U. S. IRON-CLAD ESSEX,

Memphis, October 22, 1864.

Major WILLIAM H. MORGAN,

Chief of Staff, &c.:

DEAR MAJOR: I send an office again to ask if you have any further information regarding the position or movements of the enemy. Captain Pennock tells me that he may leave in the morning, and he desires to have the latest news. I must say it is my own opinion that the rebels have not in any degree abandoned their intention to attack Memphis. Their last known positions place them on roads radiating hence like a fan, and much nearer Memphis than to Columbus, or any other seemingly threatened point. They desire to full is into a fatal security by circulating rumors of intended movements into Western Kentucky. But I have no fear that they will deceive you into a disregard of all prudent preparations.

Yours, very truly,

ROBERT TOWNSEND,

Commander, U. S. Navy.

[OCTOBER 22, 1864. - For Dana to Canby, in relation to operations in WEST Tennessee, Arkansas, &c., see Vol. XLI.]

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Gaylesville, Ala., October 23, 1864.

Colonel EASTON,

Chief Quartermaster, Chattanooga or Atlanta, Ga.:

Come to Rome and to me for consultation, and prepared with a summary of all property from Chattanooga forward. Send back all unserviceable stock, wagons, and stores, and keep on hand only a limited supply, just what we can pick up in our wagons and haul.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

PONTOON, COOSA RIVER,

October 23, 1864 - 4. 07 p. m.

General W. T. SHERMAN:

GENERAL: I arrived here and found everything in readiness to proceed to the point designated. We will start just after [dark.] We will try and arrive at the bluff at 3 o'clock to-morrow morning.

E. L. GARDNER,

First Lieutenant, Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry Volunteers.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL- GENERAL,
October 23, 1864.

Malachi S. Carter, Second Georgia Cavalry, Martin's DIVISION, says: I reached Atlanta yesterday. I live in De Kalb County, seven miles from Atlanta. Was conscripted in June, 1864, and kept under guard