OPINION OF THE COURT.

After careful investigation of all the facts in relation to the raid of the enemy in Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana in November, 1864, the court is of the opinion that, in the disposition of his forces, the orders and instructions to his command, Brigadier General George B. Hodge exhibited good judgment, vigilance, and energy. And while the conduct of some of his subordinate commanders and the behavior of his troops exhibit a culpable disregard of orders and military discipline, the fact of Brigadier-General Hodge's recent assignment to the command, and the numerous adverse circumstances by which he was surrounded, in the opinion of the court, exempt hi from all blame for these irregularities. There is nothing in the evidence adduced before this court reflecting in the slightest degree upon his energy, capacity, or courage.

The court of inquiry, of which Brigadier General Wirt Adams is president, is hereby dissolved.

By command of Lieutenant-General Taylor:

LEWIS H. KENNERLY,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

NOVEMBER 14, 1864-JANUARY 23, 1865.-Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee.

SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS.

November 14, 1864.-Major General John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, assumes command, of U. S. forces at Pulaski, Tenn.

16-20, 1864.-Skirmishes on the lines of Shoal Creek, Ala.

17, 1864.-Skirmish near Maysville, Ala.

Skirmish near New Market, Ala.

19, 1864.-Skirmish at Duckett's Plantation, near Paint Rock River, Ala.

22, 1864.-Action at Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

23, 1864.-Skirmish at Henryville, Tenn.

Skirmish at Fouche Springs, Tenn.

Action at Mount Pleasant, Tenn.

24, 1864.-Action at Campbellsville, Tenn.

Skirmish at Lynville, Tenn.

24-27, 1864.-Skirmishes in front of Columbia, Tenn.

28, 1864.-Skirmishes at crossing of Duck River, Tenn.

Skirmish at Shelbyville, Tenn.

29, 1864.-Action at the Columbia Ford, Tenn.

Engagement at Spring Hill, Tenn.

Skirmish at Mount Carmel, Tenn.

Skirmish near Rally Hill, Tenn.

Affari at Thompson's Station, Tenn.

30, 1864.-Skirmish at Thompson's Station, Tenn.

Battle of Franklin, Tenn.

December 1, 1864.-Action at Owen's Cross-Roads, Tenn.

1-14, 1864.-Operations about Nashville, Tenn.

2, 1864.-Brigadier General Thomas, J. Wood, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Fourth Army Corps, vice Major-General Stanley, wounded at battle of Franklin.

2-4, 1864.-Operations against stockades and block-houses on Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad.