JOHNSONVILLE, November 25, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE:

General Thomas directs me verbally to send Meigs' colored battery to Nashville. Will y ou please give orders for the necessary transportation?

C. R. THOMPSON,

Colonel, Commanding.

NASHVILLE, November 25, 1864-10 a.m.

Major-General STEEDMAN,

Chattanooga:

I wish to know what force you could move with to threaten enemy in rear, and leave a force to defend Chattanooga, in case he should get on Chattanooga railroad. Answer as soon as you can.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 1864-3 p.m.

Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS,

Nashville:

I can move, as indicated in your dispatch, with 5,000 men, leaving the garrison on Lookout Mountain, 1,300 men on the Dalton line, 1,200 on the Knoxville line between this place and Loudon, and 3,000 organized and unorganized armed men to defend Chattanooga.

JAMES B. STEEDMAN,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, TENN., November 25, 1864-7 p.m.

Major General J. B. STEEDMAN,

Chattanooga:

Your dispatch of 3 p.m. just received. Hold the 5,000 men ready to move at any moment by railroad to Cowan should the enemy succeed in getting on Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. If you can bring two batteries with you. There is no indication at present that the enemy will get on the railroad, but I simply wish you to be prepared to act should they do so. Acknowledge receipt.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 1864-10 p.m.

Major-General THOMAS:

Your dispatch received. Will be ready as you direct with the 5,000 men and two batteries.

JAS. B. STEEDMAN,

Major-General.