WAR DEPARTMENT, September 24, 1863-11.20 a.m.

R. P. BOWLER, Esq.,

Prest. Covington and Lexington R. R., Covington, Ky.:

Please inform me immediately:

1. What is the capacity of your rolling stock for the transportation of troops from Cincinnati to Louisville, stating the number and description of cars and locomotives?

2. What time is required for the trip from Covington to Louisville?

3. Is your gauge the same as the Louisville and Nashville road, and how soon could you concentrate your whole rolling stock at Louisville for transportation of troops from thence to Nashville?

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WASHINGTON, September 24, 1863.

Colonel McCALLUM,

Superintendent Military Railroad Transportation:

COLONEL: The Secretary of War direct that you take charge of all matters of railroad transportation of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps from Virginia to Tennessee, and that in everything connected with such transportation, loading and unloading the cars, &c., all officers of whatsoever grade will obey your instructions and give you all possible assistance. This will serve as your authority.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

CINCINNATI, OHIO, September 24, 1863-2.30 p.m.

(Received 2.40 p.m.)

Hon. E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Our road can transport, with two days' notice in advance, 8,000 men per day. They will have to take other cars at Lexington for Louisville. Louisville and Nashville same gauge as ours. We cannot concentrate our cars at Louisville owing to difference of gauge between Louisville and Lexington. Time from Covington to Louisville, twelve hours.

R. B. BOWLER,

President.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, September 24, 1863-5 p.m.

AMASA STONE, JR., Esq.,

Cleveland, Ohio:

Please come to Washington immediately. Answer then you may be expected.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.