OXFORD, MISS., December 13, 1862.

Major General GRENVILLE M. DODGE, Corinth, Miss.:

A cavalry force leaves our front to strike the Mobile road as far south as possible. They are instructed then to push north, destroying the road until they meet the force sent by you, if practicable.

your troops should be instructed to be back within six days, and to run no risk of being cut off.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

WATER VALLEY, MISS., December 13, 1862.

Major General U. S. GRANT:

As directed by Colonel Dickney, chief of cavalry, I reported myself in command of the cavalry division, with headquarters at this place. The information I get is that the mass of the rebel army is at Grenada. An outpost of cavalry at Torrance Station; strength about 1,200. The rest of the cavalry are at Stratham's, on Yalabusha. No infantry north of Grenada. Pickets 3 miles south of Coffeeville, with occasional patrols in Coffeville. I am guarding railroad bridge at this place and the crossings of the Otuckalofa. Let the Sixth Illinois Cavalry come up, if possible.

J. K. MIZNER,

Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Division.

WATER VALLEY, December 13, 1862.

General GRANT:

A scout sent to Oakland captured a messenger with orders to Major Blythe to destroy all cotton between the Tallahatchie and Coldwater, and all other points accessible. He expected to find Major Blythe at Horn Lake, 14 miles from Memphis. We also learn from him that Price is camped 5 miles west of Grenada, and Van Dorn 3 miles east of Grenada. Force of each, 15,000. Six hundred re-enforcements arrived from below, on Thursday. Pemberton is at Grenada. Lovell left for Richmond on Tuesday. Enemy is throwing up earstworks north of Yalabusha; work is done by negroes. Pickets are 7 miles north of Grenada. I moved at daylight.

J. K. MIZNER,

Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Division.

OXFORD, MISS., December 13, 1862.

Colonel MIZNER, Spring Dale:

Move with your cavalry to the south or southeast slowly, to cover the movement of Colonel Dickey. You should remain out until Monday evening or Tuesday. Should Dickey apprise him of the fact or go to his assistance, as may seem best.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.