JOHNSONVILLE, November 25, 1864.

Brigadier General W. D. WHIPPLE:

A man considered reliable reports that General Meredith is endeavoring to cross Big Sandy River with about 8,000 men, twenty miles from here. The direction is a little north of west.

C. R. THOMPSON,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, November 25, 1864-10 a.m.

Colonel C. R. THOMPSON,

Johnsonville:

Do you mean General Meredith of our army? I never heard of a rebel general of that name.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

JOHNSONVILLE, November 26, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

Yes, sir; General Meredith, of our army, from Paducah. Have sent out a scout to see if the report is correct.

C. R. THOMPSON,

Colonel, Commanding.

JOHNSONVILLE, November 25, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

The following dispatch just received:

SNEEDVILLE, November 25, 1864.

Colonel THOMPSON:

From reliable information I learn that a company of Forrest's scouts (sixty) crossed the road on Wednesday at 11 p.m. My informant was taken with them, and has just returned. They went to the mout of Harpeth and inquired the way to Clarksville; said Hood had crossed the Tennessee and Forrest was on the other side of Duck River. Hood was striking for Columbia.

COLLIN FORD,

Major, Commanding 100th U. S. Colored Infantry.

C. R. THOMPSON,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, November 25, 1864.

Colonel C. R. THOMPSON,

Johnsonville:

I have heard of this same force, but can hardly think there can be any of [them] on this side of Duck River yet. Will order transportation for Meigs' battery from Johnsonville.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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