TULLAHOMA, November 27, 1864 - 9.50 p. m.

Major-General STEEDMAN:

Just received dispatch from Shelbyville saying that they enemy was advancing upon that place in force and driving cattle and hogs. He captured the cavalry outposts, and has encamped three miles and a half from on the Pulaski pike.

R. H. MILROY,

Major-General.

TULLAHOMA, November 27, 1864 - 12 p. m.

Major General J. B. STEEDMAN:

I have two infantry and one dismounted cavalry regiment and the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry. I think this movement is a cavalry raid upon this road, but it may be that the enemy is marching for East Tennessee. I was informed by General Rousseau that you would be upon this line with a force. Are you coming?

R. H. MILROY,

Major-General.

TULLAHOMA, TENN., November 27, 1864.

Major B. H. POLK,

Nashville:

A dispatch just received from Major Hamilton states that the enemy is advancing on Shelbyville on the Pulaski road and have captured his pickets on that road, and are now camped three miles and a half out from Shelbyville; that they are driving hogs and cattle with them. I have directed the major to fall back to Duck River bridge.

R. H. MILROY,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEFENSES NASHVILLE AND CHATTANOOGA, R. R.,
Tullahoma, November 27, 1864.

Major HAMILTON,

Shelbyville:

Destroy the bridge across Duck River as directed. If you find the enemy are in force be sure to secure your retreat to Duck River bridge, destroying what stores you cannot take with you. If you find the enemy are not in force you can remain, but be careful they do not cut you if. Keep your men well in hand.

R. H. MILROY,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEFENSES NASHVILLE AND CHATTANOOGA R. R.,
Tullahoma, November 27, 1864.

Major JOHN F. ARMSTRONG,

Commanding Detachment Fifth Tennessee Cavalry:

MAJOR: The general commanding received your report last night by Doctor Rucker, and was very much surprised to hear that you were out in that bushwhacking county with so small a force. Had he known that you had such a mere handful of men he would not have permitted