Third. General instructions to the military commander to endeavor to impress all the able-bodied persons of African descent possible for this service.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. C. MEIGS,

Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army.

PULASKI, TENN., February 20, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS,

Athens:

Citizens report that 400 or 500 rebels crossed to this side of river, near mouth of Blue Water, at the Cane Islands. They say they have considerable stock on these islands.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.

LOOKOUT VALLEY, February 20, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,

Chattanooga:

Just received the following telegram:

SHELLMOUND, February 19, 1864.

General Geary informs us that information has been received that an attack is to be threatened by General Morgan on Bridgeport within twenty-four hours from yesterday. My brigade commanders have been warned extra caution.

H. TYNDALE,

Brigadier-General.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General.

PULASKI, February 20, 1864. [Received 21st.]

Major SAWYER,

Assistant-Colonel Phillips, on river, sends following:

I am informed by a party who crossed river yesterday that it is reported on other side of river, and the report credited, that Sherman is in Meridian; that Hardee commands the Confederate forces before him, and that the enemy are falling back before him, moving up toward Columbus, Miss. I send it just as reported.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.

PULASKI, TENN., February 20, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel PHILLIPS, Athens:

Colonel Noyes, with Thirty-ninth Ohio and a battery, will reach Athens to-morrow and relieve you of all post, guard, and other duty except scouting,&c. Recruit your stock as much as possible, and rest your men, keeping close watch on river as usual.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.