request that all the timber on the opposite [side] of the river be cut down; that Forrest is near Jackson, and that [there are] fears of an attack at Johnsonville.

L. H. ROUSSEAU,

Major-General.

HUNTSVILLE, September 23, 1864- 9 p. m.

Major B. H. POLK,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Two hundred of the enemy reported between Decatur and Athens. Telegraph wires cut, but railroad all right. Colonel Prosser in pursuit one hour behind them.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

HUNTSVILLE, September 23, 1864.

Major B. H. POLK:

Enemy on the road two miles from Athens. Another party this p. m. six miles from Decatur, 200 strong: burnt house of Jack Harris. Have sent THIRD Tennessee and One hundred and second Ohio in pursuit. Will leave early in the morning with additional troops to look after rebels. The force can't be large. General Starkweather, with force, has left for Athens.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

PULASKI, September 23, 1864.

Major-General ROUSSEAU:

We have no communication now south. All in readiness, &c.

JOHN C. STARKWEATHER,

Brigadier-General.

LOUISVILLE, September 23, 1864.

(Received 24th.)

Major General John M. SCHOFIELD:

The following from General Sherman is just received:

ATLANTA, September 22, 1864.

Major-General SCHOFIELD:

General Thomas consents that General Gillem serve with you up in East Tennessee, but his DIVISION properly belongs down along the Tennessee River from Florence down, and from present information they are more needed there than up in East Tennessee. I doubt the necessity of your sending far into Virginia to destroy the salt- works, or any other material interest; we must destroy their armies.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

J. A. CAMPBELL,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.