HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, December 16, 1864-2.30 p. m.

Major WHERRY:

Appearances are that the enemy is in not a heavy force on Smith's front. I have just ordered in a brigade to support McCarthy [McArthur?] in his attempt to carry the hill on my front.

Respectfully,
D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

HDQRS. COUCH'S DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, December 16, 1864-7.45 [a. m.].

Brigadier-General COX:

It is reliably reported that a rebel column has been moving to my right for nearly two hours. You will please read this and send to General Schofield, if you hvae one of his orderlies with you.

Respectfully,

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, In the Field, December 16, 1864-9.30 a. m.

Major General A. J. SMITH,
Commanding Detach. Army of the Tennessee, in the Field:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send a good division to support General Schofield's right against a threatened attack by the enemy. The force you have sent he reports inadequate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, December 16, 1864.

Major-General STEEDMAN,

Commanding District of the Etowah:

What is the position of affairs on your from this morning?

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

HEADQUARTERS GENERAL STEEDMAN, In the Field, December 16, 1864.

Major General G. H. THOMAS:

I am out five miles on the Nolensville pike, my right closed up on General Wood's left, pressing the enemy's right and rear; everything he has is on the right of the Nolensville pike.

J. B. STEEDMAN,
Major-General.