HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS., December 31, 1862.

Brigadier General J. B. McPHERSON, Abbeville, Miss.:

At Memphis all reports confirm the taking of Vicksburg by Sherman, but no particulars can be obtained. General McClernand and 49 staff officers chartered the Tigress and started for Vicksburg yesterday. Hurlbut thinks the enemy have erected batteries on the river that will prevent him from getting down. Holmes is moving against Helena, but there is sufficient force there to protect the place. General Gorman is moving on Little Rock by steamers. No damage has been done rail road between La Fayette and Memphis.

There has been a great deal of cannonading to-day east of Henderson Station. Hope Sullivan has Forrest in a tight place.

I will try and get down to see you on the 2d.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. 13TH A. C., DEPT. OF THE TENN.,

Numbers 58.
Holly Springs, Miss., December 31, 1862.

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IV. 1st. It having been alleged that the One hundred and ninth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers has shown indications of disloyalty, and many members of the regiment having voluntarily hundred up citizens in the neighborhood of their camp to surrender and obtain paroles from is hereby placed in arrest.

2d. The regiment will be disarmed by the commander of the brigade to which the regiment is temporarily attached, and the arms and ammunition of the regiment turned over to the ordnance officer, Lieutenant Carter, to be disposed of as may hereafter be ordered.

3d. Officers and men will be confined within camp limits until otherwise ordered.

The conduct of Company K of said regiment being in honorable contrast to the balance of the regiment, is exempt from the effect of the above order, and will be placed on duty with the brigade to which said regiment is attached.

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By order of Major General U. S. Grant:

[JOHN A. RAWLINS,]

Assistant Adjutant-General.