HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, January 8, 1864.

Major-General STANLEY,

Bridgeport, Ala.:

Had you not best send out some of the Alabama rangers to find out whether there is any truth in report of intended rebel raid over Lookout Mountain to cut the railroad?

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

BRIDGEPORT,

January 8, 1864-9 p.m.

Brigadier General W. D. WHIPPLE,

Chief of Staff:

Received your dispatch. Will start the Alabamians at daylight. They are so timid I fear they will not go far. I have warned all my posts and will keep a good lookout. Home guards are scouting the mountains everywhere, conscripting men. Twelve and 20 conscripts and deserters come in daily.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

CHATTANOOGA,

January 8, 1864.

Major-General HOOKER:

The following information received:

Lloyd states that the rebels intend to make a raid across Lookout Mountain to cut the railroad. Home guards still scouting across the mountain. Their headquarters have been removed from Dirt Town in direction of Lookout Mountain; it is not known exactly where.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS,
Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 8, 1864.

Major-General HOWARD,

Commanding Eleventh Corps:

GENERAL: In reply to your letter of yesterday the major-general commanding directs me to state that the negligence in the post-office and supply departments is of such long standing that any immediate improvement is almost hopeless, and therefore suggests that you detail two or three trustworthy men to take charge of your mails and stores from Bridgeport. In no other way can we expect relief from the irregularities to which we are subject. These men can see that your supplies are shipped at the proper time and also that they are properly delivered at the point due. The general therefore