HDQRS. THIRD Brigadier, THIRD DIV., ELEVENTH CORPS, Whiteside's, Tenn., February 20, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept.of the Cumberland:

SIR: I have the honor to report that upon receiving a dispatch at 2 o'clock a.m. this day from headquarters Third Division, stating that an attack on Bridgeport, Ala., was threatened by the enemy, I at once sent out scouts and patrols in the direction of Trenton, Warren's Mill, and Gordon's Mines, who have all returned, reporting that nothing of importance had taken place, and unable to obtain any clue as to the whereabouts or intention of the enemy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. HECKER,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade and Post.

HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, One mile North of West Point, February 20, 1864-10.30 p.m.

Colonel L. F. McCRILLIS,
Commanding Third Brigade:

COLONEL: Your dispatch to General Smith received. The general is very sick to-night. You will move up to the position now occupied by Major Minnis, of the Third Tennessee Cavalry, and look well to your right flank and rear. The enemy passed from West Point toward Houston, and are now encamped across the Sakatouchee River, about 3 miles from here. This is to the right of the position you will occupy. Be ready to move at daylight in the morning. Be very vigilant.

By order of Brigadier-General Grierson:

S. L. WOODWARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

KNOXVILLE, February 21, 1864.

Major General U. S. GRANT:

I had not received your letter of the 16th when I answered your dispatch of the 18th, and hence did not understand its full import. Will write you fully to-day. The enemy retreated from Flat Creek yesterday after our reconnaissance. I have not heard whether they recrossed the Holston.

J. M. SCHOFILED,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, February 21, 1864.

Major-General SCHOFIELD, Knoxville:

Please telegraph me what movements, if any, are being made by the enemy in your front; also, the present position, if you have reliable information respecting them.

GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.