commanding therefore directs that you hurry it forward with the least possible delay. The Eighth Regiment has been ordered to Abingdon, and Colonel McCausland will be left without any cavalry force until the Seventeenth reaches him. The enemy is vigorously pressing us in East Tennessee, and movements must be prompt.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MERIDIAN, October 16, 1863.

Major-General LORING,

Brandon:

General Johnston directs that you go to the support of Jackson with Adams' and the half of Buford's brigade now at Canton, with the artillery of both, and that you recall those gone to Grenada.

BENJ. S. EWELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MERIDIAN, October 16, 1863.

General BUFORD,

Canton:

Retain at Canton the half of your brigade now there till General Adams' arrival with his brigade, and then proceed to Grenada.

By command of General Johnston:

BENJ. S. EWELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

OCTOBER 16, 1863.

Captain HENRY,

Assistant Quartermaster, Brandon:

Send a courier to General Adams with this dispatch:

Press on to Canton with your brigade. The enemy is threatening. This is not intended to change your orders to go to Grenada.

BENJ. S. EWELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

OCTOBER 16, 1863.

General J. E. JOHNSTON,

Demopolis:

General Jackson reports enemy advancing (infantry, cavalry, and artillery) from Messinger's Ferry to Brownsville. General Chalmers reports from Water Valley, on 16th, enemy retired at 3 p. m. yesterday; did not cross the river.

BENJ. S. EWELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.