93.] LOUISVILLE, January 20, 1865.

Captain FRANK. ERNST,

Assistant Quartermaster, Louisville, Ky.:

CAPTAIN: You are instructed to detain the steamers (connected with the mail line between Cincinnati and Louisville) at Louisville until detachments of troops can be concentrated and taken on board.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

94.] LOUISVILLE, January 20, 1865.

Captain FRANK. ERNST,

Assistant Quartermaster, Louisville, Ky.:

CAPTAIN: You are hereby authorized and instructed to take possession of the Louisville and portland Canal for such a period of time as is required to pass the fleet of transports bearing troops to this city and to points above.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

95.] LOUISVILLE, KY., January 20, 1865.

Captain FRANK. ERNST,

Assistant Quartermaster, Louisville, Ky.:

CAPTAIN: You will require the assistance of Captain Varble and Captain B. C. Levi to assist in receiving and reshipping troops to this post. You are hereby authorized to employ the above-named parties.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

96.] LOUISVILLE, January 20, 1865.

General SCHOFIELD,

Louisville, Ky.:

The Cora S. came up here with sick, who have been taken off and put into the hospital here. I desire to put 300 or 400 troops on her and send to Cincinnati to-night. The physician in charge desires some order before, he says, he can properly surrender the boat for such purposes. He says he sees no reason why it could not be so used. Will you not please indorse on this authority for me to use this boat for this purpose?

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

[Indorsement.]

97.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,

Louisville, January 20, 1865.

Colonel Parsons is hereby authorized to take possession of the steamer Cora S. and use her for the purpose named within.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.