been relieved from the command of the Army of Mississippi and that Lieutenant-General Polk is now commanding; that you must apply to the latter for aid in carrying out the laws of impressment.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. G. WILLIAMS,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Commissary of Subsistence.

HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, January 7, 1864-8.30 p. m.

Major General WILLIAM T. MARTIN,

Commanding Cavalry:

I am in receipt of your two notes of to-day. The commanding general desires you to take two of your brigades, as soon as you can to Sevierville, to see what the enemy's force is. That you report between Sevierville and Newport, and break it up if it can be done. please let me know when you will start.

* * * *

I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

G. M. SORREL,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Adjutant-General.

DALTON, January 7, 1864.

Hon J. A. SEDDON:

Is impressment of houses considered legal? The commanding officer at Kingston impressed a house as a necessity. The owner appalled to the State court, which decided for him; the Governor ordered enforcement of decision. What shall be done?

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[Indorsement.]

JANUARY 8, 1864.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY:

I suppose an appeal is all that can be done. If you concur, please telegraph in my name.

J. A. S.,

Secretary.

DALTON, January 7, 1864.

His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN,

Milledgeville:

The railroad does not supply equal to daily consumption of army; it is said for want of supply of wood. Cannot this be remedied? Unless there is a change for the better, disaster will result. I respectfully urge your interposition.

J. E. JOHNSTON.