WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., February 17, 1864.

(Received 18th.)

Lieutenant-General POLK,

Demopolis (care of General Pillow):

You will be re-enforced. Employ al means within your power to obstruct and delay the enemy and to collect supplies and stores for your coming forces. Call General Forrest with his cavalry to your assistance, leaving General Chalmers to check any movement in North Mississippi. Make all necessary arrangements for immediate and active operations against the enemy.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

(Repeated February 19.)

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Richmond, Va., February 17, 1864.

General MAURY, Mobile:

Your infantry and cavalry should be sent out to obstruct and delay the enemy in his advance. General Polk will be largely re-enforced. The enemy must not reach the Gulf. Your efforts should now be more against him in the field than in preparation for defense of the city.

JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

RICHMOND, February 17, 1864.

General FORREST (care General S. D. Lee):

Leave General Chalmers with his cavalry to check the enemy in North Mississippi and proceed with dispatch to aid General Lee in operations against the enemy in East Mississippi. This is sent direct. General Polk will be advised.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS,
Demopolis, Ala., February 17, 1864.

Major-General FORREST:

GENERAL: All the cavalry has left west of the Tombigbee River. General Lee is directed to co-operate with you. Communicate with him by wire or courier in the most practicable way. Communicate with General Polk here by telegraph via Gainesville.

Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

THOS. M. JACK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Near Alamutche, February 17, 1864-4 p. m.

Brigadier-General JACKSON, Commanding Division:

GENERAL: General Forrest telegraphs on the 14th Grenada that 10,000 mounted infantry and thirty-one pieces of artillery passed Holly Springs on the evening of the 12th, moving in direction of Beck's