as early as possible the necessary force if it be in any way practicable either by your own action or by reference to the department commander.

Captain Hall's headquarters are at Paducah.

I am, general, respectfully, your obeW. H. SIDELL,

Major Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, Actg. Asst. Pro. March General

WASHINGTON, May 18, 1864-10. 30 a. m.

Major-General SHERMAN,

Georgia:

Dispatch from General Crook, dated 14th,* says that Morgan is preparing a raid through Pound Gap on Richmond, Ky., Lexington, Frankfort, Bardstown, and thence back to Johnston's army, cutting railroads from Louisville to Nashville and Chattanooga. Who is now in command in Kentucky? He should organize and meet Morgan before he reaches Richmond. Scouts should go to Pound Gap to give notice of Morgan's movements.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

LEXINGTON, KY., May 18, 1864.

Captain T. E. HALL,

Assistant Quartermaster, Camp Nelson, Ky.:

Pay owners of negroes impressed for labor on fortifications without requiring the oath of allegiance.

By order of Brigadier-General Burbridge:

J. BATES DICKSON,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

LOUISA, KY., May 18, 1864.

Captain J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

CAPTAIN: Major Smith's command returned yesterday all safe; brought 2 prisoners, Lieutenant W. H. Stevens, Company A, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, one of John Morgan's men, and Captain William A. Cheney, Company F, Prentice's battalion, known to be the leader of a band of guerrillas. Will forward Major Smith's report by mail. +

S. B. BROWN,

Colonel, Commanding First Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Memphis, Tenn., May 18, 1864. (Received 21st.)

Major General E. R. S. CANBY,

Commanding DIVISION of WEST Mississippi:

GENERAL: Your dispatch is received. I will have my troops ready for any call. I am ordered by Major-General McPherson to make an

---------------

*See Vol. XXXVII, Part I, p. 454.

+See Part I, p. 14.

---------------