trip down Paint Rock to its mouth, thence descending the Tennessee River to the mouth of Flint River, and concurs in the above statements. He was told by citizens that General Forrest had gone west, toward Decatur.

P. J. OSTERHAUS.

ATHENS, March 22, 1864.

Major R. M. SAWYER,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Nashville:

Scout in from Demopolis; left a week ago last Friday. French's and Loring's divisions were there; they came through Selma; only small force there. The two regiments of infantry at Mount Hope (one from Loring's division) went there for purpose of letting re-enlisted men visit their homes. Says it was currently reported at Demopolis that Forrest, Lee, and Jackson had been ordered north, but did not know to what point.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.

ATHENS, ALA., March 22, 1864.

Brigadier General J. D. STEVENSON,

Decatur:

Push mounted force out to-night toward Somerville. Arms and accouterments on to-day's train will be at Junction to-night. Thirty-ninth Ohio on road to you. We must whip them with the force we have got. If fortifications are not complete, work all night.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.

ATHENS, March 22, 1864.

Brigadier General T. W. SWEENY, Pulaski:

Phillips had severe fight near Moulton yesterday. Forrest is between Tuscumbia and Eastport. Considerable force at Moulton and Gadsden. Watch country to west. I suspect they will try to cross below Tuscumbia, or else attack Decatur.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.

ATHENS, March 22, 1864.

Major R. M. SAWYER,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Nashville:

Major-General Clanton's advance is at Somerville; his command consists of two brigades. Roddey's advance is at Summitt; two brigades. The order from Johnston was for Martin to relieve Roddey. Forrest is trying to cross at Eastport. Garrard's cavalry division should support me. Clanton has two large brigades. I have a man who came up with them. They came from Pollard, Ala. Please order a train of cars to bring forward two regiments Please answer.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.