rear of the infantry column, and will, in case of any threatening move on the part of the enemy, co-operate in resisting his advance until other troops may have time to aid you.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

GREENEVILLE, March 23, 1864.

Major General JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE:

Lieutenant-Colonel Prentice, just from the border of Kentucky, reports indications of raid by the enemy into Virginia, excepted to be from Louisiana and Mouth Sterling very shortly. Enemy shoeing their horses and preparing to send supplies up the Sandy River as far Piketon. The force at Mount Sterling under Wolford is variously reported from 5,000 to 10,000.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Greeneville, Tenn., March 23, 1864.

Brigadier General A. E. JACKSON,

Commanding Brigade, Carter's Station:

In reply to your communication of the 21st instant, asking the policy to be pursued deserters from of members of the Federal armies residents of this section of country, I am directed to say that you will have all of that class arrested and sent to Richmond, except such as may be employed by comment authority in the niter and mining operations. The names of such parties you will please report to the Niter and Mining Bureau in Richmond, with a statement of the facts against them and the circumstances of their presence here.

The great importance and utility of the niter operation,a dn the proper watchfulness of the bureau against any interference with its operations, makes necessary this modified course.

I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

G. M. SORREL,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

Report of troops "if for the War," March 23, 1864.

Divisions. Total Re- Total

present and enlisted. present

absent. March 10,

1864.

Cheatham's.......... 7,791 4,394 4,980

Cleburne's.......... 8,715 5,282 6,247

Walker's............ 8,648 4,404 5,578

Bate's.............. 6,268 2,365 3,997

Artillery regiments. 1,562 1,026 1,210

Grand total......... 32,984 17,471 22,012

T. B. ROY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DALTON, GA., March 23, 1864.