adjust themselves to the actual state of affairs, and even if we would we could not change the cost. Indeed, the larger the cost now the less will it be in the end, for the end must be attained somehow, regardless of cost of life and treasure, and is merely a question of time.

Excuse so long a letter.

With great respect,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

SEPTEMBER 17, 1863.

General OSTERHAUS,

Black River Bridge:

I think it is at our pickets at Amsterdam; have sent down to ascertain. The firing has slackened. I will notify you as soon as I hear; in the mean time be on the lookout.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. CAV. DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS,

Numbers 55.
Memphis, Tenn., September 17, 1863.

The Eleventh Illinois Cavalry and Tenth Missouri Cavalry will immediately upon their arrival report to Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, who will assign them camping ground outside the city and prevent straggling, and keep the command in readiness to go on board transports at a moment's notice.

By order of Brigadier-General Grierson, commanding division:

J. K. CATLIN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

CORINTH, September 17, 1863.

Major-General HURLBUT:

Reconnaissance from Pocahontas just in reports no enemy 6 miles south of Ripley. Another reconnaissance gone out this morning.

E. A. CARR,

Brigadier-General.

CORINTH, September 17, 1863.

Major-General HURLBUT:

Your letter of the 13th received to-day. Last news from Roddey indicates that his headquarters are at Moulton, Ala. Rumor to-night that Ferguson with 4,000 men and eight pieces of artillery was at Orizaba on Sunday on his way to Ruckersville. Have ordered reconnaissance from Pocahontas and La Grange.

E. A. CARR,

Brigadier-General.