NASHVILLE, TENN., October 31, 1864-9. 40 a. m.

Major-General STANELY, or

COMMANDING OFFICER GENERAL STANLEY'S TROOPS,

Athens:

March your command at once to Pulaski. General Croxton reports that the enemy has crossed the Tennessee River above Florence. Make preparations at once for a stubborn defense of Pulaski. Communicate with General Croxton at Shoal Creek, and ascertain if possible the exact position of the enemy.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, TENN., October 31, 1864-12 m.

Major-General STANLEY,

Athens:

Have you received my dispatch to you of this morning directing you to march your corps to Pulaski as soon as possible to defend that place? If not I wish you to do so at once. Acknowledge receipt.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

ATHENS, October 31, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

The infantry of General Wood's DIVISION arrived here this morning with the officers' horses. They have no transportation or artillery. I have not heard whether the next DIVISION has left Chattanooga or not. I will leave orders for them to move to Pulaski as fast as possible. I will send the baggage back to Stevenson. I will order my supply train to Dechard or Huntsville, as you think best. Please have rations and ammunition for us at Pulaski. I ordered my artillery to be shipped last. Had it not better be left?

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

ATHENS, October31, 1864-12. 30 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Nashville:

Will you send orders to the commissary officer at Stevenson for my supply train, and give General Steedman instructions for my artillery, which is still at Chattanooga?

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, TENN., October 31, 1864-3 p. m.

Major General D. S. STANLEY,

Pulaski:

Your dispatch from Athens is received. Your supply train had better be ordered to Decherd and your artillery should come up with the