180 1/2.] COLUMBUS, January 25, 1865.

J. B. FORD,

Agent Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Wheeling, Va.:

I telegraphed you last night; no reply. Please let me hear as soon as possible how many cars have started over you road, and how they progress. Also how many are waiting at Bellaire. Major-General Couch, commanding, is here, and anxious to know before he goes on. Do you put large quantities of straw, or hay, in every car? This is very important. You can't put in too much. How about coffee?

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

181.] COLUMBUS, January 24, 1865-10 p. m.

E. W. WOODWARD,

Superintendent, Cincinnati, Ohio:

Please direct that no troops have Cincinnati before to-morrow evening. They are accumulating too rapidly at Bellaire. It is better that they remain on the boats a few hours, than at that place. Advise Captain Lewis of this. All goes well here.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

181 1/2.] ZANESVILLE, OHIO, January 24, 1865-11 p. m.

Colonel LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Columbus, Ohio:

We found it necessary to unload a large amount of freight at Columbus and other points to give you the use of the cars. I regret to say the soldiers are disposing of a considerable amount of it. Can't you protect us?

H. J. JEWETT.

181 3/4.] COLUMBUS, January 25, 1865.

H. J. JEWETT,

Zanesville, Ohio:

A guard has been detailed to protect property here. General Hooker has given stringent orders. I have requested him to give like orders at Bellaire, and to close all liquor shops on the line. Is all going well at Bellaire?

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

182.] COLUMBUS, January 25, 1865-12 p. m.

H. J. JEWETT,

Zanesville, Ohio:

Major-General Couch, commanding the Twenty-third Army Corps, has issued the following order,* which please furnish by copy to the

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*See No. 180, p. 262.

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