office of the medical director, who give orders for the proper disposition of the cases.

4th. Sick and convalescent left behind on the movement of the 26th ultimo will be examined by a board of medical officers within the fort, and all who are will rejoin their command at once. Requisitions for immediate necessary supplies will be made in triplicate, according to Form 49, Quartermaster's Department, approved by the medical director.

By order of Major General W. T. Sherman:

J. H. HAMMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL., December 17, 1862 - 9 a. m.

(Received 10.16 a. m.)

His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,

President of the United States:

I believe I am superseded. Please advise me.,

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Major-General.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL., December 17, 1862 - 9 a. m.

(Received 10.16 a. m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I believe I have been superseded. Please inquire and let me know whether it is and shall be so.

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, D. C., December 17, 1862.

Major-General McCLERNAND, Springfield, Ill.:

Your telegram this movement received. It surprises me, but I will ascertain and let you know immediately.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., December 17, 1862.

Major-General McCLERNAND, Springfield, Ill.:

There has been, as I informed by General Halleck, no order superseding you. It was designed, as you know, to organize the troops for your expedition after they should reach Memphis or the place designated as their rendezvous. The troops having been sent forward they are now to be organized. The operations being in General Grant's department, it is designed all the troops of that department in three army corps, the First Army Corps to be commanded by you, and assigned to the operations on the Mississippi under the general supervision of the general commanding the department. General Halleck is to issue the order immediately.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.