return, I think it gives a fair account of matters in that distressed region of our State. I have not yet seen General Grant since his arrival here, but shall try to do so as soon as I can. Things are bad enough, God knows, but there is great danger that they will soon get worse. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HORACE MAYNARD. [Inclosure.] AFFAIRS IN EAST TENNESSEE. (From the cincinnati Gazette.) It is time to comment on the real character of the whole manage- ment in East Tennessee, and to look beyond the 6clat of the first fortunate dash for the evidence of that military ability, foresight, and providence which were requisite to insure success and perma- nent occupation. The expedition has lacked these from the first. General Burusides movement was long delayed by the detachment of his corps to aid Grant at Vicksburg, and when it was made, there was not a provident accumulation of supplies for the expedition. It went without such preparation. Unfortunately, General Burnside had made up his mind to withdraw from the service on the prestige of his successful dash. He tendered his resignation immediately. Under such expectation a commander would not be likely to take energetic measures for pushing his advantage, gathering supplies for the winter, fortifying and securing his occupation. Once in possession of East Tennessee with a force as large as his, holding it was a question of supplies and fortifications. He had the mounted troops necessary for securing the supplies the country af- forded. The Confederates have found that country of great impor- tance to them for supplies. It has not been made so to us. The result was that our troops have hardly had full rations at any time, and as soon as winter set in they were reduced to half, then quarter rations, and their animals were disabled by want of forage, and died off rapidly. Besides the misfortunes of a commander who wished to reap his laurels and leave before completing his work, too much time and attention were wasted. in politically restoring the Union and giving audience to dubious inhabitants, and too little to military necessities. It is yet a mystery why, when General Sherman marched his force into East Tennessee and reported it to General Buruside, his ranking officer, something was not done by his adequate force to capture or drive out Longstreet. But Shermans corps marched up and marched down, and Longstreet, at his leisure, returned to his muttonthe siege of Knoxville. Immediately, we find the enemy in possession of all the good foraging country and our forces confined to a narrow range, growing narrower by the loss of their horses by the loss of the forage. Under General Foster things have gone from bad to worse. It is probable that we have generals in the West competent for that co Page 346 ~46 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. mand, and better adapted to it. The necessity of placing major- generals should not be regarded as a military necessity. By his order it seems the advance was made to Dandridge by troops without artillery or ammunition for a fight, followed by a precipitate retreat, sacrificing stores aud clothes which our soldiers were suffering for, and a large number of cattle and hogs, while the army is on part rations. New management is necessary in East Tennessee. We hope Gen- eral Schofield is the man wanted. The situation there hardly war- rants the apparent ease and complacency in military circles in the West. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Jackson, Miss., February 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. P. BUCKLAND, Commanding, Memphis: GENERAL: I received General William Sooy Smiths disnatches of the 2d instant to-night and regret he was delayed, but trust he started then and has made up his loss of time in speed. We left Vicksburg on the 3d and entered Jackson on the night of the 5th, the heads of the two columns skirmishing all the way with two bri- gades of cavalry. We captured about 30 prisoners and 1 gun, killed about 20, and wounded at least 50, some of whom are left in houses by the roadside. Our loss is about 10 killed and 25 wounded. We cross Pearl River to-morrow. I want you to push that volunteer or- ganization. Keep the garrison in Fort Pickering well to their guns and the brigade of infantry out in the direction of Panola, as far as prudence will warrant. Have all the cavalry left with you kept in shape and put out about Collierville, Mount Pleasant, or Quinns Mill. Tell Captain Eddy to procure horses as fast as possible, or mules, for the dismounted cavalry. In disposing of the force outside you should be governed by your knowledge as to General Smiths move- ments and its effect on Forrests command. A strong expedition of gun-boats is now up Yazoo and will threaten or occupy Grenada. We are all in fine condition. Yours, W. T. SHERMAN Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MIL. Div. o~ THE Mississippi, No. 4. Nashville, Tenn., February 6, 1864. I. The great demand for pilots having rendered this branch of business an unreasonable monopoly, whereby great extortion is prac- ticed, to the detriment of the service, it is therefore ordered First. That on and after the 20th day of February every boat do- ing business on the Mississippi and its tributaries shall at all times carry at least one steersman, who shall have a certificate of the local board, under the direction of the supervising inspector, to whom pilots and other officers shall give every opportunity and facility for learning the business of piloting. Second. In order to prevent extortion now practiced upon the Government by parties whose licenses are derived from and wh Page 347 CHA?. XLTV.] COk1~ESPOND1~NCF~, tTC .1YiNiO~. 347 are protected by it, pilots shall be divided, irnder the direction of the U. S. supervising inspectors, into classes, termed first and second, and the rates of piloting on the Mississippi and its tributaries above Memphis shall be, for pilots of the first class, not exceeding $250 pe~ month and subsistence, and in the trade below Memphis $300 per month, and for single trips less than ten days not exceeding $15 per day while actually in service; and the rates for pilots of the second class not exceeding $200 per month and subsistence above Memphis, and $250 per month below Memphis, and for single trips less than ten days not exceeding $12.50 per day while actually in service. Third. When it is inconvenient to procure two good pilots on each boat, such boats may take one good pilot and one steersman, and in cases where boats are proceeding together and cannot conveniently secure pilots for all, they may proceed with good steersman, pro- vided the leading boat or boats have good and safe pilots, in which case they will file with the post commander at the place of departure satisfactory evidence that they could not conveniently procure two good pilots. The masters or owners of boats are prohibited from directly or indirectly paying or seeking to induce pilots to change boats by offering rates above those fixed herein. Fifth. Any violation or evasion of this order or any refusal to perform service when called upon, or any neglect of pilots or other officers to furnish all the opportunities and facilities to steersnien for learning the business of piloting, shall be regarded as a military offense, and punished, on conviction by a military commission, by confinement in a military prison not exceeding sixty days, or a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both. II. For the greater protection of transports from danger of loss by fire, it is ordered: First. That every steam-boat navigating the waters of this military division (except ferry-boats and boats lying up for repairs) shall at all times keep a watch of at least 4 men on every boat, 2 of whom shall be at all times on duty, 1 on the boiler, 1 on the main decks, and continually passing over their respective decks until relieved; and all boats lying up for repairs shall keep a like watch of at least 3 men. Said watchmen to be carefully selected, and registered as such on the portage book. Second. That every steam-boat shall at all times, except when actually storing freight in, or discharging it from, the hold, or in other cases of actual necessity, keep the hatches and scuttles securely closed and locked, the key to be kept by the captain or first mate, who shall be held responsible for the same, and without whose per- mission no person shall be allowed to go into the hold, and who shall also at all times when the hold is open place an extra watch therein. Third. That every boat shall keep at least one barrel of water on each fore and each after guard, and four barrels on the hurricane deck; also, three dozen buckets, and shall also keep its hose constantly attached to its pump and ready for instant service. Fourth. No candles or open lights shall be allowed in the hold or state-rooms of any boat. Fifth. That from and after the issuing of this order no skiffs or small row-boats shall be permitted to ply in the harbors of Louisville, Cairo, or Memphis, but every boat, except those belonging to steam- boats, shall be taken to such place as the post commander shall direct, and there be kept, except in cases where special permission to the contrary shall be given by the provost-marshal, and that th Page 348 348 KY., SW. VA., TENIN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. small boats of all steamers shall Oe kept on deck or properly drawn out of water. Sixth. That the officers of steam-boats shall, according to their proper authority, be held strictly accountable for the enforcement of this order on their several boats, and for extraordinary care and watchfulness. Seventh. The quartermasters department and post commanders are charged with the general execution of this order, and will detail, if necessary, such men as secret police to accompany transports n;avi- gating the river as may be deemed necessary, and will also at once arrest any person and seize any boat failing to comply with this order, the boat to be turned over to the quartermasters department for the public service, the offender to be tried and punished by mili- tary law. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, February 7, 186412.30 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.: There has been no movement on Mobile unless made by General Sherman. H. W. HALLECK General-in-dhief. HDQRS. FIRST CAy. DIV., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Mar yville, Tenn., February 7, 1864. IV[aj. HENRY CURTIS, Asst. A~jt. Gen., Dept. of the Ohio, Knoxville, Tenn.: I have the honor to request permission to move my command to the vicinity of Motleys Ford, 18 miles southwest from here, on the Little Tennessee River. I regard this move as absolutely necessary, as the country is entirely exhausted of forage, and for the last few days my men have been compelled to carry all they procured 12 or 15 miles, on the backs of their horses. Of course, they cannot recruit any while compelled to perform such labor daily, and the majority of my animals are in such condition now, and were before arriving here, as to preclude the possibility of making any long or continuous marches. I sent two of my staff officers to the point I desire to move to, and they m~eport sufficient forage in that neighborhood to last my divis- ion eight or ten days. A necessity certainly exists that my horses should be recruited and reshod in order to restore the command to its former efficient condition, and I hope the general commanding may find it consistent with the good of the service to order the move- ment I desire at once. The courier who brings this will await an answer if desired. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. E. M. McCOOK, Golonel, Gommanding Division Page 349 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. 349 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff, Nashville: Information received from scout as follows: Two companies of home guards in each countyDe Kaib and Cherokee, Ala. In Cher- okee County four companies Third Confederate Cavalry, which, with Roddeys force, makes nearly 2,000. This force under Roddey made attack on U. S. forces at Lebanon, De Kalb County, last Wednesday morning. Rebels were repulsed in confusion and retreated toward Gadsden, Ala. Repo~ ted that Wheeler is on his way to re-enforce Roddey. U. S. forces fell back to Sand Mountain; took possession of saltpeter cave near Fort Paine, and captured a number of rebels. Fifteen days since twenty-eight pieces of artillery were moved from Dalton to Rome. The infantry is to be mounted on artillery horses, and this, with all the cavalry, is to form junction with Long- street and raid through Tennessee and Kentucky. Morgan was to assume command of his cavalry on 3d instant and raid through Middle Tennessee and come out at Stevenson or Tulla- homa. There are 53 engines on Western and Atlantic Railroad and 400 box cars. The outer railroad depot on Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad took fire and burned down at 3 oclock this morning. Loss, the build- ing and 20,000 overcoats. Nearly everything else saved. I have sent a reconnaissance in direction of Dalton to-day; not yet returned. Cars running as far as Cleveland. GLO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brandon, Miss., February 7, 1864. Colonel WINSLOW, Commanding Cavalry: COLONEL: You will move your command promptly at 6 oclock to-morrow morning on the road to Morton Station. Dash out boldly, keeping flankers well out on your left to watch all the roads leading from the direction of Canton to Morton. If the enemy is marching from Canton to Morton he will undoubtedly have his cavalry feeling down toward the road we are marching on to find out where we are; hence the importance of great vigilance on our left flank. I desire you to keep well in advance of our left front to-morrow, and keep me frequently advised of what you may see or learn. The infantry will follow rapidly, as we propose to make a march of from 17 to 20 miles to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-General. COLLIERYILLE, TENN., February 7, 1864. Colonel WARING, Gommanding Brigade of Cavalry: SIR: I send a regiment to take charge of your train and bring it in to this point in all haste. You will turn over your train to thi Page 350 350 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. regiment, and bring your command, thus disencumbered, to this place as soon as you possibly can without breaking down your stock. The paymasters and supplies of clothing await you here. Travel night and day if necessary, and permit no straggling, as the country through which you will pass is infested by guerrillas. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gem., Chief of Gavairy, Mu. Div. of the Mississippi. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. 17TH ARMY CORPS, No. 1. Brandon, Miss., February 7, 1864. Division and brigade commanders are instructed to destroy, as far as possible, the railroad along the line of march. Ordinarily, the regiment in charge of the train will be assig.ned to this duty. They will tear up the rails, pile up the ties, and, placing the rails on top, burn the whole effectually. They will also set fire to all bridges a~nd culverts of the railroad. By order Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS 15TH ARMY CORPS, No. 38. ) Huntsville, Ala., February 7, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. Cbarles R. Woods, commanding First Division, will cause one brigade of four regiments to be ready to move at a moments notice in the direction of Chattanooga. II. Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, commanding Second Division, will cause one brigade of four regiments to be ready to move at a moments notice in the direction of Chattanooga. III. Brig. Gen. John E. Smith, commanding Third Division, will cause two good regiments of his command to be ready to move at a moments notice in the direction of Chattanooga. IV. The commanding officer Fourth Division will cause one bri- gade of four good regiments to be ready to move at a moments notice in the direction of Chattanooga. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan: R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 8, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 5 p. in,) Maj. Gem. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Can troops be sent me to take the place of veterans gone home and those still awaiting furloughs? If immediate furloughs could be given it would stimulate re-enlistments. There is necessity for all the troops now in the field. Furloughs, therefore, can only be given as other troops arrive to take the place of those furloughed. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 351 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 351 HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Camp Burnside, Ky., February 8, 1864. [Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff:] GENERAL: I have the honor to state that my command reached here several days since, and is now detained on account of scarcity of rations and forage at the post. I expected on my arrival here to replenish my trains with the necessary forage and rations, but find- ing none of either here was compelled to send back to Halls Ga p for them. The train has not yet retnrned. As soon as it returns I will move directly on unless otherwise ordered. I deem it proper to state that I have examined the roads for some distance beyond this toward Knoxville and find them in a most dreadful condition; indeed, I may say impassable for loaded trains. I am satisfied it will take me nearly one week to get my train to the top of the mountain from this place, only 8 miles. The most of my teams are young and unbroken mules, and many of them have already given out and been sent back to Camp Nelson. I have seen and conversed with General Carter and others, aii~ all express the opinion that I cannot possibly get through with my train. I learn also that all horses and mules have been ordered back to Kentucky on account of the scarcity of forage in the region of the army. This being true, I was at some loss to know whether the gen- eral commanding desired me to bring with me any cavalry. I have with me the Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and was compelled when I sent my train back to Halls Gap to send that with it in order to procure forage until the train returned. If the general desires, under all the circumstances, for my com- mand to remain here until the roads are iu a better condition, I can use them to a great advantage in repairing the roads. There are but few hands at work on them near the point where the work is greatly needed, and their progress is necessarily very slow. I can subsist my men here now, as the boats are beginning to arrive, two reaching here this morning. Several others will be up as soon as they can be lighted so as to enable them to get over the shoals some 40 miles below. I make this suggestion, believing from what I have seen and from what I have heard from others who have just passed over the road that it will be utterly impossible for me to get through with my train. I will do, however, as I am directed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SPEED S. FRY, Brigadier- General. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OnaCE, Maj. Gen. ~. ~. GRANT, Washington, D. C., February 8, 1864. Nashville, Tenn.: DEAR GENERAL: The following is a copy of a telegram sent to your address this day: General Thomas has directed Colonel Easton to call upon Colonel Donaldson for 3,000 more wagons and harness, 4~000 more horses, 23,000 more mules; first cost, $4,250,000; monthly addition to wages and forage, not less than $500,000. Can so much be necessary, and when Page 352 352 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. On 30th of September, exclusive of supply trains, the Army of the Cumberland had in the front 2,800 wagons, 16,400 mules. Many thousand animals died or were sent to the rear, but only a few hundred wagons, according to my information, were lost or destroyed. Eleventh and Twelfth Corps joined, with full quota of trans- portation, after the 30th September. On 31st December the Army of the Cumber- land reports 2,500 wagons and 13,000 mules serviceable. Is the Army of the Cumberland to be doubled in size? And if so will not the troops ordered to it bring their own transportation? Will a larger train than that which sufficed to move from Murfreesborough into Georgia be necessary in the new campaign; and, finally, can such a train live? I have communicated with General Allen. Many mules were sent to Louisville, Saint Louis, and Mattoon to recruit. These should be drawn npon. All the best teams in depot service should be sent to the field, and be replaced by reduced animals, still capable of serving in the cities. This we do here, but it will be resisted by quartermasters, wagon-masters, and teamsters in the depots, and will require your strong authority to compel. There should be 2,000 or 3,000 fresh mules at Louisville and several thousand recruited. I have called for reports by telegraph. To supply 3,000 more wagons in any short time will be difficult. Are they really necessary? The armies will not in all be numerically stronger than last spring, and 3,000 wagons cannot have been lost or worn out. It is important to collect existing material for the new campaign, as far as possible, instead of purchasing anew. The ~penses of the past six months are much greater than ever before, and our appro- priations are giving out. When should the new outfit start? To avoid consump- tion of supplies difficult to get to the front, the animals should be held in the rear as long as possible. Not being advised as to your present intentions as to move- ments, I am unable to give instructions. Do not allow any calls not really neces- sary. Our difficulties are for money, rather than men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. THOMAS, Assistant Quartermaster- Generat. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 8, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: Your dispatch of 2[.30] p. in., February 6, was received that even- ing, but only so much of it could be translated as to make me under- stand that I am expected to detach from my command 10,000 men, in addition to Stanleys division, and to report when I can start. I can start a portion of the additional troops day after to-morrow, but I do not see how they can be fed in an exhausted country until the railroad is completed to London. I am in hopes to get the railroad completed and in operation to London by Thursday next. These 10,000 should be replaced by troops from Logans command imme- diately, else the enemy might take advantage of my move toward Knoxville and attack and capture this place. It will require an entire division to hold the railroad secure from here to London. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS Chief of Staa, Nashville, Tenn.: Scouts and deserters say Cleburnes division at Tunnel Hill; An- de,rsons, Breckinridges, Stewarts a Dalton; Cheathams ordered t Page 353 CnAr. XLIV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, IETC. -UNION. 353 Mobile; General Johnston at Rome h st Thursday; Breckinridges division under marching orders for the l)ast week; Grigsbys brigade of cavalry sent to Decatur to recruit; all Kentucky cavalry turned over to John Morgan, who is at Decatur reorganizing his command force, about 2,000 men. Fight took place yester(iay bets eeu Second Kentucky Cavalry and Third Alabama Cavalry; the former refused to re-enlist as ordered; the latter ordered to fire on them; (lid so, kill- ing 3, wounding 5; Second Kentucky returned the fire, killing and wounding 30, then dispersed. Kentucky candid~ te for Congress mak- ing speeches throughout the army. Deserter six days from Meridian says General Sherman marching on that place with 12,000 men. Frenchs and Lorings divisions retreating before him to Mobile. GLO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Voin nIce s, Commanding. STEVENSON, February 8, 1864. General W. D. WHIPPLE: General Logan applied to me for a regiment of cavalry; mentioned that the enemy was concentrating at Gadsden; had constructed a bridge for crossing the river. I have ordered Colonel Miller to ascer- tain the correctness of the report and prevent the enemy crossing. General Logan has Fifth Ohio Cavalry, Third Regulars, Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry. The cavalry does not exceed 1,000. The troops with General W. S. Smith have not returned. I leave for Nashville in the 3 a. m. train to-morrow. W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier- General, Chief of C~aralry. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. H. GRIERSON, Germantown, Tenn.: Warings brigade is just going into camp. It is in very good con- dition, all things considered. We must all work day and night until its necessities can be supplied. The clothing can be invoiced to Lieu- tenant Ferdinand Hesse, Fourth Missouri Cavalry brP~ade quarter- master. Push it along. What is detaining the o-rain ~ WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-Ge fieral and Chief of Car., Mil. Dir, of the Miss. LOUISVILLE, Febrziary 8. 1864. (Received 6.35 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Please give me command of one of the corps in the Army of the Potomac, DAVID HUNTER, fajar- General. [FEERUARY 8, 1864,For H~ Heck to Grant and reply about cavalry for Banks, ~ee Series I, Vol. XXXIV, Part 11.1 2~3 R R-VOL N XH~ PT I Page 354 354 KY., SW. VA., T~NN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SPECIAL ORDERS, I HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 39. Huntsville, Ala., February 8, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. William Harrow, U. S. Volunteers, having reported at these headquarters in pursuance of Special Orders, No. 81, cnrrent series, from headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, is hereby assigned to the command of the Fourth Division of this army corps and will at once relieve the present commanding officer. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan: R. R. TOWNES, A ssistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 49. Washington, February 8, 1864. Cairo, in the State of Illinois, is annexed to the Department of the Tennessee; and Jeffersonville, in the State of Indiana, is an- nexed to the Department of the Ohio. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 9, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 2.40 a. in., 10th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The change of railroad manager has added 60 per cent. to the freight carried. This, I hope, will enable me soon to supply an army in East Tennessee sufficient to drive Longstreet out. The road will be complete to London to-morrow, and to Stevenson via Decatur by Monday next. U. S. GRANT, llliajor- General. NASHVILLE, February 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: The wagons and mules called for by General Thomas are more than can be required by the four departments in my command in addition to what they have. If furnished we could not supply them nor move with such a train. I will make an order regulating trans- portation in a few days. U. S. GRANT, ]Jliajor- General. NASHVILLE, February 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: When the army moves in the spring it will have to be with less than half the transportation they have been heretofore ~ccustomed Page 355 CHAP. XLIV.] cORRESP0NDI~NcE, ETC.UNION. 355 to. Much of the additional transportation required can be got by reducing that in the hands of troops left in depots and OR railroad duty. It will be impossible to subsist a large wagon train, and be- sides they will impede the progress of armies marching over the narrow and mountainous roads of the South. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., February 9, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: Your telegram in reference to transportation received. Colonel Eastons estimate was made on the supposition that this army might be filled up to the maximum strength, but we shall need nearly all the horses estimated for, as the cavalry has been on constant duty all fall and winter and is now almost entirely broken down. The estimate for mules can be reduced by dispensing with the greater part of the transportation for troops at depots and guarding railroads. GEG. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Brig. Gen. ALVIN P. HOvEY, NASHVILLE, February 9, 1864. Indianapolis, md.: The early winter we have had betokens an early spring. I am very desirous of being ready to take advantage of the first dry roads to commence a campaign. Before I can start, however, many of our veterans must return and the new levies brought into the field. Now, general, my particular object in detailing you for the serv- ice you are now on was to have some one who knew the importance of reorganization and discipline with the new troops from their enlistment. In this way I expected to have troops ready for duty from the nioment they report for duty. I wish you would urge upon Governor Morton the importance of this, and ask him for me to organize into companies and regiments all those who are to go into new regiments, and to detach those who are destined to fill up old organizations, at once. We will have some sharp fighting in the spring, and if successful I believe the war will be ended within the year. If the enemy gain temporary advantage the war will be pro- tracted. I want 10,000 and more troops now badly. With such a number I could let my veterans go, and could drive Longstreet out of East Tennessee. I wish you could prevail on the Governor to organize all the forces he has and send you here at once. I would keep the division to- gether, and where by contact with old troops they would improve more in one day than in six where they are. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 356 356 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. KNOXVILLE, February 9, 1864. Major-General GRANT: I arrived here and assumed command this morning. I will report the condition of affairs as soon as possible. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knocoville, February 9, 1864. Lient. Gen. J. LONGSTREET, Commanding Department of East Tennessee: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception by flag of truce of your communication requesting permission for the families of Col. H. L. W. MeClung and Mr. J. B. Boyd to be removed beyond our lines. The required permission is granted, and the families named will be conveyed by railroad train, under cover of flag of truce, to Strawberry Plains to-morrow, the 10th instant, at 10 a. m. Mrs. Martin will be permitted to enter our lines to join her friends in Ohio, provided she be willing to take the oath of allegiance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. FIRST CAy. DIv., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Maryville, Tenn., February 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Scouting parties to Tuckaleechee and Wiers Coves de- velop the fact that all the rebels in those localities left there day before yesterday. A reconnaissance ordered yesterday on the main Sevierville road discovered that no rebels were upon that road except some very small straggling parties who came to the cross-road to Knoxville. Day before yesterday a party of 100 came to the Knoxville cross- roads, and, crossing to, returned by the Knob road. I have moved my division this morning to Motleys Ford, and shall establish courier-lines between that place and Maryville and to London. I forward herewith report of the effective force, officers and men, present for duty, and serviceable horses. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. M. McCOOK, Colonel, Commanding. P. S.I judge from movements my scouts report that the enemys force is probably withdrawing from the vicinity of Sevierville. I. will send out a scouting party to-day in order to ascertain. I leave one regiment of Cob el Garrards division here with General Beatty. E. M. McCOOK, Elolonel, G~ommanding Page 357 CHAP XLIVJ CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.ITNION. 357 COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. IL GRIERSON, Memphis, Teun.: What do you ascertain about the ammunition and pontoons? The information I get renders it all-important that we get off at the ear- liest possible moment. Is the Germantown force preparing a cross- ing over the Coidwater? WM. SOOY SMITH, krkj. (Thu., Chief of (Javairy, Mu. Div. of the Mississippi. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., Brig. Gen. B. H. GRIERSON, February 9, 18649.13 p. m. Memphis, Tenn.: Dispatch from Colonel McMillen is received. Move your German- town brigade to-morrow, via Olive Branch, Byhalia, and Tallaloosa, to Waterford. From this point let it threaten a crossing of the Tallahatchie at the railroad bridge, in conjunction with the infantry brigade which I will order to move on Wyatt. I will meet you at Germantown and give you all particulars. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of C~avalry, Mu. I)iv. of the Mississippi. COLLIERVILLE, February 9, 1864. Brigadier-General BUCKLAND: Let Colonel McMillen move his command to Wyatt, where I will communicate with him. I design using him mu conjunction with my cavalry against Forrest if he makes a stand in the mmeighborhood of Oxford. I have positive informuation that Forrests command is concentrating at Oxford. I have no fear that he will attempt mov- ing to the north until I have passed the Tallahatchie. If McMillen can disencumber lmimself of his train without weakening his force materially, he had better do so. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. GERMANTOWN, February 9, 18649 p. m. Lieutenant INGERTON, 4cting Assistant Adjutant- General, Collierville: Scouting party sent to communicate with Colonel McMillen just returned. Report that McMillen crossed time Coldwater at 4 p. m. yesterday, at Perrys Ferry, I mile below where the railroad crosses the Coldwater. He was traveling on the Panola road, and intended to encamp last night at Hickory Hill. A. W. McCLURE, A ide-de-Camp Page 358 358 KY., SW, VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANI) N. GA. fCIIAP XLIV. HEADQUARTERS, Collierville, February 9, 18649.50 p. m. Brigadier-General BUCKLAND, Commanding: Please communicate an order from me to Colonel MeMillen to move with his brigade eastward toward Wyatt, and threaten a crossing of Tallahatchie at that point. A cavalry brigade will start from Ger- mantown toward the same point to-morrow. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Div. of the Mississippi. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, No. 2. ) Collierville, Tenn., February 9, 1864. On the march about to be made by this command, the troops will move in columns of one brigade each, as nearly on parallel lines and within close supporting distances of each other as the roads of the country and the supplies of forage it affords will permit. Constant communication will be kept up between the center and each of the right and left columns. Heavy and continuous firing at the positions of any column will be cause sufficient for the other brigades to move promptly to the support of the one engaged, unless circumstances known to the bri- gade commanders would render such movement hazardous and inex- l)edient. To this extent discretionary power must reside in the sub- ordinate commanders. The strength of cavalry consisting to a great extent in its momentum, the attack must be made en masse, and with just such rate of speed as is consistent with a maintenance of the organization of each command. Our commands must never be permitted to receive a charge at a halt, but must meet charge with charge. All officers of every grade are specially intrusted to inculcate the idea that on favorable ground a saber charge of our forces upon the enemy, who have laid aside their sabers, must result in most signal and decisive success, if resolutely made. Trusting in the justice of our cause, in the valor and patriotism of our fellow soldiers, and in Him who controls all things, 1 exhort all to an earnest endeavor to write their names in imperishable characters on the page of history that we are about to add to the an- nal s of our beloved country. By order of Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, chief of cavalry, Military Division of the Mississippi: WM. H. INGERTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Genera. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 17. Knoxville, Teun., February 9, 1864. In compliance with Special Orders, No. 29, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, February 3, 1864, the undersigned hereby relinquishes the command of the Department and Army of the Ohio to Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield, U. S. Volunteers. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, c1omrnanding Page 359 CHAP. XLIV.] (ORRESI~ONDFNCE, ETC.TJNION. 359 GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 18. Knoxville, Tenn., February 9, 1864. In compliance with orders from the President of the United States, I hereby assume command of the Department and Army of the Ohio. The departmental staff will remain unchanged, with the following exceptions: Maj. J. F. Anderson, aide-de-camp; Maj. E. N. Strong, aide-de- camp, and Capt. George E. Gouraud, aide-de-camp, of the personal staff of Major-General Foster, are relieved from duty in this depart- ment. Maj. J. A. Campbell, assistant adjutant-general; Maj. William M. Wherry, aide-de-camp; Capt. A. H. Engle, aide-de-camp; and Capt. G. W. Schofield, aide-de-camp, are hereby anuounced on the staff of the major-general commanding, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. J. M. SCHOFIELD, liThjor- General, Gommauding. KNOXVILLE, February 10, 1864. Major-General GRANT: I ani compelled to send about 4,000 mules to Kentucky to be re- cruited. They will soon starve to death if kept here. This army is ahuost destitute of serviceable mules and artillery horses, and it would be impossible to support them here if we had them. No movement of this army can be made within the next six or eight weeks except by infantry alone and carrying their provisions. The artillery cannot move until supplied with fresh horses and forage. Longstreets army is in much the same condition as this. I have no fears for the safety of our present position in East Tennessee, and unless there are reasons for a speedy advance, which I do not now understand, I think it would be unwise to attempt one for the pres- ent. If, however, it is deemed necessary to drive Longstreet out of East Tennessee now, I believe it is possible to do it with 10,000 more infantry than I now have, but it will have to be done slowly, so that the railroad can be repaired to supply the troops. Please inform me what you desire me to do under the circumstances I have stated. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major-General. NASHVILLE, February 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THoMAs, Chattanooga: Prepare to start for Knoxville on Saturday. I will order Logan to send to Chattanooga all the troops he can and still guard his line of road. The number will probably be about 5,000 men. One (livision of your command will have to move out to hold the road to the Hiwassee. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 360 8(M) gy,, ~w, VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA, [cHAP. XIJY. Major-General GRANT, CHATTANOOGA, February 10, 1864. No sh v Ille: The engineer reports that he will have the railroad finished to London on Friday next, As they are very much in Reed of supplies at Knoxville, 1 think it will be best to allow time for an accuinula- tion there, before the troops from here move up. I will try to pro- vide for the dcfense of the place by placing a division of General Logans corps at Chickamanga Station, and Davis divisioii in front of Chevelaiid, to cover the railroad, taking with me Stanleys, John- sons, and Bairds divisions. Will you order the division of Logan to move to this place as soon as possible? GEO. H. THOMAS, Mqjor-General, U S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxrille, February 10, 1864. Lient. Gen. J. LONGSTREET, Commanding Depart inrtent of East Tennessee: Sin: In (OmlJliaiice with your request I send to Strawberry Plains this day, by fia~ of truce, the families of Mr. McClung and Mr. Boyd, and also Mrs. Gillespie. I have the honor to ask in return that the family of Mr. Harris, now residing in Dandridge, be permitted to conic withuii our lines. 1 am, very res~)ectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, ]Jfajor- General, Commanding. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., TWENTY-THIRD CORPS, South side of Kaoxville, February 10, 1864. Capt. E. R. KERSTETTER, Ass isle at Adjalaid-Ge aeral, Third Division, Knoxville: CAPTAIN: I left all quiet on the Sevierville road, half an hour ago. The enemy fell back after exchanging fre with our men on picket. From the hill I can distinctly observe camp fires to the west of the Maryville road. I should judge about 4 miles distant. We caniiot be snrprise(l. You may assure the general commanding the corps that we will hold on to the positioii. My communication was iiot intended to convey thie impression thiat we would not, but simply that the force here, three small regiments, is inadequate, in case of a serious attack. Our line extends fully 2 miles, for the de- feiise of which we have little more than 1,000 mcii. I deemed it my (hlity to apprise the proper authorities of this fact, and there heave the matter. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, DANIEL CAMERON, Colonel, Commanding. P. 8.The eiiemy is displaying signal lights in our front. They are to the right as well as to the left of the Sevierville road. There is danger, in my judgment, of their moving in rear of our forces at Maryville. Should we be attacked here, the artillery on the north side can be of great service in protecting our left flank. D.C Page 361 CflATh XLIV.] CORI~iESPO~DF~C FTC.----UNJON. 361 LEXINGTON, Ky., February 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. S. FRY, Point Buruside, Ky.: You will at once turn over your command to the senior colonel, with instructions to move with the command to Knoxville with all dispatch. You will then at once proceed to Knoxville, Tenn., ~~eport in person at headquarters Department of the Ohio, and account for the delay in moving forward with your command. Please acknowledge by telegram receipt of this. By command of Major-General Foster: W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., Capt. W. P. ANDERSON, February 10, 1864. Lexington, Ky.: The cavalry are ordered to Mount Sterling to be remounted and reorganized. It would interfere seriously with this arrangement to (letach a regiment from the coigmand at present. The petition of Governor Bramlette and others to have General Burbridge assi~,ned to the command of the District of Kentucky was returned to General Grant, with the indorsement that General Ammen had already been assigned to that command. I telegraphed to you on the 3d of February that General Hobson would assume command of the District of Kentucky during the ab- sence of General Ammen. EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. WASHINGTON, February 10, 18644 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Teun.: Mr. Beckwith has been restored. Captain Stokes will be made quartermaster with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Governors of States have no authority to furlough troops. Please report any cases that have occurred, and the Secretary of War will so inform the governors who have done so. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. MOUNT STERLING, February 10, 1864. Capt. W. P. ANDERSON: A report is generally current among rebel sympathizers that a monuted force is advancing on this point. Citizens are skedaddling from Owingsville. I do not credit the report, as I have a strong scout under my best captain at Salyersville. JOHN MASON BROWN, Colonel Forty-fifth Keutneky. Gommand lug Post Page 362 362 KY., SW VA.. TFNN,, MISS., ALA., AND N. GA, [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS Tulle homa. February 10, 1864. Col. CHARLES CANDY, Commanding Second Dixtswn: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you re- lieve four c panies of the Third Brigade, now on duty between Bridgeport and Stevenson, by troops from the First Brigade, and send the four companies so relieved to relieve the troops of the First Division now on duty at and near Anderson. You will then send this detachment of the First Division to report to Lieutenant- Colonel Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut, commanding at Cowan. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Huntsville, Ala. Move to Chattanooga all the forces you can at once. The entire line of railroad must be guarded, but reduce the force to a minimum. Send no artillery. Let it remain where it is. U.S. GRANT, Major- General. HUNTSVILLE, February 10, 18646 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Your dispatch just received. Will be in motion by daylight in the morning. Shall II send camp and garrison equipage, or do you desire them to get there as rapidly as possible. light? Please answer. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General. ATHENS, February 10, 1864. Maj. R. M. SAWYER: There are one or two bridges right at the j nnction that I will build if a force can be sent there to protect them. It is only a mile from Decatur, and they would not be safe without strong guard. Please answer. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, 2~ Miles east of Hillsborough, Miss., February tO, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: SIR: The commanding general directs me to say lie wishes you to get as early a start to-morrow morning as possible and be prepared to make as long a march in the direction of Decatur [as possible], it being an object to make distance to-morrow. I am, general, with much respect, L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de- (Jump Page 363 CHAP. XLIV ORItE5T~0N1)FNC E, ET(.ITNJON, COLLiERVILLE, TENN., February 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Gommanding Department of the Tennessee: SIR: Warings brigade only reached this point yesterday. I had previously moved the infantry brigade toward Panola and am mov- ing the Cavalry to-day in the direction of New Albany, and will push ahead with all energy. I fear this delay will rob me of the opportnnity of accomplishing the work assigned to me; bnt it has been unavoidable by any effort that I could make, and I will now do all that I can. My command is in splendid condition, and all the information that I have been able to getand it is qnite fnll, and, I think, reliablejnstifies me in waiting for the brigade from above. Forrest has two brigades concentrated at Oxford. Chalmers is at a point on the railroad 12 miles south of Panola. I think they will all move toward Grenada or Pontotoc. Will you move any force up the Mobile and Ohio Railroad from Meridian? I will hurt them all I can, and endeavor to open direct communication with you at the earliest possible moment. Weather beautiful; roads getting good. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Alit. Div. of the 3ihss~ssipp~t. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 41. Knoxville, Tenn., February 10, 1864. * * * * * * * VII. Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, U. S. Volunteers, having been by the President of the United States assigned to the command of the Twenty-third Army Corps, Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox, U. S. Volun- teers, now com nianding that corps, is hereby relieved and will await further orders. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Schofield: HENRY CURTIS, JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 4TH DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Tallibogue C~reek, Scott C~o., Miss., No. 2. ) February 10, 1864. The troops of this command will be placed on half rations of bread until further orders. Foraging parties will only be sent out under the direction of commanding officers of regiments, and always under charge of careful officers. Straggling and marau(ling must be stopped. Commanding officers of brigades, regiments, amid companies will be held to the strictest accountability for the enforcement of this order. By order of Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch: F. W. FOX, Assist aii I Ad/alan I- General Page 364 8(14 KY., SW. VA., TENN., ~I18S., AIX., AND N. GA. VIHAP. XLIV. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, No. 41. Huntsville, Ala., February 10, 1864. * * * * * * * V. Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, commanding First Division, will move four regiments at daylight to-morrow morning (Febrnary 11), with camp and garrison equipage and 40 rounds per man of ainmu- nition, to Bridgeport, Ala., by land, reporting at that place to Brig. Gen. C. L. Matthies. VI. Commanding officer Second Thvision will move four regi- ments at daylight to-morrow morning (February 11), with camp and garrison equipage and 40 rounds per man of ammunition, to Bridge- port, Ala., by land, reporting at that place to Brig. Gen. C. L. Mat- thies. VII. Brig. Gen. John E. Smith, commanding Third Division. will move two regiments to-morrow (February 11), with camp and garri- son equipage and 10 rounds per man of ammunition, to Bridgeport, Ala., by railroad. Brig. Gen. C. L. Matthies will direct their move- ment to that place. VIII. Brig. Gen. William Harrow, commanding Fourth Division, will move four regiments at daylight to-morrow morning (February 11), with camp and garrison equipage and 40 rounds of ammunition, to Bridgeport, Ala., b.y land, reporting at that place to Brig. Gei. C. L. Matthies. * * * * * * * X. Brig. Gen. C. L. Matthies, of the Third Division, is assigned to the command of an expedition being sent to Chattanooga and will proceed to Bridgeport, Ala., with two regiments as required in para- graph VII of this order, at which place four regiments from the First, Second, and Fourth Divisions, respectively, are required to report to him. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan: R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 12. Knoxville, Teun., February 10, 1864. In accordance with War Department General Orders, No. 34, cur- rent series, and in compliance with Department Special Orders, No. 41, paragraph VII, Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox turns over the command of this corps to Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, who has been assigned to the same by the President of the United States. Capt. E. D. Saunders, assistant adjutant-general and acting aide- de-camp, and Lieut. Theodore Cox, aide-de-camp, as the personal staff of General Cox, will accompany him. The other officers of the corps staff will await the orders of General Stoneman. By command of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox: G. M. BASCOM, Illiajor and Assistant Adjutant-General Page 365 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 365 GENERAL ORDERS, HD QRS. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, No. 13. Kno rule, Tenn., February 10, 1864. In accordance with assignment of the President of the United States and in obedience to paragraph XI, Special Orders, No. 30, cnrrent series, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, the nndersigned hereby annonnces himself to the Twenty-third Corps as its permanent commander. The corps staff will remain as heretofore organized, nntil fnrther orders. GEORGE STONEMAN, ]Jfajor- General. GENERAL ORDERS, OFFICE OF GENERAL MANAGER, MILITARY RAILROADS, U. S., No. 1. ) Nashville, February 10, 1864. A. Anderson is hereby appointed general superintendent of trans- portation and maintenance of roads in nse, and W. W. Wright chief engineer of construction, in the Military Division of the Mis- sissippi. They will be respected accordingly. D. C. McCALLUM, Col., U. & A., and Gen. Manager Mil. Railroads, U. S. Approved: U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 11, 186411.30 a. m. (Received 4.35 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I expect to get off from Chattanooga by Monday next a force to drive Longstreet ont of East Tennessee. It has been impossible heretofore to snbsist the troops necessary for this work. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. NASHVILLE, February 11, 186411 a. m. Maj. Geii. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Are not steamers carrying rations to London? Cannot rations enough be got ahead by Monday to warrant yonr starting? It is important to move without mnch preparation so as to get off before the enemy can anticipate our movement and re-enforce Longstreet. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 11, 18648 p. in. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: Your dispatch of 11 a. m. is received. Both railroad and steam- boat are carrying subsistence and forage. The troops will be read Page 366 366 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. to move Saturday. There will be but a very small garrison left here. Major-General Foster will arrive in Nashville at 4 a. m. to- morrow. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers. NASHVILLE, February Ii, 1864. Brig. Geii. ROBERT ALLEN, Chief Quartermaster, Louisville, Ky.: Supplies are only reaching here to supply daily consumption. Can- not a large amount of stores be forwarded while tht river is navi- gable ~ U. S. GRANT, Major- General. LOUISVILLE, Ky., February 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: We have shipped from this port and New Albany since the 1st of February 13,000 barrels of flour, 2,000,000 pounds of pork and bacon, 500,000 pounds of bread, 3,200 tons of hay, 34,000 bushels of corn, 50,000 bushels of oats, all independent of shipments by the Nash- ville railroad. Three times this amount of grain is on the way from Saint Louis and ports below. We have called into service every boat within our reach, with the boats returning from Nashville, and such others as we may be able to procure. We hope to be able to transport 500,000 bushels of grain, and other stores in proportion, within the next ten days. General Banks and General Sherman have taken froni us thirty- seven first-class boats, with large amount of stores. Whatever is possible will be doiie. ROBERT ALLEN, Brigadier- General. DALTON, February 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. H. THOMAS, Commanding U. S. Army, Chattanooga: GENERAL: I have had the honor to receive your proposal to ex- change 50 of our wounded soldiers now in your hands for a like number of yours which you suppose to be at Atlanta. We have but 41 wounded Federal soldiers at Atlanta, and their surgeon reports 14 of them unable to bear removal. I accept your proposal for the others with pleasure, the exchange to be made at or near Grays- ville, and as soon after the arrival of the men who have been ordered to this place as may be convenient to you. Most respectfully, J. E. JOHNSTON Page 367 Ca~p. XLIV.] 367 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. NASHVILLE, February 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Knoxville, Teum: I deem it of the utmost importauce to drive Lougstreet out imme- diately, so as to furlough the balance of our veteraus, aud to prepare for a spriug campaigu of our own choosing, instead of permitting the enemy to dictate it for us. Thomas is ordered to start 10,000 men, besides the remainder of Grangers corps, at oiice. He will take no artillery, but will take his artillery horses, and 3 mules to 100 men, He will probably start next Moiiday. U. S. GRANT, Major.- General. KNOXVILLE, February 11, 18641() a. iii. Major-General GRANT: Major-General Foster infornied me that a raid upon Longstreets rear had been projected through North Carolina, but its execution was suspended until my arrival. To make that raid now would use up all the effective cavalry horses and leave me destitute of cavalry, and I think it would be better to organize the cavalry I now have in Kentucky, and send it through Pound Gap upon Longstreets rear. If at the same time one could be made up in the Kanawha Valley, and my force bere be ready to move at the same time, we might hope for a complete success. Please inform me what you think should be and can be done. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Mc~jor- General. KNOXVILLE, February 11, 186412.30 p. iii. Major-General THOMAS, Chattanooga: The two cavalry divisions in front are in tolerably good condition. They will be able to get forage north of the Little Tennessee for al~out two weeks. I think there must be some forage between the Little Teiinessee and Hiwassee. The cavalry is not iii condition to make any extensive movement without beim~ g entirely used up. I do not think it advisable to attempt one for the present. Sturgis has gone to Kentucky with one division to remount it. SCHOFIELD. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Col. E. M. MCCOOK, Knoxville, Febraary 11, 1864. (Jommanding Cavalry Forces: COLONEL: The commanding general directs that the preparations for the proposed expedition toward Virginia, under Colonel La Grange, shall be continued, but that no movement shall be made until further instructions be sent. Meanwhile, the commanding general will communicate with GeDeral Grant. General Foster left here on the 9th instaiit. General Schofield is now in command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff Page 368 368 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. KNOXVILLE, February ii, 1864. Major-General GRANGER, Loudon: Colonel Cameron reports the enemys caValry advancing on the Sevierville road, and that they are in Considerable force at Trun- dles Cross-Roads. They may possibly move toward Maryville. Instruct General Willich to be on the alert. Keep us advised of any movements you may learn. Send information to the cavalry at Mot- leys Ford. By command of Major-General Schofield: EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., TWENTY-THIRD CORPS, South side Knoxville, February 11, 1864. Capt. E. R. KERSTETTER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., Twenty-third Corps: CAPTAIN: Signaling by the enemy continued on the range of hills extending along our front until after midnight. Large camp-fires, as the night advanced, were distinctly visible. Lieutenant Jones, in charge of detachment sent with wood-choppers, was surrounded last night. He has got safely in with all his men. He reports the enemy in large force. Their wagon train accompanies them. The enemy encamped about 8 miles from here last night. DANIEL CAMERON Colonel, Commanding. MARYVILLE, February 11, 1864. Colonel FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, London: Your telegram is just received. I have sent copy to Colonel Mc- Cook, as directed. I have reports from scouts twice per day, and cannot believe that there is any force this side of Sevierville but cavalry. They have fired on my outposts at Little River, on the Trundles, Sevierville, and Tuckaleechee rOads last evenino and to- day. My information is that they fell back this afternoon. Deserters who came in to-day, left about Sevierville last Friday, say there is no infantry this side of Strawberry Plains and Dandridge. From all the information I think their whole cavalry force is on my front about Trundles Cross~Roads. I will keep you informed of all the information I can get. I am, very respectfully, S. BEATTY, Brigadier- General. KNOXVILLE, February 11, 1864. Major-General GRANGER: It will be impossible to send down the pontoon bridge for a week or ten days. Captain Dickerson will go to London to-morrow to arrange for cmssmng supplies. ~. N. SCHOFIELD, kliajor- qenerGl Page 369 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 369 NASHVILLE, TENN., February 11, 186411.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: It is very important to secure the early return of veterans, and the forwarding of new levies to the front, to enable us to commence an early spring campaign. Cannot governors of States send their newly enlisted men at once? They will become soldiers much quicker by contact with veterans than where they are, and they could take the place of those still left who are entitled to furloughs. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. WASHINGTON, February 11, 18644 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.: Congress has been more than two months discussing the draft bill, and unless it soon passes we cannot fill up infantry regiments in time to supply the place of furloughed men. Other armies are in the same or worse condition than yours. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. PULASKI, February 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. A. RAwLINS: There is no guard at Duck River bridge. The nearest force is one company of mine stationed at Duck River Station to guard my stores that arrive on cars; up to this time that company has kept a good watch over it. My company will return in a day or two. It ap- pears to me so important a work, with the pontoon bridge close by it, that the force at Columbia, 2~ miles up the river, should be moved down to the bridge. I do not suppose you care about the town; you know it is not in my command. I do not think it safe as now guarded. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, February 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I have just returned from opposite Decatur. Cars can run there as soon as Duck River bridge is done-say next Wednesday. Not much done west of Huntsville; four pretty large bridges to build. I will get ready to move as suggested. I ought to have five or six regiments back now. The Second and Seventh Iowas time is out, also Fullers brigade from Ohio. If you could hurry tip their return I would be strong enough. The Tennessee is fordable in two places and the cavalry force has increased. I suspect that Davidsons bri- gade from Rome has been sent down the valley. There was a pon- toon bridge in Nashville when I was there Caii I have it? G. M. DODGE, Ji~igadie~-General. 24 R R----VOL XXXII, PT I Page 370 370 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP XLLY. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, Ala., February 111, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Nashville, Teun.: Fourteen of my largest regiments of infantry from different com- mands along the line of railroad started this morning at 7 oclock for the place designated. 1 have sent General Matthies in command, he being the only general officer now in the corps present except divis- ion commanders. If they are to remain at any given point I will leave him in command, but if to go to the front I will send some one else and relieve him. You will please notify me if it becomes neces- sary to send some other officer. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General. COLLIERvILLE, TENN., February 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. (Joinmanding Division of the Mississippi: SIR: After having almost made a cavalry command of 7,000 men, I have put it all in motion, and will move with all energy to the accomplishment of the work assigned to me. The delay that has resulted from the failure of the cavalry brigade to arrive here from Columbus has been so long and so vexatious that I have worried myself into a state of morbid anxiety and fear that I will be entirely too late to perform my part of the work, and to have moved with- out that command would have been to make the success of the move- ment dependent on the best of luck. The causes of this delay are set forth in a report which I ordered Colonel Waring to make of his march, and which will accompany my own report of my operations. * I shall not be able to communicate with you again for some time. Forrest is south of the Tallahatchie with about 8,000 men all told about 5,000 good troops. May success attend all your operations. I will do the best I can. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Mil. Div. of the Mississippi. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 24. Chattanooga, Teun., February 11, 1864. I. Maj. Southard Hoffman, assistant adjutant-general of volun- teers, having reported in obedience to orders froni headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, is assigned to duty at these headquarters, and will report in person to Major-General Thomas, commanding the department. II. Col. J. G. Parkhurst. Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, is announced as provost-marshal-general of this department, vice Lient. Col. William M. Wiles, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, relieved at his own request. *See Part I, p. 262 Page 371 cHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNlON. 871 III. Capt. Paul Babcock, Jr., signal officer, U. S. Army, is an- nounced as chief signal officer of this department, vice Capt. Jesse Merrill, signal officer, U. S. Army, relieved, to date from Janu- ary 5, 1864. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST DIvIsIoN, TWELFTH CORPS, No. 20. Tullahoma, Tenn., February 11, 1864. The Third Wisconsin Volunteers (Col. William Hawley com- manding) will, at as early an hour as practicable to-morrow, march to Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tenn., there to establish a camp for Union refugees, in compliance with General Orders, No. 2, paragraph IV, current series, headquarters Twelfth Corps, of February 10. The regiment will be provided with 100 rounds of ammunition per man, and such a quantity of rations as the transportation will allow. Colonel Hawley will make weekly reports to these headquarters. By command of Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams, commanding division: GEORGE ROBINSON, First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. OFFICE GEN. MANAGER, MIL. RAILROADS, U. S., Nashrille, Tenn., February 11, 1864. A. ANDERSON, Esq.: SIR: You are hereby appointed general superintendent of trans- portation on U. S. military railroads in the Military Division of the Mississippi. Your duties will be confined to the management of transportation on all railroads in use in this military division, together with all necessary repairs of the same. You will have, with the approval of the general manager, full authority to engage the services of all persons for whose acts you are held responsible, and will have full power to dismiss any subor- dinate when in your judgment the interests of the service will be promoted thereby. You will also, with the approval of the general~ manager, have authority to establish rates of compensation of all persous serving under you. You will at an early day present to the general manager, for his approval, a plan of the organization of your department. You will have authority to make requisitions for supplies upon the assistant quartermaster detailed to service on military railroads in the Military Division of the Mississippi. You have power to make requisitions for men or materials, or both, upon the chief eno~ineer in charge of construction in this division, when in your opinion the emergency calls for such assistance. As the duties of the general manager will occasionally cause his al)sence from this inihtary divisioii, you will at snob times, and in order to secure prompt action, obey any or(lers emanating from the general-in-chief of this military division, or the generals in co Page 372 372 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. mand of the Departments of the Cumberland, the Ohio, and the Tennessee, in all matters appertaining to the branch of dnties in yonr charge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. McCALLUM, CoL, U. S. Army, 11111. Dir, and Gem. 211am. Railroads, U. S. OFFICE GEN. MANAGER, MIL. RAILROADS, U. S., Nashville, Tenn., Febrmary 11, 1864. W. W. WRIGHT, IEsq.: SIR: Yon are hereby appointed chief engineer of U. S. military railroads in the Military Division of the Mississippi. Yonr dnties will be confined more especially to the reconstruction and opening of new lines of railroad. For this purpose you will have the entire charge of the construction corps. You will have authority, with the approval of the general man- ager, to engage all persons for whose acts you are held responsible, aiid will have full power to dismiss any person employed under you when in your judgment the interest of the service will be promoted thereby. You will, with the approval of the general manager, have power to establish rates of compensation of your subordinates, and will at an early day report to the general manager, for his approval, a plan of organization ot all the forces in your charge. Xou will have authority to make requisitions for supplies, tools, & c., upon the assistant quartermaster detailed to special duty in the Military Division of the Mississippi, and located at Nashville. It will also be your duty t6 honor requisitions made upon you for men and materials by the general superintendent of U. S. military railroads in the Military Division of the Mississippi for the pur- pose of repairs of lines in use, but you will in no case withdraw your forces for said repairs without the consent and approval of the gen- eral in command of the department where your forces may be located, or the general-in-chief of this military division. In order to insure prompt action you will, in the absence of the general manager, obey the orders of the general-in-chief of this military division, or the generals in comniand of the Departments of the Cumberland, the Ohio, and the Tennessee. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. MoCALLUM, Got., U. S. Army, .llfil. Dir. and Gem. 211am. Railroads, U. S. CHATTANOOGA, February 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Nashville: Will Logans troops reach here by Monday? I shall have to take nearly everybody away to make up 10,000 men, and therefore do not think it prudent to move before Logans troops are near here. G. H. THOMAS, Major- General Page 373 tJJIAC. XLIV.~ (O11RESPONI)ENCF~, ET(. --1 TNTON. )~ j ~ii)~ 0 NASHVILLE, February 12, 1864. Major-General THOMAS: Conversation with Major-General Foster has undecided me as to the propriety of the contemplated move against Longstreet. Scho- field telegraphs the same views. I will take the matter into consid- eration during the day, after further talk with Foster, and give you the conclusion arrived at. If decided that you do not go I will instruct Schofield to let Granger send off his veterans at once. Should you not be required to go into East Tennessee, could you not make a formidable reconnaissance toward Dalton, and, if suc- cessful in driving the enemy out, occupy that place and complete the railroad up to it this winter? GRANT, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, February 12, 18641.30 p. m. Major-General THOMAS, Chattanooga: It is not practicable to move this army with artillery and wagon transportation before spring, and then the railroad will have to be relied on chiefly. The infantry might be supplied by a train of pack- mules from this place if forage for the mules can be brought here by rail until the railroad can be opened to any new position we may obtain. With 10,000 additional infantry I believe I wonld be strong enough without artillery to drive Longstreet out of East Tennessee. I can have the pack train here by the 1st of March. If you can give me 10,000 infantry, and supply me here with provisions and forage, I am willing to undertake the rest. My opinion is, however, that it would be wiser to wait until spring, but am willing to leave by the 1st of March, if time is deemed of sufficient importance. I have telegraphed substantially the above to Major-General Grant. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Mc~jor- General, (Jommanding. CHATTANOOGA, February 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I think an advance on Dalton would be successful, if you will let me have the division of Logan during the movement. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. NASHVILLE, February 12, 18643.20 p. m. Major-General THOMAS: Logans troops started yesterday morning. If I decide not to make the move at present into East Tennessee, I will send them back, unless you require them to aid in advance on Dalton. (See my tele- gram of this morning. *) GRANT, Major- General. * See p. 373 Page 374 374 KY., SW. A., TFNN., ]\flss., ALA., ANO ~. CA. [CHAP. XIAV K NOXV ILLE, F biuc rq 12, [8(34. Major-General GRANT: If it is decided to advance from this point before the road will admit of wagon transportation, I can organize a train of pack-mules sufficient to supply the army from this l)lace. It will take until the 1st of March, and perhaps longer, to accomplish it. Ten thousaud additional infantry will be sufficient without artillery, unless Long- street shonld receive re-enforcem cuts. He has receive(l none yet, nuless it be some cavalry from Georgia. He has the railroad in running order to Strawberry Plains. His main force is still in the vicinity of Morristown. His cavalry are foraging south. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. NASHVILLE, February 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Krtoxtille: No movement will be made against Longstreet at present. Give your men and animals all the rest you can preparatory for early operations in the spring. Furlongh all the veterans you deem it prudent to let go. ~. S. GRANT, lIfajo r- General. NASHVILLE, February 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Knoxville, Tenn.: You need not attempt the raid with the cavalry you now have. If that in Kentucky can recruit up it may do hereafter to send it on such an expedition. I have asked so often for a co-operative move- ment from the troops in West Virginia that I hardly expect to see anything to help us from there. General Halleck says they have not got men enough. Crook, however, has gone there and may un- (lertake to strike the road about New River. U. S. GRANT, lUjor-General. KNOXVILLE, February i 2, 1864. Major-General THOMAS, Chattanooga: Will it be practicable for you to supply this command with forage by rail from Chattanooga? It will hardly be possible for us to sub- sist our animals more than two weeks longer. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Teun., February 12, 1864. Maj. Geii. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington: GENERAL: I have got General Thomas ready to move with a force of about 14,000 infantry into East Tennessee to aid the forces there iu expelling Longstreet from the State. He would have started on Monday next if I had not revoked the order. My reasons for doing this nre these : General Foster. who is now here (or only ft thi Page 375 CHAP. XLIV.1 CORT~ESPONDENCE, IP~TC . UNION. 375 inoilli iig), Sa~T5 t bat our possessioli ci I lie portion of East Tennessee is perfectly secure against all danger. The conditioii of the people within the rebel lines cannot be improved now after losing all they had. Longstreet, where he is, makes more secure other parts of our possessions. Our men, from scanty clothing and short rations, are not iii good coiidition for an advance. There are but very few ani- inals in East Tennessee in condition to move artillery or other stores. If we niove agaiiist Longstreet with an overwhelming force he will simply fall back toward Virginia until he can be re-enforced or take up an impregnable position. The country being exhausted, all our supplies will have to be carried froni Knoxville the whole distance advanced. We would be obliged to advance rapidly an(l return 50011 whether the object of the expedition was accomplished or not. Long- street could return with impunity on the heels of our returning col- umn, at least as far down the valley as be can supply himself from the road in his rear. Schofield telegraphs to the same effect. All these seem to be good reasons for abandoning the movement and I have therefore suspended it. Now that our men are ready for an advance, bowever, I have directed it to be made on Dalton, and hope to get possession of that place and hold it as a step toward a spring campaign. Our troops in East Tennessee are now clothed; rations are also accumulating. When Foster left most of the troops had ten (hays supplies, with 500 barrels of flour aii(l forty days meat in store ali(l the quantity increasing daily. 1 am, general, very respectfully. your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRsT DIvIsIoN, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Cleveland, Tenri., Feb mary 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have tile honor to address you for the purpose of calling the attention of the general commanding the department to the sad condition of the inhabitants of the belt of country lying be- tween our lines and the lines of the Confederate forces south of us. These people are divided in sentiment, some a(lhering to the Confed- erate cause, many more professing Union sentiments. The latter are the sul)~ects daily of gross outrages at the hands of Confederate sol- hers, being driven from their homes and having their houses and buildings destroyed. Two cases of burning Union mens houses have occurred within a few days; one, a Mr. Lusk, near Red Clay, the other, a Mr. Southerland, near Spring Place. From all I can learn this was done in a spirit of wantonness, and although I cannot say by the orders of any Confederate officer, a very considerable body of Confederate troops were present. I woub4 respectfully suggest that this matter be made the subject of a communication to the commander of the Confederate forces at Dalton, as I have every confidence that he would promptly exert his authority to suppress this needless and wanton vandalism. Your oi)edient servant. D. S. STANLEY, Major- General, Commanding Page 376 $76 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. ~CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Volley, Tenn., February 12, 1864. Major-General HooKER: GENERAL: Ii would respectfully report that in compliance with your order, copy annexed, marked A, I visited Nashville. Brigadier-General Ward estimated the troops about Nashville at 14,000, exclusive of his own command, Viz: Convalescents. about 3,500 Armed men in quartermasters department, about 4,200 General Crangers brigade, about 3,000 About twenty batteries in all, refitting, & c., say 1,500 Third Kentucky Cavalry, about 700 Remounts of cavalry, about 3,000 15,900 He stated that his letter to General Granger, spoken of in the cor- respondence, expressing inability to furnish details, was written about January 1, when there were no other troops than the conva- lescents about Nashville. He was all ready to come forward, fully equipped in every respect; his command was in a state of discomfort, now having turned in their tents, drawn shelter-tents, and made every preparation for a move. General Granger stated that the effectives for duty in his com- mand (post returns) were only 1,785 enlisted men; that taking Wards brigade would only leave him Eighteenth Michigan, One hundred and second Ohio, Thirteenth Wisconsin, and Seventy-third Indiana, the latter small, and entered into lengthy and minute details of the nature and extent of the guard duty required. The convalescents, as fast as able to do guard duty, were sent to the front. The cavalry remounts not under his orders; the batteries mostly refitting, & c. General Rousseau stated that he had pretty nearly made arrange- ments by which he thought he could relieve Wards brigade; was not certain; would see and write General Thomas; said he had every desire to send those troops to the front, but the difficulty was in re- placing them. My opinion in the premises is that the interests of the ~ervice would be best promoted by moving General Wards brigade, if not his division, to the front. Their present condition near Nashville, with its temptation to soldiers, will not be improved. The command is represented in a very high state of discipline and perfection in drill. Their permanent camps are broken up, arid they are not com- fortably situated. The number of troops necessary at Nashville for all duty at that post I should place at about 3,500. This could be effected by caus- ing General Slocum, Twelfth Corps, to extend his lines to Murfrees- borough, including that post, and sending Colonel Coburns brigade to Nashville and vicinity. I inclose herewith the correspondence referred to in the order annexed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. 11TH AND 12TH CORPS, February 13, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with the request that General Wards com- urand may be ordered to its corps without delay, as there are an Page 377 CHAP. Xi.ivj CORRESPO~DtNcE, ETC.-----UNtON. 377 will be troops passing through Nashville every day for the next two months sufficient to defend it from any attack it will be likely to receive. The necessity for moving any part of the Twelfth Corps in that direction is not appreciated. JOSEPH HQOKER, Major- General, Commanding. A. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., February 9, 1864. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Herewith you will receive a copy of a communication from the major-general commanding the department, relating to the movement of the First Brigade of Wards division from Nashville to its corps. Also three letters from Generals Rousseau, Granger, and Ward, relating to the same subject. Please read the contents, also the indorsements thereon, and proceed without delay to confer in person with Generals Rousseau, Ward, and Granger, regarding the condition of their commands, for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the brigade in question can be sent to the front at this time without injury to the service. ticI8i~rt the result of your inquiry and observation as early as prac- Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, C~hattanooga, February 8, 1864. Major-General HOOKER, C~omdg. Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps: GENERAL: Juclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit certain papers concerning the movement of General Wards brigade to the front, or, rather, concerning the effort made to remove it to the front. The major-general commanding desires that you will, if possible, ascertain whether the brigade in question could be brought to the front without injury to the public service or not. Please return the papers after you have finished with them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier-General and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Capt. B. H. POLK, Nashville, Tenn., January 30, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General: Special Field Orders, No. 24, paragraph XIV, headquarters Depart- ment of the Cumberland, has been received. I beg leave to suggest that an equal number of troops will be necessary to relieve this co Page 378 378 KY., 5~T VA., T1~NTh, Hiss,, ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. LIV. inand. It has frequently Ocen rte(l witluji the l)ast mouth tllitt requl sitions upon General Ward for details for necessary duty at this post have been returned with the indorseinent that his troops were all on duty, and that the requisition could not be filled, thus showing that the force at present at the post is really not equal to the de- mands of the service. This force would necessarily be reduced next week by the loss of the Thirteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, re-enlisted as veterans. The One hundred and second Illinois, now guarding the railroad, would necessarily be required to be relieved, if the First Brigade of General Wards division is moved to the front, by a regiment from this post, leaving outside of the forts but the Eighteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, which is really required for provost duty. I could not be responsible for the safety of this important depot with so limited a guard as would be left here after this brigade is taken away. That the general may better understand the necessity of more troops at this post, I will give in detail the necessary guards daily mounted for the protection of the city and depots of supplies, neces- sarily scattered over the entire limits of the city: Grand guard (picket) 300 Interior guard (over depots and magazines) 174 Provost guard and city standing guard 364 Extra permanent guard, i. e., guards over quartermasters property, outside of picket-lines (mule depots, wood, & c.) 212 Total 1, 110 All the~e are exclusive of escorts, guards to prisoners, train guards, working parties, fatigue duty, and contingent demands. All these guards and detachments could scarcely be regarded as available for the defe~e of the city against a sudden assault, and when we reflect that the ~llemy must know how dependent the Army of the Cumberland is on This great depot, it is not hazarding much to state that the enemy w rnld risk the loss of many men to destroy it, even though he had no hope of holding the position. The forts which have been in process of construction for several years are not approaching completion, and in their present condition, with the exception of Fort Negleywhich covers very little of the groundwill offer no protection to the city. I have, sir, the honor to be, your most obedient servant, R. S. GRANGER, Brigad4.r- General of Volunteers, Commanding. [Indorsement.] HEADQIJA ~TERS DISTRICT OF NASHVILLE, Nashville, January 31, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. Unless other troops are sent intb district to take the place of Gen- eral Wards brigade, I do not see how it is to be relieved. There is not a post now occupied by troops from which I could safely take any men. I deem the present small guard along the several rail- roads leading from this place to the boundary of my district inade- quate, and would respeetfurly suggest that before General Wards brigade is taken away from This post an equal number of troops be sent to relieve it. LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU, JJifc~jor- General, Commanding Page 379 (JITAP. XLIV.] Coil RESPOND NCE, ETC.ITNION. 879 inclosure No. 3. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Nashville, Tenn., February 4, 1864. Lient. Col. T. A. MEYSENBURG, Assistant Adjutant-General, Eleventh Army Corps: Expecting to have started to-day, I did not write you as fully as I might have done. The generals here are anxious for me not to leave, and, as I understand, are informing headquarters that they have not troops enough here without one of my brigades. Let me state to you the true condition of things here as I understand them. They have in the employment of the quartermasters department some 4,~00 armed men, as Captain Cox informs me. They have some 3,000 or 3,500 convalescents. Besides, they have five regi- ments, numbering nearly 3,000 men. In addition to this they have at least twenty or twenty-five batteries, numbering about 150 men each; making an aggregate total of nearly 14,000 men. There are also a large number of dismounted cavalrymen and the Third Ken~ tucky Cavalry, 700 strong. With this force I learn that they have obtained the privilege of moving my other brigade here to support them. I sincerely hope my other brigade may be sent with me to the front. It may be needed there; is not and cannot be needed here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. WARD, Brigadier- General, Corn manding Division. [First indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 6, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. As the First Brigade, First Division, is detained at Nashville, can- not the Secon(I Brioade march with the First when relieved h by other troops? C. SCHURZ, ]U~}or General, Corn rncin ding. [Second indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, February 6, 1864:. Respectfully forwarded, with the request that the coinman ding general will give the request such action as in his judgment he may think proper. JOSEPH HOOKER, Mqjor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 4.] HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION. ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Nashville, Tenn., February 5, 1864. Lient. Col. T. A. MEYSENBURG, Assistant A~jutant- General, Eleventh Army Corps: COLONEL: An order was i55llC(l from district headquarters to with- draw the Twenty-third Missouri from McMinnvihle to Christiana, leaving Nineteenth Michigan V )lurlteer Infantry at former post Page 380 380 KV., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. When my First Brigade was ordered to remain at Nashville the order was rescinded, but to me clearly indicates what will be done when the First Brigade moves. From all I can learn I am led to believe that my division will be taken front before any other troops in the district, consequently desire to have my troops as much in hand as possible. Leaving the Nineteenth Michigan alone at Mc- Miunville almost isolates it from the rest of the brigade, rendering a movement necessarily slow if not uncertain. What I would sug- gest is, that the Twenty-third Missouri be left where it is and the Nineteenth Michigan drawn in. If General Rousseaus division is to remain in the district, would it not be better for his regiments to garrison the isolated p osts? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. WARD Brigadier-General, Commanding. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 6, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, concurring in the opinion of the division commander. C. SCHURZ, JIIiajor- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, February 7, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with the request that the commanding general will give this request such action as in his judgment he may think proper. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 5.] HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Nashville, Teun., February 7, 1864. Lieut. Col. T. A. MEYSENBURG, Assistant Adjutant-General, Eleventh Army Corps: Orders having been received to remain here until again ordered to the front, the command is being kept in readiness to move when ordered. Thus situated, I think the only duties that ought to be imposed upon this brigade are such as would not force me to delay several days after ordered to move before I could have the detach- ments brought into their respective regiments. One detail of men has already been made on the brigade, to be gone ten days and to be stationed 15 or 20 miles from the city. That I had filled, and wrote to General Granger, commanding post, desiring no more such details to be made on this brigade, as I thought such details might p lace me in a condition not to comply with the order to march. I have had the wagons unloaded, but am otherwise ready to move when ordered, as soon as the detailed men can be called in. I am anxious to get my division in front and together as soon as consist- ent with the public good, for I long to have a public test of my me Page 381 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCF ETC.UNION. 381 and myself. They are, I think, in good condition for fighting, and officers and men are anxious to show friends and foes how well they can battle under onr conntrys flag. Your obedient servant, W. T. WARD, Brigadier-General, Yommanding. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 10, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Hooker, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps. C. SCHURZ, Major- General. [Second indorsement.] FEBRUARY 13, 1864. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the major-general commanding. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. MARYVILLE, February 12, 1864. Lieut. Col. J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I arrived here last night and found the report, as I sup- posed, of our troops having been attacked and having evacuated this place unfounded. The report seems to have been made out of whole cloth, and the only basis of it was an attack yesterday morn- ing upon our cavalry pickets here. Our pickets repulsed them easily. To-day I have talked with several citizens and t ey all agree that Longstreet is getting short of forage and that it is not improb- able that he may essay a movement down on the Little Tennessee for forage. It is idle to think that the enemys cavalry can whip us here. Bentley [Wood ?J would like nothing better than to have them at- tempt it. R. 0. SELFRIDGE, Lieutenant4Jolonel and Assistant Inspector-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIv., TWENTY-THIRD CORPS, South side Holston, near Knoxville, February 12, 1864. Capt. E. R. KERSTETTER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3(1 Div., 23d Corps, Knoxville, Teun.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that I have had the Sevier- vile road scouted to-day (1 miles out. No enemy met with. From information gathered by the scouts, and from citizens who have come into our lines, I learn that the enemy fell back yesterday to Thermans Cross-Roads, 12 miles from here Page 382 382 KY., SW. vA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. All agree in stating that the forCe was large, and composed ex- clusively of Cavalry. The advance I should judge to have been for the purpose of reconnoitering the positions and strength of our forces on this side the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL CAMERON, Colonel, Comma nding. [Indorsernent.] Forwarded to major-general conimanding corps. February ii and 12, the rebel force on the Sevierville ioad were cavalry, and have retreated through Haynes Gap, 230 men. The rebels have burned the fortifications and evacuated Strawberry Plains. Rebel citizens are leaving the Plains with the army. Rebel pickets 2 miles this side of Rocky Valley meeting-house. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Tenn., February 12, 1864. Maj. J. A. CAMPBELL, Ass istant Adjutant- General, Department of the Ohio: Sin: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to submit the following report, being the effective strength of the Ninth Army Corps Staff of First Division, Ninth Army Corps, 4 officers. Batteries L and M, Third U. S. Artillery, Lient. E. Gittings com- manding, stationed with First Division at Erins Station, E. Teun. 8 officers, 83 men; total, 86. Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery, Capt. W. W. Buckley commanding, detached, stationed in intrenchments around Knox- ville4 officers, 82 men; total, 86. First Brigade, First Division, Col. David Morrison commanding, stationed at Erins Station, E. Tenn.51 officers, 870 men; total, 921. Second Brigade, First Division, Col. E. W. Peiree commanding, stationed at Erins Station, E. Temmn. (N. B. The Forty-sixth New York Volunteers, numbering 18 officers an(1 191 emihisted men, and theTwemrty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, nnniberinr 17 officers and. 137 emihisted men, bave re-enlisted and are waiting to be fur- loughed; they are included in this brigade)62 officers, 851 men; total, 913. Total of First Divisiomm, B rig. Gen. Edward Ferrero comnmammd- ing, 124 officers, 1,886 men; total, 2,010. Staff of Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, 7 officers. Second Brigade, Second Division, Lient. Col. M. N. Collins com- umanding, stationed, at Lyons Mills, E. rrenn (N. B.TI~e Second Maryland Volunteers, numbering 18 officers and 222 men, have re- enlisted and are waiting to be furlommghed; they are included in this brigade)31 o~icers, 788 men; total, 819. Total of Second Division, Brig. Gen. 0. B. Wihicox command- mo 38 officers, 788 men; total, 826. Umiassigned : Battery E. Second U. S. Artillery. Lient. W. P. Graves Comman(hino detaclie d servino in Fort Samiders3 officers, 73 men; total, 76. Four companies Seventy-first Regiment Ind Page 383 ChAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UN1ON. 383 ana Volunteer Infantry (mounted), Col. James Biddle commandino detached on special dutyli officers, 2(32 men; total, 273. Total of unassigned, 14 officers, 335 men; total, 349. Total effective strength of Ninth Army Corps, Maj. Gei~. John G. Parke commanding, 176 officers, 3,009 men; total, 3,185. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, illic{jor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. Decatur, iiliss., February 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. S. A. HURLBUT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army (iorps, on the march: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you will push forward and up to Little Chunky River, about 4 miles east of this place, one brigade of your command, and also the cavalry com- manded by Colonel Winslow. The remainder of your corps you will put in camp at your convenience anywhere east of the water near Decatur, which will enable the Seventeenth Corps to close up well and be in good position. It is now all on the road and moving forward well. I am, with much respect, general, yours, truly, L. M. DAYTON, A ide-cle- Camp. DECATUR, Miss., Febraary 12, 18645 p. m. General HURLBUT, Little Chunky. Your train has been standing here for the last four hours and does not move a bit. I have sent forward to see why. I doubt if Mc- Pherson can get here for your train. Somebody ought to see to the rear of your train. It stops, drivers sit by the road, and all seem to wait for God or Providence to fill the ruts or mend the bridges. Get ready to start forward without train other than the one ordered last night, and as soon as you hear of McPherson coming up within sup- porting distance shove on to Big Chunky and toward Meridian. The point I am to reach is the Tunnel Hill, from which to strike both railroads to the west and south of Meridian. Do you hear any- thing of W. Sooy Smith? Yours, W. T. SHERMAN, illiajor- General. NASHvILLE, February 13. 1864 10 a. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Logan, with flfteeii regiments, is now oi his way to Chattanooga. This will enable you to move forward with aJI your effective force. Start at the earliest practicable moment. It will be well to keep up the idea among th~ officers ai~d men that they are going into East Tennessee until you actually start. By this means the enemy may be deceivcu. ~ ~. GRANT, ilifajor- General Page 384 384 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., February 13, 18648 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Your dispatch of 10 a. m. this day is received. I will start as soon as possible after the arrival of General Logans troops. Have re- ceived a rebel paper of the 9th to-day, which says that Sherman occupied Jackson, Miss., on the eveuing of the 5th; enemy falling back across Pearl River. Cavalry under Lee and Ferguson on west side. Loring is moving from his position (not named) to concentrate his forces with theirs in front of Sherman. Cars running through to London. Telegraph will be finished to-morrow night. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., February 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: Your dispatch of the 11th is received. I will make all possible haste. Can probably be ready by the time re-enforcements arrive. Can you send me a light pontoon train? If the rivers rise it will be indispensable. I will try to take some artillery; if the weather continues dry there will be no difficulty. If the rainy season sets in we may have to work slowly along the railroad. I will have to use pack-mules from this place, at least for a time. Forage, as well as provisions, will have to be sent here by railroad. I will need fresh horses for nearly all the artillery. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 13~ 1864. (Received 5 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Dispatches just received from General Schofield and conversation with General Foster, who is now here, have determined me against moving immediately against Longstreet. I will write more fully. No danger whatever to be apprehended in East Tennessee. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. KNOXVILLE, February 13, 186410 a. m. Major-General THOMAS, Chattanooga: General Grant decides that the advance shall be made, and that you are to send me 10,000 infantry besides Stanleys division. Please inform me when they can probably reach this place. If you can send me good artillery horses I will try to take some artillery. I will have to rely upon pack-mules to carry provisions and forage from this place, and upon the railroad to bring forage as well as provis- ions here. I would be glad if you would send me the Fourteenth Corps in preference to other troops. ~. M. SCHOFIELD, Major-General Page 385 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-~-UNION. 385 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., February 13, 1864. Major-General SCHOFIELD, Knoxville: Since seeing General Foster, General Grant has decided to defer an advance on Longstreet for the present. I think, however, that it would be advisable to be prepared to repair Strawberry Plains bridge in the shortest possible time, so that if General Grant decides on making an advance that you can have the cars to depend on. If I can get rid of Johnston at Dalton I can spare yon 10,000 infantry, and perhaps more in case of necessity. II learn to-night that the engineer, Mr. Wentz, thinks he can build a temporary bridge at London in two weeks. If so, I think you will have no further difficulty. I would advise that you detain the steamer Lookout at London as a ferry-boat until the bridge is finished. She will do you more service there than in running between that place and this. Your quartermaster and commissary should confer with Colonels Easton and Porter, and make arrangements for the shipping of sup- plies of forage and subsistence. GEO. H. THOMAS, ]Jlajor-General, U. S. Volunteers, Gommanding. NASHVILLE, February 13, 1864. M.aj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, In the Field: Halt your troops wherever you may be when this reaches you, and await further orders. It is possible you will not be required at Chattanooga. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, February 13, 1864. Major-General SLOCUM: Colonel McCallum reports that protection papers prevent his getting timber necessary for railroad purposes aloiig the line of the railroad. Please telegraph orders to commanding officers along the line of the railroad within your command not to interfere with Col- onel McCallums men taking such timber as he may deem necessary, giving receipt, however, where protection has been extended. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier-General. CHATTANOOGA, February 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. GRANGER, Commanding Fourth Army Corps, London, Tenn.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you nomi- nate three regiments from your First Division, two from your Second, and two from the Third, to be permanently detached to form the gar- rison of Chattanooga, three t least of these seven regiments to ~ 25 R RVOL XXXII, PT I Page 386 3843 xy., sw. VA., TENTh, MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. veterans. The others will be ordered down at once by you to report to Brig. Gen. James B. Steedinan, commanding Chattanooga and defenses. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General and Assista at Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, Tenn., February 13, 1864. Maj. G. W. KIRK, Second North Garolina Mounted Infantry: MAJOR: You will repair without delay to the mountain district in the western part of North Carolina, and collect together rapidly the straggling soldiers in that region, and such efficient loyal citizens as may enlist in the regiment which you are authorized to raise. As soon as you shall collect a sufficient force, say from 100 to 200 men, you will descend upon the rear of the rebel army under Long- street, and destroy as much as possible of his stores and means of transportation. His main depot of supplies is understood to be at Jonesborongh; this and such others as you may hear of, you will destroy if possible. Commencing at the point where you strike the railroad, say in the vicinity of Jonesborough, you will move along the railroad into Virginia, damaging the road as much as possible by burning bridges, trestle-work, water tanks, cars, & c., and by tearing up the track. Continue your work as far into Virginia as possible. It is especially important to burn the long trestle-work along the middle fork of the Holston. The work assigned you is one of vast importance, worthy of any sacrifice brave men can make. I rely upou your bravery, skill, and devotion to the Union cause, to insure your success. The results should be accomplished within ten days or two weeks from this time three may not be too late. You will send me dispatches frequently, giving such information as you may collect concerning the enemy. Having completed this expedition you will then proceed with the organization of the regiment which you are authorized to raise. You have full power to assume command of all United States sol- diers you may find separated from their regiments in the district in which you are to operate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. CAVALRY FORCES, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Motleys Ford, East Teun., February 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff, Knoxville, Tenn.: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- tion relative to preparations for an expedition toward Virginia under Colonel La Grange. Every effort is being made to recruit our horses, but as yet I have been unable to procure the necessary horse- shoes. My quartermaster is now absent for that purpose. I regard the expedition as utterly impracticable at this season of the year under any circumstances. Without horseshoes, and tin Page 387 C~. XLIVJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION, 387 perfectly provided in other respects, it is likely to result in a failure, possibly a sacrifice of the command. Before any plan is definitely determined on I should like to have an interview with you. Two of my forage guards were attacked yesterday by 8 guerrillas; they killed 2 and wounded 1. One of my men was killed. The property of those recognized has been ordered destroyed, and if any of them are captured they will not be treated as prisoners. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD M. McCOOK, Colonel, Gommanding. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Blue Springs, Teun., February 13, 1864-il p. m. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Assistant A6~jutant-General: GENERAL: Intelligence has been brought me an hour since by a citizen that a large force of rebel cavalry, estimated at 2,000, has passed the house of Mr. Carr, some 8 miles east of this point, or rather southeast, on the Spring Place and Cleveland road, going north. The road forks a short distance above Carrs and swings around Cleveland toward Charleston, and again toward Benton. The per- son who brings the report is vouched for as a loyal and upright man, and he has it second-handed from a Mr. Randolph. It is probably true that somewhat of a force has passed up in that vicinity, although nothing can be ascertained of its number or purposes. It may be a mere reconnaissance or may end in a dash on Cleveland or an attempt to cut the railway or capture a train between that point and Charleston. I have advised Colonel Long at Charleston of my in- formation and Colonel Enyart at Ooltewah, and am preparing to look to everything in this quarter as well as may be. I arrived here this afternoon and have given all the attention possible in so short space ~4 getting the time toward surroundiiig topography, position of the command, approaches, & c. Means have been taken to ascertain the truthfulness of the report, and, if possible, the numbers and direc- tion of the enemy during the night, and I will advise you as speedily as practicable of what comes of the rumor. In haste, I am, truly, your obedient servant, CHARLES CRUFT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. MURFREESBOROUGH, February 13, 1864. General THOMAS: It was reported to me by a rebel captain who brought a rebel mail to McMinnville that Wheeler intended to captnre two boats that were going to leave Chattanooga Sunday evening for Knoxville. THOMAS H. JONES, Scout. WATERFORD, MISS., February 13, 1864. Colonel MOMILLEN, Commanding Brigade: SIR: I am moving my whole cavalry force, except two battalions, toward New Albany to-day. A battalion of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry will threaten a crossing at Wyatt, and one of the Ninth Ill Page 388 388 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA.) AND N, GA. LCHAP XLIV. nois the railroad crossing toward Abbeville. First, I will push with all vigor for New Albany, and endeavor to throw the whole three brigades over. If the enemy makes a stand at or near New Albany, I shall still desire your co-operation. This can be secured most effectively by moving your brigade rapidly to the mouth of Tippah, and, leaving your train at that point or sending it back, be prepared to follow us around, or to throw your brigade over at that point in case the enemy lets go; second, or if you find it practicable to con- struct a crossing that will answer for the whole command, at any point from which the road leading out on the other side is not easily commanded by the enemy, do so by all means, and throw your troops across, construct all the defensive works as a t~te-de-pont that your limited supply of tools will permit, and communicate with me in all haste. I can then move rapidly to the right, cross into a better country for forage, and secure a shorter route. I will join McCrillis brigade to-day in the neighborhood of Boatwrights Mill, and move with it toward New Albany. Hepburns brigade will make a cross- ing over Tippah at Callahans Mills, where you can cross if the first plan is decided upon; and, as the decision depends upon what you can do, if you cannot make the crossing below, you may move right up to neighborhood of the mouth of Tippah and threaten a crossing there. Take all the stock you can find. Yours, truly, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Miii. Div. of the Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS, Memphis, February 13, 1864. Colonel MCMILLEN: SIR I have received a dispatch from General Sherman, dated at Jackson, Miss., February 6, in which he says: I received General William Sooy Smiths dispatches of the 2d instant to-night, and regret he was delayed, but trust he started then and has made up his loss of time in speed. We left Vicksburg on the 3d, and entered Jackson the night of the 5th, the heads of the two columns skirmishing all the way with two brigades of cavalry. We captured about 30 prisoners and 1 gun, killed about 20, and wounded at least 50, some of whom are left in houses by the roadside. Our loss is about 10 killed and 25 wounded. We cross Pearl River to-morrow. * * * Keep the * * * brigade of infantry out in the direction of Panola as far as prudence will warrant. * * * In disposing of the force outside you should be governed by your knowledge as to General Smiths movement and its effect on Forrests command. * * * We send you these extracts that you and General Smith (if you can communicate with him) may understand what General Sher- mans ideas are as to what your movements should be. I, of course, not knowing the situation of General Smiths command, cannot judge as well as you can as to what you should do; I therefore leave the matter to your judgment. Whether you should move again toward Panola depends upon General Smiths movements. If von can communicate with General Smith you had better send him a copy of this. You will also on receipt of this send this party back with such information as you can give me in regard to General Smiths position and movements, and also your own and of the enemy. Keep me poste(i as well as you ~)ossibly can. R. P. BUCKLAND, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 389 CaAP. XLIV.] ORRESI~ONDFNC1A PlC IT ( ~, . NION. 389 HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, On the Road, February 13, 1804. Brig. Gem A. J. SMITH, (Jomg. Third Division: GENERAL: You will move forward to-morrow morning as soon as light, in readiness for action, keeping a strong pioneer force at work clearing the road of obstacles, and pushing rapidly and steadily on. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 44. Chattanooga, February 13, 1864. * * * * * * * XIV. Brig. Gen. J. B. Steedman is hereby relieved from the com- mand of the First Brigade, Second Division, Ponrth Army Corps, and is assigned to the command of the Post of Chattanooga and the de- fenses connected therewith. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, February 14, 186412.30 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.: Recruiting officers and provost-marshals have been directed to send recruits to their regiments as fast as collected, and also to send new regiments to the field as fast as organized. In case General Scho- field should be rejected, who do you want to command his depart- ment? Name several to select from. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, Februarq 14, 18643 p. m. Major-General GRANT: As I am desirous of using a portion of Logans force in the move- ment on Dalton, I think it will be better for his whole train to come here. As yet no one knows of the direction of the movement. I therefore have great hopes of its success. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General. KNOXVILLE, February 14, 18642 p. in. Major-General THOMAS: I have reliable information that Longstreet has advanced to Strawberry Plains and has brought a p ontoon bridge to the river near that place. I apprehend he intends to make a demonstration upon my front and send his cavalry around my left to cut the rail- road between this place and London. Possibly he may make a real attack on this place. I think the re-enforcements from your army should come forward as rapidly as practicable. J. M. SCHOFIELD, 11iIiajor~ General Page 390 890 KY~, SW. \TA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 14, 18642 p. m. Major-General SCHOFIELD, Knoxville: Your dispatch of 13th, 10 a. in., received. Also letter from General Grant, same date. He defers the advance on Longstreet for the present, as I stated in my dispatch of last evening, 12 p. m. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. NASHVILLE, February 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. H. THOMAS,~ Chattanooga: Do you think it advisable for Logan to leave his trains at Steven- son and send his baggage up by boats? If so, advise him. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HDQRS. FIRST DIvISIoN, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Blue Springs, Teun., February 14, 18649 a. m. Briga~lier-General WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General: GENERAL: The information of which I advised you last night was exaggerated. By putting all the stories together, it was resolved into a reconnaissance in more than ordinary force. The enemys scouts were within 2j miles of Cleveland, at junction of Spring Place and Cleveland, and Dalton and Charleston roads; at latter point, however, in small numbers, and left before day. Everything appears quiet along my front to distance of 5 or 6 miles out this morning. I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant, CHARLES CRUFT, Brigadier- General, Corn man ding. CAMP NELSON, KY., February 14, 1864. Capt. W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General: Captain Scheuck, assistant quartermaster, Cumberland Gap, re- ports one of his trains captured yesterday 16 miles from the Gap. He says the guards ran without firing a shot. T. E. HALL, Gaptain and Assistant Quartermaster. MARYVILLE, February 14, 186410 p. m. Colonel FULLERTON: Dispatch inclosing order from General Schofield received. Will try to be ready. Give me early information. TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier-General Page 391 CIIAP. XLIV.] ~91 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, Teun., February 14, 1864. Col. E. M. MCCOOK, Commanding Cavalry Forces: COLONEL: The commanding general directs that Colonel Garrards division move to the vicinity of Clinton to gnard the roads and approaches from the northeast, between the Hoiston and Clinch Rivers. A portion of the force will occnpy Powells Valley for the pnrpose of obtaining for age for the command. Yonr own division will guard the passes in the conntry abont the head of the Little Tennessee. To effect this object you can move your command as far in that direction as forage can be procured, an(l then send ont detachments to watch the passes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. PULASKI, TENN., February 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff: General Roddey, with most of his command and part of David- sons brigade, have moved south toward Gadsden; the last left day before yesterday, and crossed mountains on Gadsden road. Only a few men in Tuscumbia Valley. Scout in from Montgomery Jeft the 5th; says on the 4th four regiments passed through, going to- ward Meridian, and also says that this is all that have passed except the division and brigade that went through about a month ago. He also says that the troops are parts of three or four divisions; the last came from Atlanta. The conscription is being enforced everywhere and sending to the army a good many men. Scout was in Mont- gomery only five days. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 14, 1864. Col. ELI LONG, Comdg. Second Brig., Second C~av. Div., Calhoun, Tenn.: You have doubtless received the report of Brigadier-General Cruft about the reported movements of rebel cavalry upon the Cleveland and Spring Place road. The major-general commanding desires that you send a small cavalry force npon that road to make a reconnais- sance and ascertain the truth or falsity of the report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. G. GRANGER, London, Tenn.: Intelligence has been brought here that a force of rebel cavalry, 2,000 strong, has been passing up the Spring Place and Clevelan Page 392 39~i? KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. . [CHAP. XLIV. road, probably with a view to cut the railroad between Cleveland and the Hiwassee or capture a train. The major-general commanding desires to know whether a portion of the cavalry force might not be brought down from the Little Ten- nessee and be posted at Benton for the purpose of preventing such operations of the enemy. Colonel Long will be directed to send a small force of cavalry upon the same errand for the purpose of ascer- taining the truth of the statement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE POST AND DEFENSES, Viclcsburg, Miss., February 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HAwKINS, Oornman ding First Division, African Descent: SIR: You are directed by the general commanding to send an ex- pedition of three regiments from your command at Haynes Bluff toward Mechanicsburg and the ferry over Black River near Vernon, destroying the ferry at that place, should there be one; ascertaining whether any of the enemys cavalry are in that vicinity, and any other facts connected with their retreat from Yazoo City. If the command- ing officer encounters the enemy during this expedition he will cau- tiously feel him, and if not found too strong for his force, he will attack him and demoralize him as much as possible. This expedi- tion will be supplied with five days rations, and 100 rounds of am- munition per man. Upon their return the commanding officer will immediately forward a complete report of his expedition. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. F. RANDALL, Assistant Adjutant- General. CALLAHANS MILLS, MIss., Colonel MCMILLEN, February 14, 186412 m. Commanding Brigade: SIR: As it is now raining hard, and the roads in the Tippah Bot- tom are already very bad, it will be out of the question for your bri- gade to follow and overtake us. The rain will, on the other hand, raise the Tallahatchie so as to make it difficult, if not impossible, for the enemy to throw a suffick~nt force over to endanger you within the next two or three days. If you can still threaten them for that length of timesay at the railroad crossingyou will continue that much longer the valuable assistance you have already rendered; and if in the mean time we can completely dislodge the enemy from the Tallahatchie, we can throw your brigade over and let it join us at or near Oxford. Whether you can remain or not I consider now a question of rations. You can take everything you can find in the country. There are, as I have been told, 30 bushels of meal at old man Lumpkins, 2 miles from the mill, that was prematurely burned by our troops. I, of course, do not wish to sacrifice your command fo Page 393 CHAP. XLIV.1 C0RRES1~0NDIENCE, ETC.UNiON. 393 the assistance it is to reuder, and if yon get information that renders it necessary, move northward without delay. Our advance must now be at New Albany. I shall move on toward that point 8 or 10 miles farther to-night. Send me any information yon may have been able to procure. Yonrs, truly, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gem., Chief of Cavalry, Mu. Div. of the Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, On March, 7 Miles from Meridian, February 14, 18644 p. m. Brigadier-Geueral CHAMBERS, Commanding Third Brigade, First Division: GENERAL: Major-General Sherman reports Meridian undonbtedly evacnated. Lees cavalry on onr right flank, with a view most prob- ably of p itching into our train. Yon will remain where you are, to render the train secure beyond all hazard, until further orders. Should there be any prospect of a fight in front you will be ordered up without fail. You will see that all proper dispositions of the troops left to guard the train are made, so that no surprise can be effected by the enemy. Rumors from citizens place Sooy Smiths cavalry 7 miles north of Meridian yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Meridian, Miss., February 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. M. D. LEGGETT, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: You will move two brigades of your command to this place and one to Oktibbeha Creek, where Brigadier-General Crockers division encamps to-night, as early as possible. The two brigades which come into town will report to me personally for further or- ders. The brigade that stops at the creek will remain there guard- ing the bridge until further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Meridian, Miss., February 14, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. M. M. CROCKER, Commanding Fourth Division: GENERAL: You will move your command into this place, starting at 6 oclock to-morrow morning, and report to me here for further orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General Page 394 394 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. NASHVILLE, February II, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Knoxville: I have ordered Brigadier-General Burbridge to Camp Nelson to command the District of Kentucky until relieved by General Ammen, who is now on court-martial duty. When relieved by General Ammen, General Burbridge will report to me for assignment unless you have a place for him. U.S. GRANT, Major General. BALTIMORE, MD., February 14, 186410 p. m. Col. G. H. SHARPE, Assistant Provost-Marshal, Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac: Fifteen thousand between Weldon and Wilmington, said to attack New Berne, but thought to overawe the Union sentiment. General Picketts force all in North Carolina. Beauregards, 19,000 all told, in and about Charleston. No troops left Johnston except those on furlough. He has 35,000 men. Longstreet has 20,000; has moved his headquarters to Morristown. Seven thousand of his men are shoe- less. Five companies of heavy artillery in defenses of Richmond, four light batteries, two companies cavalry, 120 Greers [?] men, and city battalion, 640 men. F our thousand citizen soldiers could be turned out. Four hundred cavalry on the Chickahominy, between James and York Rivers. Seven hundred and eighty Maryland Line at Hanover Junction. Lee one month ago had 46,000, besides cavalry brigade. Seventeen hundred left for North Carolina; 6,000 fur- loughed. Has now 35,000 thousand. Hampton Cavalry, 6,000, and Lomaxs brigade, of Lees division, 1,600, are all the cavalry Lee has. Fitz Lee disbanded 4,000 for want of forage. J. L. McPHAIL, Provost-Marshal- General. (Forwarded to Generals Grant and Schofield, February 15.) NASHVILLE, TENN., February 15, 186410 a. m. (Received 6.20 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Is General Banks preparing an expedition to go up Red River? Boats seem to be assembling at New Orleans for that purpose. I ask, because in that event it will not be necessary for me to send, as contemplated doing on Shermans return, to the Red River. General Thomas advances this morning. U. S. GRANT, Mc4or- General, Gommanding. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 15, 186410.30 a. m. (Received 6.05 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: If General Schofield is rejected I would prefer Maj. Gen. J. B. McPherson to all others for his place; General P. H. Sheridan sec- ond; General 0. 0. Howard third choice. I do not know General Stonemans merits. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding Page 395 ChAP. XLJV.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 395 WASHINGTON, Fcbrnary 15, 18644 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.,. Major-General BUTLER, Fort Monroe, Va.: The Secretary of War directs that, if you have under your com- mand any persons nuder sentence of death for desertion only, you will report their cases to the War Department and suspend the execution until further orders. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, February 15, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: Your communication of the 13th, by General Elliott, was received yesterday. Seven regiments of Logans force have arrived. General Matthies reports that the remain(ler will reach here to-morrow. My plan was to place Matthies in reserve, near Cleveland, and march with Stanleys division, supported by two brigades of Mat- thiess, on the road from Cleveland to Dalton, and, with the Four- teenth Army Corps, take the direct road from here to Dalton, cover- ing my advance and right flank with cavalry. I have thought of the route you suggest, but find upon inquiry that the roads across the mountains are so difficult that they can hardly be considered practicable at this season of the year. I have been considerably embarrassed by having Generals Stanley and Davis summoned before the McCook court of inquiry, just at this time~ but if it continues to rain through the day, as it did all night, I think nothing will be gained by starting just yet. In the mean time, Stanley and Davis can get back by Wednesday. Should the weather clear up, however, I will not wait. I intend to relieve as much of the cavalry at Calhoun as I can with infantry, and send it (the cavalry) toward Dalton, via Spring Place, in co- operation with Stanleys force. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, February 15, 18646.30 p. m. Major-General THOMAS: In consequence of Longstreets movement in this direction, I have ordered one division of Grangers corps to this place. I think Stanley should ~nove up as far as Athens and Sweet Water so as to protect the railroad. Longstreet has not advanced farther than Strawberry Plains. No further news from him to-day. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, Temn.. February 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. S. D. STURGIS, Chief of Cavalry: GENERAL: By direction of the commanding general, I have sent you orders by telegraph, through Captain Anderson, assistant adj Page 396 3913 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., AL A., ANI) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. tant-general, at Lexington, to use all dispatch in remounting Wol- fords division and getting it ready to take the Ilel(l. The Fifth Indiana Cavalry have been ordered to Mount Sterling, to report to you, for the purpose of being remounted and re-equipped. This regiment has gone to Cumberland Gap to receive the horses turned over by Colonel Pennebakers brigade; but that brigade had, in the mean time, received orders from you to proceed to Mount Sterling, and had taken these horses. The commanding general therefore decided to send the Fifth Indiana to Mount Sterling. Garrards division has been ordered to Clinton to guard the roads between the Holston and Clinch Rivers. McCook is to look after the passes about the head of the Little Tennessee. Longstreet is moving down in this direction, whether with a view of investing Knoxville or cutting our communication with Chatta- nooga remains to be seen. Rain has set in to-day, which will prob- ably interfere seriously with his plans. The railroad is now in running order from London to Chattanooga. Trains arrive daily. McCallum expects to run seven trains each day. Everything looks like the commencement of active operations at no distant date. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. General GRANGER, KNOXVILLE, February 15, 1864. London: Garrards division of cavalry is ordered to the vicinity of Clinton, on the Clinch River. Elliotts division will remain about Maryville. Troops were to start from Chattanooga to-day. I have telegraphed General Thomas to send Stanleys division forward to Athens and Sweet Water. J. M. SCHOFIELD, ]lfqjor- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, February 15, 1864. General GRANGER, London: You will please move one division of your corps without delay, and dispose the other division so as best to protect the railroad be- tween this place and the point occupied by General Stanleys division. J. M. SCHOFIELD, lIlia.jor- General. CUMBERLAND GAP, February 15, 1864. Capt. W. P. ANDERSON, Assi8tant Adjutant- General: Numerous deserters from the rebel army are coming in, giving themselves up. Please send quantity of printed blanks containing the oath for such deserters, as required by General Orders, No. 10 Page 397 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 397 headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, 1863. Send some by mail and some to Lieutenant-Colonel Butterfield, care Captain Hall, Camp Nelson. Respectfully, & c., T. T. GARRARD, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 15, 1864. Brigadier-General MATTHIES, Oorndg. Div., 15th Army Corps, Chattanooga, Tenn.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you march with your division to-morrow morning for Cleveland, Tenn. Upon your arrival at that place you will designate four regiments to be stationed there, and prepare the remaining twelve regiments of your command for an expedition of ten days duration. You can procure forage and subsistence at Cleveland. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 15, 1864. Col. W. B. STOKES, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, Alexandria, Tenn.: COLONEL: Your report of the 7th instant received. * The head- quarters of Carter, the guerrilla, are at Pleasant Grove, where he is collecting forage in the hope that Wheeler will ere long pass through that section on a raid. The major-general commanding desires that you move in that direction and endeavor to use up Carter and the corn. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., February 15, 1864. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: In answer to the desire of the major-general command- ing the department, expressed in letter of February 13, I have the honor to submit the inclosed report, dated February 14, of Major- General Butterfield, chief of staff, who has just returned from an examination of the road from Bridgeport to Nashville and the troops required to defend it, and was therefore prepared to furnish the necessary information without delay. I will only add that the sug- gestions meet my entire approval. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Micijor- General, Commanding. * See Part I, p. 162 Page 398 398 KY., SW. VA~, TENN., MiSS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., February 14, 1864. Major-General HOOKER, Comdg. Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: GENERAL: With regard to the inquiries Contained in the letter of the major-general commanding the department, of date February 13, 1864, I would respectfully state that, in my opinion, considering the present position of the troops on the line of the Tennessee River from Knoxville to Decatur, the following forces on the line from Nashville to Bridgeport would be sufficient, viz: At Nashville, for all duties, 3,000. At each of the following-named points one regiment of infantry, viz: Murfreesborough, one regiment; Estill Springs, Elk River, or Tullahoma, in the discretion of the commanding officer, one regi- ment; Stevenson, one regiment; Bridgeport, one regiment. At each of the following-named points, or in their vicinity, for the bridges near them, as follows: Duck River, both forks, three com- panies; Wartrace, one company; Decherd, Tunnel, Cowan, and Tantalon, five companies; Anderson, one company; in all, one regi- ment. For each mile of road in addition to the forces above mentioned 4 men per mile for patrol duty; for the whole distance, 123 miles, say 500, to be distributed properly, for the duty. One regiment of cavalry for the use of the commanding officer, intrusted with the whole line from Nashville to Bridgeport, to be stationed by companies and squadrons at such points as may from time to time be most desired for scouts, patrols, vedettes, & c. This would give the whole force, exclusive of Nashville, at six regiments of infantry, of the average number of 450 men each, and one regi- ment of cavalry, leaving the artillery, two batteries for a division, to be posted by sections, in the discretion of the commanding officer of the divisiom probably as follows: One section at Elk River; one section at Duck River; one section at Decherd; one or two sections at Stevenson; the balance as may be further directed, or in the dis- cretion of the division commander. There are at Tullahoma four siege guns, and at Duck River two guns, not properly belonging to the field artillery of the division. With regard to the forces in the district of General Rousseau, I have no knowledge, either from reports of his command and its sta- tions, or from personal examinations, as General Rousseau has not yet reported to the Twelfth Corps. I should judge that a distribu- tion of forces in the same proportion on the line from Nashville, via Columbia, to Decatur, would serve all present purposes. The First Division of the Twelfth Corps wonld, by its present returns, furnish an excess of nearly 1,000 men over the required num- ber between Nashville and Bridgeport, exclusive of Nashville and the forces required south of the river at Bridgeport. The 1,000 men in excess, added to General Grangers post return of 1,785 men, would very nearly supply the required force at that point. The increased numbers of the returning regiments of veteran volunteers will in all probability so strengthen the various divisions that one division will eventually be able to perform the duties and accomplish the purposes indicated in the letter of the major-general commanding. Very respectfully. your obedient servant, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General and Chief of Staff Page 399 C~p. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOX. 399 HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. A. .~-. SMITH, Meridian, Miss., February 15, 1864. Commanding Third Division: GENERAL: You will destroy 12 miles of the Selma railroad as thoroughly and speedily as possible, returning to Meridian. Col. E. F. Winslow, chief of cavalry, has been ordered to report to you, covering your movements. While at Meridian back returns can be made up, and must be required and furnished. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. ~. ~. VEATCH, Meridian, Miss., February 15, 1864. Commanding Fourth Division: GENERAL: The general commanding corps directs that you operate on the railroad north to Marion Station (6 miles) only, which he presumes you can accomplish to-morrow without difficulty. The regiment of cavalry, being required in another direction, will not report to you. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Col. E. F. WINSLOW, Meridian, Miss., February 15, 1864. Chief of Cavalry: You will move carefully but sharply forward, covering Brig. Gen. A. J. Smiths operations on the Selma railroad, and will endeavor to learn of Brig. Gen. Sooy Smiths whereabouts, reporting at once any information gained. You will report to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith. Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith will destroy 12 miles of railroad and return to Meridian, and Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch will destroy some 8 or 10 miles of road and return. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Brig. Gen. M. D. LEGGETT, Meridian, Miss., February 15, 1864. Commanding Third Division: You will direct Colonel Potts to proceed to-morrow on the line of the Southern Railroad westward toward Jackson, Miss., as far as Chunkys Station, burning the bridges, culverts, & c., and damagin Page 400 400 KY., SW. VA~, TIENK., MiSS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CnAP. XLIV. the road so thoroughly as to make it impossible for the enemy to re- pair it in months. No wagons or ambulances will go with the com- mand, as it will follow along the line of the railroad, where there is no practicable wagon road. The men will carry their arms, and provisions in haversacks, and will work by details, one-half being on guard while the other half are at work. Particular care will be taken by commanding officers to keep their men from straggling. On reaching Chunkys Station the brigade will proceed directly to the point where our supply train is parked and remain with the train as guard until further orders, relieving Brigadier-General Chambers brigade, now on that duty. Very respectfully, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Meridian, Miss., February 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. M. M. CROCKER, Commanding Fourth Division:. GENERAL: You will march with your entire command to-morrow morning to Enterprise, by the direct road, at 6.30 a. m. One regi- ment of cavalry will report to you before starting and will be under your orders. As near as we can learn the direct road crosses the Oktibbeha Creek about 4 miles to the westward, and then keeps on the west side until within about 2 miles of the town, where it crosses to the east side of the stream and enters the place. On reaching this point you will remember the place, and if the enemy is not in force push your command in rapidly and send the cavalry, supported by a brigade of infantry, down to Quitman, or near that point, to destroy a large railroad bridge across the Chickasawha River. En- terprise not being a place as purely military as this, you will keep your command under control and not permit any destruction of pri- vate property. The railroad and buildings connected with it will, however, be destroyed, the object being to damage the railroad as far as practicable and place it beyond the possibility of being re- paired in months. On your march to Enterprise you will cause breaks to be made in the railroad whenever it can be done without detaining the advance of your column. Keep me advised frequently of anything important which you may learn. Very respectfully, J~AS. B. MCPHERSON, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. LEFT WING, 16TH ARMY CORPS, No. 42. Pulaski, Teun., February 15, 1864. * * * * * * * VIII. It having been ascertained that the following-named citizens were engaged in breaking up and driving out of this country Mr. J. W. Waldron, a staunch Union man, and that they purchased a por- tion of his goods when publicly sold by a band of guerrillas under the lead of one Captain Emerson, it is hereby ordered that they pay to Col. J. B. Weaver, Second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, commanding post of Pulaski, the sums set opposite their names Page 401 CHAP. XLJVJ1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 401 respectively, and that Colonel Weaver tnrn over to the said J. W. Waidron or his family the amonnt so collected, and make report of the same in compliance with General Orders, No. 4, 1864, headquar- ters Military Division of the Mississippi: Clay Stinmitt, $1,000; John Marks, $800; Quarles Mayfield, $300. By order of Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge: J. W. BARNES, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY, No. 18. Camp Nelson, Febrttary 15,. 1864. General Orders, No. 2, cnrrent series, from these headquarters, providing for the exemption from impressment for public labor of the negroes of those persons engaged in feeding public stock, are hereby revoked. Hereafter no exemptions of this character XI,Till be granted until persons desiring them shall forward their application to these headquarters, accompanied with a statement of the number of negroes they have subject to the impressment nuder the provision of General Orders, No. 43, series 1863, from these headquarters, also the num- ber of Government horses and mules they are feeding. The state- ment must be made in writing and sworn to and subscribed before a justice of the peace or notary public. By command of Brig. Gen. E. H. Hobson: A. C. SEMPLE, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MIL. Div. OF THE Mississippi, No. 41. Nashville, Tenn., February 15, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. S. G. Burbridge, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the District of Kentucky until relieved by Brig- ~dier-General Ammen, now on court-martial duty at Cincinnati, Ohio. When so relieved, he will report in person at these headquar- ters. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 16, 18646 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, (Received 12.30 a. in., 17th.) General-in- Chief: General Allen telegraphed me that General Banks had taken a large amount of river transportation to New Orleans, preparatory to a move up Red River; also that a staff officer was collecting trans- portation for Sherman for the same move. This was crippling us here for transportation, and I stopped it. I expected Sherman, how- ever, to go to Shreveport and form a junction with Steeles move- ment if Banks has not the force to send. I would suggest that Sherman himself go in person if a part of his troops go. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. 26 R RvOL XXXII, PT I Page 402 402 KY., SXV. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. WASHINGTON, February 16, 18641 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, h3nn.: According to General Banks last dispatch (February 7), Admiral Farragut was to threaten Mobile in order to draw the enemy from Sherman and Thomas. As soon as Shermans present expedition is terminated (about March 1), it was understood that he and Gen~ral Banks would move up Red River to meet Steeles advance against Shreveport. This was General Banks plan if Sherman and Steele could co-operate with him. Sherman had agreed, but Steele not yet heard from. The time of movement would depend upon stage of water in Red River. It was understood that as soon as Steele and Banks had effected a junction on that river, Shermans army could all be withdrawn to operate east of the Mississippi. Will not the prob- able delay in expelling Longstreet from East Tennessee justify the adoption of this plan of Banks and Sherman? Banks reports his force too weak to advance without Shermans aid. H. W. HALLIECK, General-in- Chief. NASHVILLE, FebrLlary 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. M. SCHOFIELD, Knoxville: I telegraphed you some days ago that conversation with General Foster had decided me not to make any push against Longstreet for the p resent; also, that you might now get off the veterans you think you can spare. At the same time every preparation should be made for as early a move in the spring as practicable. Clothing should be got for the men, and all the rations accumulated possible. All new regiments you may receive during the winter, as well as any old ones back in Kentucky available for duty at the frout, should be rendezvoused where they can be easily provisioned, and at the same time be on the road either to join the army in the field or form a column to march into Western Virginia [through] Pound (or Stone) Gap. There is probably such a force in Southwest Vir- ginia as wouldi prevent a cavalry force penetrating by that route un- aided by infantry and artillery. But it looks now to me as if a columnim should be pushed through by that or one of those routes in conjunction with an advance up Holston Valley. I have but little hope of Sturgis being able to reach Longstreets rear unaided. If he is preparing for it, as I under- stand from Foster he is, let him try. I supposed, going without in- fantry or only a mounted force, he would go by Jonesville and Estill- ville. This enter p rise would be hazardous, but would pay well if successful. The destruction of important bridges between Bristol and Saltville and of salt-works there would compensate for great risks. Let me know what you think and wish in this matter, so as I will know how to dispose of such new troops as I may intend to add to your command. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 403 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 403 CHATTANOOGA, February 16, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville: I have just received a telegram from General Schofield, dated February 14, stating that he had reliable information that Long- street had advanced to Strawberry Plains, and had brought up poIi- toon-boats. Schofield thought that he might intend to make a cav- alry raid to cut his communication with London. or that he might ad- vance to attack Knoxville, and asks me to send him re-enforcements as early as practicable. What shall I do ? if re-enforcements are sent to Knoxville they will be detained there for the winter, and cannot make an advance on Longstreet until the London and Strawberry Plains bridges are rebuilt. It will also become necessary to give up any demonstration against Dalton. But if Schofield can hold Knox- ville the demonstration on Dalton can be made, and I hope with suc- cess. Captain Gay, just from Knoxville, and gone to Nashville, does not mention such reports. GLO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 16, 186411 p. m. Major-General SCHOFIELD, Knoxville: Your dispatch of 2 p. in., 14th instant, just received. Have you any further information ? If so, let me know. If it is not necessary to send troops to your assistance, I am directed by Major-General Grant to make a demonstration on Dalton. Answer immediately. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, February 16, 1864. Major-General THOMAS, Chattanooga: Your dispatch of the 13th was not received until to-day. Major- General Grant directs me to furlough as many of the veterans as I can spare. I can hardly spare any unless you can send me some troops. If you can give me Stanleys division at London and hold the road from that place to Chattanooga, I will be able to furlough more of my veterans. Longstreet has occupied Strawberry Plains in force. I think of trying to dislodge him and hold that place, so as to repair the bridge and be ready to use the road. Otherwise I fear Longstreet will de- stroy it entirely. It will take my whole force to do it. Can you spare the men I suggest? J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Loudon, Tenn., February 16, 1864. Col. EDWARD M. MCCOOK, Commanding Division Cavalry, Motleys Ford: COLONEL: Information has been received that Longstreet is at- ten~pting to pass into Georgia, along the base of Smoky Mountains, turning our right flank Page 404 404 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP XLIV. General Schofield directs that you send a scouting party well up in the direction of Paint Rock or Warm Springs, and ascertain if any such movement is being made; and further, that you ascertain, as far as possible, the position, designs, and movements of Longstreets command. In addition to this reconnaissance you will endeavor to employ spies and scouts to visit his camps, and gather all useful information possible. Please communicate fully and promptly all information of importance that you may be able to obtain. Very respectfully~ your obedient servant, G. GRANGER, Major- General, Commanding. KNOXVILLE, February 16, 1864. Major-General GRANGER, Knoxville: It is reported that Longstreets main force is moving from Dand- ridge along the foot of Smoky Mountains, intending to cross the Little Tennessee as far up as possible and then make his way into Georgia; the report came from a courier entitled to some credit. Inform Colonel McCook I direct him to ascertain the truth of this report. J. M. SCHOFIELD. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, Parkers House, Teun., February 16, 1864. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General, First Cavalry Division: I have the honor to furnish herewith statement of scouts sent out by myself on the 12th instant: Started from Motleys Ford and proceeded through. Tellico Plains, thence to Coker Creek, thence to Cherokee County, N. C., where there are six companies of rebel infantry at home on furlough. The road good to Tellico Plains, thence mountainous; not blockaded; no body of troops near this place. Forage enough to subsist a cavalry force for a few days. Very respectfully, ~. H. LA GRANGE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. I would respectfully request that a party of 300 men from this brigade be sent to rout and, if possible, capture the above-men- tioned force. PULASKI, TENN., February 16, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Nashville: Railroad is finished and in running order. Trains can safely run to this place. One of my mounted squads, while out obtaining cattle in Lewis County, captured the noted guerrilla chief Dunc Cooper and 10 of his men. He was on his way (so he says) to burn bridges on the railroad. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General Page 405 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 405 HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPs, Pulaski, Tenn., February 116, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff: I send Major Park to Nashville for the purpose of getting the pontoon bridge that is there. I understand there is a bridge there not in use, and if I can obtain it I can now speedily and readily carry out General Grants orders in relation to movement on Tennessee River. If not in repair I can mend it and add enough to it to make it available. Please give the major such aid and orders as will put the bridge in my possession, and I will move it as soon as needed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. PULASKI, TENN., Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, February 16, 1864. Chief of Staff: There is a steam-boat running on Tennessee River dealing in cotton, paying salt, sugar, coffee, and gold. It runs to Eastport and Waterloo. On the boat is a relative of General Roddey, and the boat has his protection. The points it runs to are all in rebel lines. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Tullahoma, Teun., February 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, A. A. G., Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Dept. of the Cumberland: GENERAL: Pursuant to instructions contained in General Orders, No. 6,* headquarters Department of the Cumberland, I have caused to be collected within the district named the sum of $30,000, and have sent the amount to the families mentioned in said orders. I inclose a copy of the special order detailing Captain Moseley to deliver the money to these families; also a copy of instructions given him. In order to render certain the collection of the full amount ordered, an assessment was made for a sum exceeding the amount, with the expectation that in many instances the officer to whom the duty was intrusted would fail in making collections. He was more successful, however, than I anticipated. This fact, together with the sale of some personal property (chiefly cotton) for a higher price than was anticipated, has brought into my hands the sum of $5,6~4.57 in excess of the amount ordered to be collected. A small portion of this sum, say $654. 57, I desire to return to persons who should not have been assessed, some of whom have assisted in the collection of the amount and given valuable information. After returning to these men the amount paid by them, there will still remain in my hands the sum of $5,000. *Of January 6, p. 37 Page 406 4O(~ KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. It was my intention to have returned any excess of this nature, pro rata, but as the force sent to collect this amount was returning on Friday last, two soldiers abont one-half mile in advance of the column were shot by guerrillas. They are both privates of the One hundred and fiftieth New York Volunteers, and both good soldiers. I would respectfully ask for authority to divide the balance now in my hands between the families of these men, and for authority to send the amount to them by Colonel Ketcham. Colonel Ketcham is deserving of great credit for the manner in which he has discharged his duties in this matter, and is entitled to any favor that can consistently be granted him. He will present this letter in person and give you any information in connection with this matter that you may desire. As soon as Captain Moseley returns with receipts, I will send them to you, with any other vouchers that may be in my possession. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. SLOCUM, Major- General, Commanding. [Inc~osure No. 1.] SPECIAL HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, ORDERS, Tullahoma, Teun., February 15, 1864. * * * * * * * Capt. W. W. Moseley, aide-de-camp, will proceed to North Cape, Racine County, and Delavan, Walworth County, Wis., and to Bur- ton, Geauga County, ohio, for the purpose of executing so much of General Orders, No. 6, headquarters Department of the Cumber- land, as relates to payment to certain families therein named the money Collected for their benefit pursuant to said orders. By command of Major-General Slocum: H. C. RODGERS. Assistant Adjntant-General. [Indosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS, Tullahoma, Tenn., February 15, 1864. Capt. WILLIAM W. MOSELEY,~ Atde-de-Camp: CAPTAIN: You have been detailed to convey to the families named in General Orders, No. 6, Department of the Cumberland, the money collected for their benefit pursuant to said order. To avoid risk of loss you are advised to secure drafts payable in New York before leaving this department. The order contains instructions as to the parties to whom the money is to be paid. These instructions are based upon information furnished to the commanding general as to the families of the mur- dered men. Should this information, in either case, prove incorrect you will endeavor to carry out as nearly as possible the spirit of the order. In each case you will do well to consult with one or more promi- nent and trustworthy citizens before delivering the money; and if necessary you will seek the advice and assistance of the judicial offi- cers of the county or a judge of one of the higher courts. You wil Page 407 CHAP. XLIV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UXTON. 407 require triplicate receipts, which will be acknowledged before an officer authorized to take such acknowledgments. If it should be necessary to pay any of the nioney to guardians or trustees, you will, before delivering it, require them to give sufficient surety for the faithful performance of their duties. Should you fail to find either of the families, or for any reason be unable to carry out the spirit of the order, you will deposit the money, subject to your own order, and report the circumstances to these headquarters. Yours, & c., H. W. SLOCUM, Major- General, commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Maj. Gen. H. ~. SLOCUM, Chattanooga, February 16, 1864. Tullahoma: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- tion of yesterday, with inclosure. The major-general commanding directs me to express his gratifi- cation at the manner in which General Orders, No. 6, has been exe- cuted and concurs with you in commending Colonel Ketcham for the manner in which he has discharged his portion of the duties connected with the matter. Your recommendation as to the dispo- sition to be made of the $5, 654.57 in excess is approved, and you are authorized to send Colonel Ketcham to the State of New York with the $5, 000, to be divided between the families of the 2 soldiers killed by guerrillas while returning collecting the tax imposed. The time of his absence will not exceed thirty days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier- General and Assistant Ac~jutant- General. WASHINGTON, February 16, 18643.30 p. m. Major-General GRANT: it is deemed important by the Government that leased plantations on the Mississippi River receive due protection, and the Secretary of War desires that General lEllets Marine Brigade be assigned to that service. It is understood that it has been so assigned temporarily by General Sherman. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, February 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Vicksburg, Miss.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: Yours of January 29, dated on board the Juliet, is received, and I thank you for the kind allusions to me in your Memphis speech. I saw some notice of it in the newspapers Page 408 408 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. but not so full as in your letter. You have l)Iobably seen the at- tempt in the newspapers to create difficulties and jealousies between me and General Grant. This is all for political effect. There is not the slightest ground for any such assertiotis. There cannot and will not be any differences between us. If he is made lieutenant-general, as I presume he will be, I shall most cordially welcome him to the command, glad to be relieved from so thankless and disagreeable a position. I took it against my will, and shall be most happy to leave it as soon as another is designated to fill it. The great difficulty in the office of General-in-Chief is, that it is not understood by the country. The responsibility and odium thrown upon it does not belong to it. I am simply a military adviser of the Secretary of War and the President, and must obey and carry out what they decide upon, whether I concur in their decisions or not. As a good soldier I obey the orders of my superiors. If I disagree with them in opinion I say so, but when they decide it is my duty faithfully to carry out their decision. Moreover, I cannot say to the public I approve this and I disapprove that. I have no right to say this, as it might embarrass the execution of a measure fully decided on. My mouth is closed except when officially called on to give such opinion. It is my duty to strengthen the hands of the President as Commander- in-Chief, not to we~ken them by factious opposition. I have, there- fore, cordially co-operated with him in every plan decided upon, although I have never hesitated to differ in opinion. I must leave it to history to vindicate or condemn my own opinions and plans. They will be found at some future time on record. What we now have to do is to put down this rebellion. We have no time to quib- ble and contend for the pride of personal opinion. On this subject there seems to be a better feeling among the officers in the West than here. There is less jealousy and back-biting, and a greater disposi- tion to assist each other. Here we have too much p arty politics and wire-pulling. Everybody wants you to turn a grindstone to grind his particular ax, and if you decline he regards you as an enemy and takes revenge by newspaper abuse. The rebels will give us much trouble in the spring, and I fear we will not be fully prepared for them. The country does not seem to fully appreciate the vast importance of military operations for the next six months. In my opinion, they will be the most important of the war. Give my kind regards to McPherson and Hurlbut if they are with you. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK. NEW ALBANY, Miss., Febriictry 16, 1864. Brigadier-General GRIERSON, Chief of Gavairy, Department of the Tennessee: SIR: The lieutenant sent to communicate with Colonel Waring reports him to have started from Walkers Mill yesterday morning. He says that the crossing of Tippah would occupy him all day yester- day, so he must still be 20 miles back. His delay will soon defeat our whole enterprise at this rate, as it has already most seriously embar- rassed it. The crossing of the slough is this morning in bad order Page 409 CHAP. XLIV] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 409 and I am having it repaired. Whatever the two brigades in advance have to send back in the way of broken-down men and horses or prisoners send to this point immediately, if they have any, and I will have Warings brigade disencumbered also upon its arrival here, and the whole can return by the best ronte from here to Memphis. Keep scouts well out in the direction of Oxford and Pontotoc. I do hope Waring may arrive some time this forenoon. Yours, truly, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. NEW ALBANY, Miss., February 16, 186411 p. m. Brig. Gen. B. H. GRIERSON, Chief of Cavalry, Department of the Tennessee: SIR: Warings brigade reached here since dark and is moving to a point 4 miles from this on the Pontotoc road. I have ordered him to move his whole command forward promptly at 5 a. m. to- morrow. I will leave here at 3 oclock in the morning and push up to overtake you. If Warings brigade should move by any other than the direct road you must send back the necessary directions to meet him. The prisoners sent back report that Forrest is due to- night in Pontotoc. If this be true we may clinch to-morrow morn- ing. Make yourself as familiar as possible with the country in your immediate vicinity and secure all the advantages of positions that you can. Throw out heavy pickets and have individual scouts well out. Let your reveille be sounded at 4 oclock and boots and saddles at 5 a. m. Look out for your right flank well, as Forrest may attempt to pass it to the rear to separate your two advance brigades from the remainder of the command. If even he should ~ucceed in this, turn upon him and fight toward us. I will push up toward you with all vigor. Do not fight at long taw, but close with the enemy at the earliest possible moment. If you should pos- sess information rendering these precautions unnecessary, go ahead and do what appears clearly for the best, and inform me immedi- ately, and I will hurry up as fast as possible. I hope to reach you by daylight to-morrow. I send back the sick and prisoners under a strong escort. Yours, truly, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of C~avalry, .Miil. Div. of the Misswsippt. NEW ALBANY, Miss., February 16, 1864. Colonel WARING, Commanding Brigade: SIR: Your unfortunate delays seriously embarrass our enterprise, if they do not render our ultimate success problematical. The Tal- hahatchie River is now rising rapidly at this point, and unless you can arrive within a very few hours it may be a matter of great diffi- culty to get you over. We are fixing the crossing for the third time Page 410 410 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. I do not know whether you could have done better, but I now urge npon yon to bring yonr command to this point at the earliest possi- ble moment. The other two brigades are 5 miles sonth of New Albany, where they have been waiting since day before yesterday, affording the enemy ample time to concentrate or escape, just as may best suit his own plans, while we are thrown that much more behind the infantry movement that is already ten days in advance of us. Yours, truly, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of C~ara1ry, Mit. Dir, of the Mis~iss~pp~. NASHVILLE, February 116, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. AMMEN, Comdg. Dist. of Central Kentucky, Camp Nelson, Ky.: Inclosed p lease find Special Orders, No. 41, assigning General Bur- bridge to the command of the District of Northern Central Ken- tucky. * The reason for such assignment wasthe uncertainty of the time you might be absent. When relieved from duty on court- martial you will return to your district and relieve General Bur- bridge in its command. By order of Major-General Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 19. Knoxville, Teun., February 16, 1864. General Orders, No. 196, from these headquarters, series of 1863, establishing the District of Middle Tennessee, is hereby rescinded. By command of Major-General Schofield: J. A. CAMPBELL, Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, February 17, 186412.30 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Teun.: I have given no orders to General Sherman in regard to his move- ments, but requested him to communicate freely withG enerals Banks and Steele in regard to concert of action. I presume, from Genera] Banks dispatches, that General Sherman proposes to go in person to assist in effecting a junction between Banks and Steele on Red River. By last dispatch he was waiting an answer from Steele. In regard to river transportation you will exercise your own discretion, giving them all you can spare. H. W. HALLECK General-in-Chief. * See p. 401 Page 411 CHAP. XLIV.] VORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJMON. 411 CONFIDENTIAL.1 WASHINGTON, D. C., February 17, 1864. Major-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 12th instant is just received. I fully concur with you in regard to the present condition of affairs in East Tennessee. It certainly is very much to be regretted that the fatal mistake of General Bnrnside has permitted Longstreets army to winter in Tennessee. It is due to yourself that a full report of this matter should be placed on file, so that the responsibility may rest where it properly belongs. The condition of affairs in East Tennessee and the uncertainty of General Banks operations in Texas and Louisiana have caused me to delay answering your former comnmnication in regard to the operations of the campaign. In one of these you suggest whether it might not be well not to attempt anything more against Richmond and to send a column of 60,000 men into North Carolina. In the first place, I have never considered Richmond as the necessary object- ive point of the Army of the Potomac; that point is Lees army. I have never supposed Richmond could be taken till Lees army was (lefeated or driven away. It was one of Napoleons maxims that an army covering a capital must be destroyed before attempting to capt- ure or occupy that capital. And now, how can we best defeat Lees armyby attacking it between here and Richmond, on our shortest line of supplies, and in such a position that we can combine our whole force, or by a longer line and with a force diminished by the troops requmred to cover Washington and Maryland? Such movement through North Carolina alluded to by you, and also one from Port Royal on Savannah and into Georgia, have been several times suggested here, and pretty fully discussed by military men. It is conceded by those suggesting these expeditions that neither of them can be safely undertaken with a less force than that estimated by you, viz, 60,000 effective men. Some require a still larger force. If we admit the advantage of either of these plans, the question immediately arises, where can we get the requisite number of troops? There is evidently a general public misconception of the strength of our army in Virginia and about Washington. Perhaps it is good policy to encourage this public error. The entire effective force in the fortifications about Washington abA employed in guarding the public buildings and stores, the aqueduct, and railroads does not ex- ceed 18,000 men. We have a few thousand more in the convalescent and distribution camps, and in the cavalry and artillery depots, but these are mostly fragments of organizations, temporarily here for equipments and distribution, and could contribute very little to the defense of the place. This force is, therefore, less than one-half of what General McClellan and several boards of officers recommended as the permanent garrison. Considering the political importance of Washington, and the immense amount of military stores here, it would be exceedingly hazardous to reduce it still further. The effective force of the Army of the Potomac is only about 70,000. General Meade retreated before Lee with a very much larger force, and he does not now deem himself strong enough to attack Lees present army. Suppose we were to send 30,000 men from that army to North Caro- lina, would not Lee be able to make another invasion of Marylan Page 412 412 KY., SW. VA., TFNN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. rOITAP,. XLIV. and Pennsylvania? But it may be said that by operating in North Carolina we would compel Lee to move his army there. I do not think so. Uncover Washington and the Potomac River, and all the forces which Lee can collect will be moved north, and the popular senti- ment will compel the Government to bring back the army in North Carolina to defend Washington, Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Phila- delphia. I think Lee would to-morrow exchange Richmond, Raleigh, and Wilmington for the possession of either of the afore- mentioned cities. But suppose it were practicable to send 30,000 men from Meades army to North Carolina, where shall we get the other 30,000? We have there now barely enough to hold the points which it is neces- sary to occupy in order to prevent contraband trade. Very few of these would be available for the field. Maryland is almost entirely stripped of troops, and the forces in Western Virginia are barely sufficient to protect that part of the country from rebel raids. The only other resource is South Carolina. Generals Foster and Gillmore were both of opinion at the com- mencement of operations against Charleston that neither that place nor Savannah could be taken by a land force of less than 60,000 men. Large land and naval forces have been employed there for nearly a year without any important results. I had no faith in the plan at first, and for months past have ineffectually urged that 10,000 or 15,000 men from Gilimores command be sent against Texas or Mobile. And now these troops are sent upon another expedition which, in my opinion, can produce no military result. I always have been, and still am, opposed to all these isolated expe- ditions on the sea and Gulf coast. It is true they greatly assist the Navy in maintaining the blockade and prevent contraband trade, but I think the troops so employed would do more good if concentrated on some important line of military operations. We have given too much attention to cutting the toe nails of our enemy instead of grasp- ing his throat. You will perceive from the facts stated above that there are serious, if not insurmountable, obstacles in the way of the proposed North Carolina expedition. Nevertheless, as it has much to recommend it, I shall submit it with your remarks to the consideration of the Presi- dent and Secretary of War as soon as troops enough return from furlough to attempt any important movement in this part of the theater of war. Lees army is by far the best in the rebel service, and I regard him as their ablest general. But little progress can be made here till that army is broken or defeated. There have been several good oppor- tunities to do this, viz, at Antietam, at Chancellorsville, and at Will- iamsport, in the retreat from Gettysburg. I am also of opinion that General Meade could have succeeded recently at Mine Run had he persevered in his attack. The overthrow of Lees army being the object of operations here, the q