that you have strong pickets in your front and your whole line in readiness to take arms at a moment's warning. The fires at the picket stations and on the tops of the hills must be discontinued entirely, and fires for cooking only allowed in the main line, which must be put out as soon as the cooking is done.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. HOUGH,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. CAV. CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Five Miles from Nashville, on Nolensville Pike,

December 2, 1864-2 a. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding Department of the Cumberland:

General Hatch reports it's his impression from observations that the enemy is moving into position toward the western and southwestern defenses of Nashville. A large force of the enemy, supposed to be cavalry, has been crossing from the Nolensville and Winsted pikes to the Franklin pike. This movement has been constant since 9 o'clock. A considerable force has been camped on the Winsted pike since just after dark. I have made my arrangements to retire to the position assigned me nearer Nashville at 5 a. m. Will report promptly any further information.

J. H. WILSON,

Brevet Major-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Nashville, Tenn., December 2, 1864.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY,

Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to request that Byt. Brigadier General L. D. Watkins, colonel of the Sixth Regiment Kentucky Cavalry, now commanding the Second [Third] Brigade of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, be assigned to duty according to his brevet rank. General Watkins is a meritorious and competent officer, entitled by continuous and honorable service to this promotion. It is thought that by bestowing such substantial commendation upon officers of acknowledged merit the best interests of the public service may be advanced. The cavalry officers of this military division have not heretofore received the proper reward for their good conduct.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. WILSON,

Brevet Major-General.

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

Numbers 3. Nashville, Tenn., December 2, 1864.

* * * * * * *

III. The Board of Trade Battery, Captain Robinson, will report for temporary duty to Brigadier-General Croxton, commanding First Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps.