track in the road cannot well be repaired, will use these trains to bring Steedman's troops on up from the gap. General Milroy stayed at Wartrace last night; his troops three miles beyond. All right here.

LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU,

Major-General.

MURFREESBOROUGH, December 1, 1864-2.15 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

I shall be ready to send back block-house garrisons as far as Duck River so soon as General Steedman's troops shall all pass here. Shall not do this? They have all been brought off. If I do not hear from you when General Steedman passes, I shall send the garrisons back, as I fear delay may result in the loss of the bridges. Hope you will approve; I can recall if you direct it.

L. H. ROUSSEAU,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, December 1, 1864.

Major-General ROUSSEAU,

Murfreesborough:

Your dispatch of 2.15 p. m. is received. Send back the garrisons to reoccupy the block-houses up to and including Duck River bridge, as you have arranged for.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

MURFREESBOROUGH, December 1, 1864-2.45 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

Train and garrison ready to start to occupy the block-houses to and including Duck River bridge. Shall I send them? I suppose General Steedman's coming might prompt a change in your orders as to these garrisons.

LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, [December 1], 1864.

Major-General ROUSSEAU,

Murfreesborough:

Your received. Send back the block-house garrisons as far as Duck River when General Steedman's troops have passed.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General and Assistant Adjutant-General.

MURFREESBOROUGH, December 1, 1864-12.25 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

I have just arrived with the advance trains of my command; the balance of the trains are following closely. I await orders here.

J. B. STEEEDMAN,

Major-General.