CANTON, February 4, 1864.

Major-General FRENCH,

Commanding:

Recent dispatches received from General Lee represent affairs so different from heretofore, I would like you to telegraph me the exact news from the front, as there may be some mistake. Please say where Lee's forces are and where the enemy are.

W. W. LORING,

Major-General.

CANTON, February 4, 1864 - 10.30 p. m.

Major-General FRENCH,

Commanding, & c.:

Reliable scout of Henderson says from best information Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Army Corps, under Sherman, are advancing upon Jackson. Considerable artillery and twenty days' rations (three cooked). Eight transports with troops and three gun-boats passed up this morning to Yazoo City.

W. W. LORING,

Major-General.

MERIDIAN, MISS.,

February 4, 1864.

Major-General LORING,

Canton, Miss.:

Keep in communication with General Forrest, at Oxford, notifying him of movements of enemy.

THOS. M. JACK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MERIDIAN, MISS.,

February 4, 1864.

Major-General LEE, Clinton:

Advise General Forrest, at Oxford, of any important movements of the enemy.

THOS. M. JACK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

THREE MILES BEYOND BOLTON,

February 4, 1864 - 11.05 a. m.

Colonel YOUNG:

The enemy are advancing on the Clinton and Raymond road from Champion's Hill; 6 or 8 prisoners have been taken. From all I can learn McPherson's corps is on this road. There is another column across Big Black. Prisoners say their force is 30,000. Will not be able to develop their entire strength till they are more concentrated, as they are on several roads.

S. D. LEE,

Major-General.