The line of Knoxville and Cumberland Gap must be maintained at all hazards. Communicate freely with General Foster, and give me such information as may be important.

It is reported from the Army of the Potomac that no troops have left Lee recently to re-enforce Longstreet.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, January 18, 1864.

Major-General FOSTER,

Knoxville:

The Dunbar has been back four or five days. The Lookout is now up river, and I will send you the Chattanooga and Kingston. They are now on the way up. Have also ordered the railroad to be repaired as rapidly as possible. Work will be commenced tomorrow.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, January 18, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding Department of the Ohio, Knoxville, Tenn.:

GENERAL: I have been informed that there are great facilities of every kind for truing out lumber at Kingston. I am in need of lumber for the construction of store-houses at this point for a depot from which to supply not only this army but also that of the Ohio. As you are interested in this work as well as myself, you would oblige me if you would give the officer in charge of the saw-mills at Kingston orders to supply such lumber as may be required for by my engineer officer, who, if he can get it, [will] have it floated down the rived to this place.

I a, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, Commanding.

P. S.-Will commence reconstructing the railroad from this place to London next week.

G. H. T.

NASHVILLE, January 18, 1864.

Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS,

Chattanooga:

General Wilsom has been ordered to take charge of Cavalry Bureau, and cannot, therefore, relieve Crook. I have asked for Ransom, who is as fine an officer for the place a can be fund in the service. If we get him, it cannot be under twenty of thirty days.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.