Colonel Morton, who has been to-day ordered to Aberdeen with his command, embracing a section of Captain Rice's light battery, under Lieutenant Haller, to proceed immediately to Cotton Gin, to occupy the east bank of the river, to carry out the same instructions given you above. You will be careful to destroy all ferry-boats and guard all fords as far as practicable. Check the enemy in any attempt to cross the Tombigbee.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DANIEL RUGGLES,

Brigadier-General.

NEAR EMORY'S BRIDGE, VIA TIBBEE,

February 22, 1864-9 p. m. (Received 23rd.)

Brigadier-General RUGGLES:

Forrest at last accounts was within 3 miles of Okolona in pursuit of the enemy, who was still retreating. I think they are bound for Memphis. On evening of 20th two brigades of infantry were 10 miles east of Decatur, moving westward. Their army is evidently returning to Vicksburg.

S. D. LEE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Eight Miles south of Egypt, February 22, 1864.

Colonel RICHARD HARRISON:

If General Ruggles is at Columbus you will assume command of all the mounted force of General Ruggles and move up to Cotton Gin Port. The enemy is at Okolona and may attempt to cross at that point or above. Should they do so you will harass and prevent them from doing so. Should they cross you will check them all you can. Keep in their front, burn all bridges behind you, and keep me advised of all their movements. Send a copy of this to General Ruggles.

N. B. FORREST,

Major-General.

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS,

Demopolis, Ala., February 22, 1864.

Major-Generals Loring and French will move with their commands as early as practicable to-morrow morning across the river and await further orders. Loring's division will move in front, French's division following.

By command of Lieutenant-General Polk:

THOS. M. JACK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Columbus, Miss., February 23, 1864.

Colonel RICHARD HARRISON,

Commanding Cavalry Brigade:

COLONEL: I am instructed by the brigadier-general commanding to inclose an order from Major-General Forrest, received some two