as near permanent as possible. Osterhaus has Steele's old division, Asboth now has Tuttle's division, and Tuttle is now here. Asboth ranks Tuttle, but Tuttle ranks Osterhaus. I do think General Asboth should have some fixed command, say the fortifications of Vicksburg, as independent of any division or brigade. I want morgan L. Smith to have his old division (Second), but "Blair will soon be here to command it, and W. S. Smith is daily expected and will want his old division (Fourth). The brigades are all so small now that they do not satisfy a brigadier. Can you suggest any relief for the dilemma? Will be at Oak Ridge to-morrow.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

VICKSBURG, MISS., September 18, 1863.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Black River:

Will assign General Tuttle to command fortifications here.

JNumbers A. RAWLINS,

Brigadier-General and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS, CAV. FORCES, 15TH ARMY CORPS,

Numbers 9.
September 18, 1863.

I. The commanding officer Fifth Illinois Cavalry will detail from his command 100 men and 4 officers, well armed and mounted, for a scout of 15 miles and return, to report to Captain Woods, at these headquarters, to-morrow morning at 3.30 o'clock.

II. Captain Woods, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, will take command of a scouting party of 200 men, to report to him at these headquarters to-morrow morning at 3.30 o'clock, and sweep up along west side of Black River, 2 miles above Birdsong's Ferry, thence to camp by way of Oak Ridge.

E. F. WINSLOW,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, September 18, 1863.

Brigadier General JOHN A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I send you the inclosed telegram from the General-in-Chief. It needs immediate action, which of course will be given. I shall move all I can spare at once.

Your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General.

[Inclosure.]

WASHINGTON CITY,

September 15, 1863-5 p.m.

Major General S. A. HURLBUT,

Memphis:

All the troops that can possibly be spared in Western Tennessee and on the Mississippi River should be sent without delay to assist