non-commissioned officer. Use every possible means to prevent Hood from crossing the river. I will direct General Granger to send a party to relieve your guards at Lamb's Ferry.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

SCHOAL CREEK, October 31, 1864.

(Via Pulaski November 1.)

Major-General THOMAS:

I hold Shoal Creek, seven miles east of Florence, and Bough's Factory, nine miles north. The enemy have crossed a large force, but have not yet struck out for their destination. I will try and learn to-night whether they intend to move east or north.

JOHN. T. CROXTON,

Brigadier-General.

JOHNSONVILLE, October 31, 1864.

Captain Thomas C. WILLIAMS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

The gun-boat 55 and two transports captured yesterday near Fort Heiman. One transport thought to be disabled. The pilot of the 55 just now came in on foot from the boat. Seth Andrews stated to him this morning that 4,000 rebels passed through Paris last week, and that Forrest was coming with two DIVISIONS more; that they intend to capture Johnsonville.

CHAS. R. THOMPSON,

Colonel, Commanding.

JOHNSONVILLE, October 31, 1864.

Captain WILLARD,

Aide-de-Camp:

The dispatches for General Hatch, via this place, did not reach him. In accordance with former instructions he started to go to Stevenson, via Pulaski.

C. R. THOMPSON,

Colonel.

JOHNSONVILLE, October 31, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

Your dispatch received. I have not now, nor have had, any idea of surrendering. Will fight till the last if attacked. I feel confident that I can hold the place; have requested the gun-boats now [here] to remain; there are three.

C. R. THOMPSON,

Colonel, Commanding.

COLUMBIA, October 31, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,

Chief of Staff:

I have just arrived here. The four guns are being taken off the train, and will be at once placed in position in the fort. The Fourth