LA GRANGE, January 3, 1863.

General GRANT:

Is it not probable that Van Dorn is preparing to go to Forrest's aid rather than to make another attack on the railroad? There is no point now where he can cross Wolf River. If he goes to Forrest he must go by Chewalla, and Dodge may head him on the Tuscumbia.

HAMILTON.

HOLLY SPRINGS, January 3, 1863.

General DODGE:

The enemy's cavalry and mounted infantry have been crossing at Pontotoc with design no doubt of getting into our rear or possibly to re-enforce Forrest. Keep a sharp lookout for him and don't let him get across the Tuscumbia if it can be helped.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH DIVISION, LEFT WING,
THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE,

January 3, 1863-12 m.

Brigadier General C. S. HAMILTON,

Commanding Left Wing, La Grange, Tenn.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that pursuant to your instructions my division is now posted on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad from Colliersville, within 3 miles of Memphis. The Second Brigade, Colonel Eckley, guards the road from Colliersville to Germantown; the Third Brigade, Colonel Boomer, from Germantown to White's Station; and the First Brigade, Colonel Alexander, from the latter point to crossing the of Pigeon Roost road with the railroad, 3 miles from Memphis, where I have established my headquarters for the present.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. F. QUINBY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General CROCKER:

General Hamilton orders the inclosed to be forwarded immediately to General Quinby by courier.

Yours,

OPERATOR.

[Inclosure.]

HOLLY SPRINGS, January 3, 1863.

General QUINBY:

(In charge of commanding officer at La Fayette, to be forwarded to him at once.)

Give notice to the citizens on the road to Memphis that if necessary to secure the railroad every family and every vestige of property, except land itself, between the Hatchie and the Coldwater will be removed out of these limits or confiscated.

Arrest and parole all citizens between eighteen and fifty years of age.

Collect forage as far as practicable from south side of the road.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General, Commanding.