PULASKI, September 25, 1864-1. 50 a. m.

Major B. H. POLK,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I have moved Colonel Spalding to Elk River bridge and Sulphur Branch trestle. They are moving out now. Shall hold out until re- enforcements arrive. Hurry up re-enforcements.

J. C. STARKWEATHER,

Brigadier-General.

PULASKI, September 25, 1864.

Major B. H. POLK:

Order General Croxton and Colonel Jones to move at once, or they will be too late as it is. Hurry them up; I need them badly.

JOHN C. STARKWEATHER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

PULASKI, September 25, 1864.

Major POLK:

The charges made against me are false, as all my staff officers and others connected with me will testify. Every one here wishes me to command. Men and officers are beseeching me. Let me fight the troops, and if anything is wrong I am ready to answer for it as a general officer; if not, give me leave to retire to Nashville, or give me orders of some kind, so that I may know what to do. I don't wish to remain here without a command, although I will take a musket, it necessary, and fight as a common soldier.

JOHN C. STARKWEATHER,

Brigadier-General.

MURFREESBOROUGH, September 25, 1864-10. 15 p. m.

Major B. H. POLK,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

What force has Forrest? Is he moving this way? I have not over 700 men to defend these extensive works. I should have additional regiment of infantry. I have telegraphed General Milroy to this effect.

H. P. VAN CLEVE,

Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, September 25, 1864-8. 15 p. m.

Colonel W. B. SIPES,

Columbia:

Send courier to General Croxton to say that Colonel Jones, with a good brigade and battery, is going on to Pulaski by rail, and that he must reach there by forced march to-morrow. He should start at 3 a. m. to-morrow.

B. H. POLK,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.