MARCH 26, 1864.

Captain A. M. PENNOCK,

Commanding, & c., Mound City:

Columbus must be strengthened to-night. I will put all disposable force here on board. Please send the gun-boat.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

MARCH 26, 1864 - 8 p. m.

Captain J. H. ODLIN,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Paducah:

I shall go to Columbus to-night with a gun-boat, and all troops that can be spared. Be sure and have General Veatch fully advised. I think he will aid us.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

MARCH 26, 1864 - 8 p. m.

Colonel W. H. LAWRENCE,

Commanding, Columbus:

The rebels may visit you in force to-night. They are moving toward you. Put your fort and the public property in good condition. I will come down with gun-boat and re-enforcements. They have been beaten at Paducah, and must be again at Columbus.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

MARCH 26, 1864 - 5 p. m.

Brigadier General J. C. VEATCH,

On Steamer White Cloud, Metropolis, or,

if he has passed, to Paducah:

Please confer with Colonel Hicks. If it is possible, I request that you send back two or three regiments. I am satisfied that Columbus will be next attacked as soon as the enemy can get there.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

PADUCAH, March 26, 1864 - 9.40 p. m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

Reached here at 7.30 o'clock. The enemy had fled, and have taken the direction to Columbus. Force supposed to be 6,500 men, under Forrest. Am now waiting until day for a convoy. Orders will reach me here to-night.

JAS. C. VEATCH,

Brigadier-General.

11 R R - VOL XXXII, PT III