NASHVILLE, November 16, 1864-6.30 p. m.

Major General J. B. STEEDMAN,

Chattanooga:

Your organization of convalescents, &c., is correct, and as I intended; but General Meagher having reported to me for duty, I must find a command for him, and therefore I wish you to give him the two brigades belonging to the Army of the Tennessee, viz, the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps, leaving the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps for General Cruft. You will soon have a large command of convalescents, &c., as they are constantly passing through this place to the front. Use this force to strengthen the garrisons of Whiteside's and Bridgeport, keeping the organization by corps together as much as possible.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

CHATTANOOGA, November 16, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

I have just received a telegram from General Ammen that he is menaced by the enemy and expects to be attacked. I have ordered trains and will move re-enforcements to Loudon to-night, and await further information.

J. B. STEEDMAN,

Major-General.

KNOXVILLE, November 16, 1864-5.10 p. m.

Major-General STEEDMAN:

Squads of the enemy's cavalry are passing round this place, possibly with the intention of cutting our communication. It is reported that the enemy is 5,000 strong. Should they cut our communications would be glad of your assistance.

J. AMMEN,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

KNOXVILLE, November 16, 1864.

Major-General STEEDMAN,

Chattanooga:

The enemy is reported crossing the Holston, seven miles above Strawberry Plains, with large force; number not known. Will you send me assistance if I need it?

J. AMMEN.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH,
Chattanooga, November 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General AMMEN,

Knoxville:

I will move re-enforcements to Loudon to-night, and await further information, or for the telegraph communication to be destroyed.

JAMES B. STEEDMAN,

Major-General.