mounted force to Brown's Ferry, to watch until General Dodge's force returns.

I would also ask that you send a small cavalry force to Athens, to occupy that place also until General Dodge's troops return. I am compelled to make this request of you in view of the small force I have here at my disposal. If you can possibly accede to this, I should be most gratified. It will at the same time render the country at Athens and below safe during General Dodge's absence. The troops will be relieved at once when Dodge's force get back.

Please answer by bearer.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. M. SAWYER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, January 28, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel BUSWELL,
Commanding Tenth Iowa and Ninety-third Illinois Vols.:

COLONEL: You will move forward rapidly with your command to Mooresville, Ala., carrying two days' rations in haversacks and three in wagons, and sixty rounds of ammunition in cartridge-boxes. You will relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Bigg's command at Mooresville, which moves to another point. You will advise with Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs about the proper precaution to be taken at Mooresville to insure your maintaining your position at that point. You will keep guards upon the railroad from Mooresville tot he junction of the railroads, and will learn from Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs the locality of a crossing at the Tennessee River near Mooresville, which will also require to be guarded.

By order of Brigadier General John E. Smith:

M. ROCHESTER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, January 28, 1864-10.15 a. m.

Colonel BRACKETT, Collierville:

Order 200 men of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry to move to moscow, scouting from that point toward Mount Pleasant. Have them start at once.

It is reported taht a force of the enemy is north of the Coldwater, moving toward la Fayette or Moscow.

B. M. GRIERSON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry Division.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, January 28, 1864.

Colonel McCRILLIS, Collierville:

Scout well to the south and southeast. It is reported that a force of the enemy is working north of the Coldwater toward La Fayette or Moscow.

B. M. GRIERSON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry Division.