LEXINGTON, KY., December 4, 1864.

Major WEST,

Eleventh Michigan Cavalry, Mount Sterling, Ky.:

Send scouts to the front, toward Pound and stony Gaps, and hazard, to learn all they can about a force reported coming in that way; direct them to go as far as possible. Report the receipt of this order and what they learn. Press horses, if necessary, to mount men, and report how many men you can mount armed.

By order of Brigadier-General McLean:

J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MOUNT STERLING, December 4, 1864.

Captain J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I will send the scout immediately. Can mount seventy-five men in the Eleventh Michigan; have only thirteen carbines for them. I sent you a report last week tat will show you how we stand.

Respectfully, yours,

GEO. J. WEST,

Major, Commanding Post.

LEXINGTON, KY., December 4, 1864.

Colonel GEORGE W. GALLUP,

Louisa, Ky.:

Send scouts immediately from Louisa to Pound and Stony Gaps and Louisa Fork, and direct them to go as far as possible and learn all about a force coming in that way. Report the receipt of these orders and anything you learn. If necessary, press horses to mount men.

By order of Brigadier-General McLean:

J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

LEXINGTON, December 4, 1864.

Brigadier General HUGH EWING,

Louisville, Ky.:

Dr. J. M. Bailey, Twenty-sixth Kentucky, telegraphs from Bowling Green that the Twenty-sixth leaves there to-day, and the rebels will take possession of the place as soon as the regiment leaves. No troops can be sent from General McLean's command to you at present. Is there not sufficient of the twelfth [U. S. Colored] Heavy Artillery at Bowling Green to protect the place?

Respectfully,

J. BATES DICKSON,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.