COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 12, 1864.

Captain S. L. WOODWARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division:

Patrols have returned from Olive Branch; saw 3 rebels and heard of a force south of Coldwater, but could not ascertain the number. Nothing was heard of at Quinn's Mill. Patrols to Mount Pleasant and south of there saw 1 rebel scout, but learned nothing of the presence of the enemy; saw several men who stated that there was no force of the enemy north of the Tallahatchie. Will send scouts out in morning.

W. SCOTT BELDEN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

GERMANTOWN, January 12, 1864.

Captain WOODWARD:

CAPTAIN: The scout ordered by you has returned. They report the number of rebels at about 40 men. They had placed a shell under the track, which exploded as the last car was passing over. No damage done, except breaking a rail. They then left in the direction of Coldwater, but our men could not come up to them. I have a scout out toward Olive Branch at this time.

J. COKER,

Captain Sixth Illinois Cavalry.

MEMPHIS, TENN., January 12, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Germantown:

Send 200 men immediately toward Collierville and ascertain the cause of the breaking of the telegraph and firing into the train. Pursue any enemy you find.

B. H. GRIERSON,

Brigadier-General.

MEMPHIS, TENN., January 12, 1864.

Colonel J. K. MIZNER,

Commanding First Cavalry Brigade, La Grange, Tenn.:

Move the balance of your command, with all camp and garrison equipage, from Corinth and other points east to La Grange. Commence with Corinth.

B. H. GRIERSON,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tenn., January 12, 1864.

Major D. E. COON,

Commanding Second Iowa Cavalry:

MAJOR: In obedience to orders from headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps, you will detail a full company of your command, with five commissioned officers (about 75 men, a captain, and 4 lieutenants),