with all speed to Nashville and Chattanooga; but at this distance I cannot estimate the time. I hate to break up my corps, but cannot help it. I await Audenried's return and Grant's orders.

With great respect,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

SAULSBURY, September 25, 1863.

Colonel MERSY,

Commanding;

Colonel Hawkins has just received a notice that Colonel Hurst sent a force to Ripley this morning. He is after the same force I mentioned this morning. I deem it prudent not to send a force from here for fear of a collision. Faulkner is 10 miles below Ripley, on the New Albany road.

Respectfully,

J. F. DRISH,

Lieutenant-Colonel [122nd Illinois], Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, September 25, 1863- 1 p.m.

Colonel R. ALLEN,

Quartermaster, Saint Louis, Mo.:

Which of the Missouri railroads has a track of 5-foot gauge, and what is the total number of passenger cars, freight cars, and locomotives of that gauge now in Missouri?

P. H. WATSON,

Assistant Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, September 25, 1863-8.45 p.m.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Chattanooga:

Is J. B. Anderson a suitable person to be military superintendent of railroads in your department? Please answer immediately.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

BRIDGEPORT, September 25, 1863.

General ROSECRANS:

Arrived here at 1 p.m.; feeding horses; expect to start and endeavor to overtake trains on road to headquarters as soon as horses are fed. No escort to be had here.

M. C. MEIGS,

Quartermaster-General.