HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Franklin, December 17, 1864-9.15 p. m.

Admiral S. P. LEE,
Clarksville:

Your dispatch of this day is received, and I sincerely thank you for your very flattering congratulations. I have directed my dispatch of this p. m. to General Halleck to be sent you for your information. If you think it feasible I shall be much obliged if you will permit Lieutenant-Commander Fitch to proceed up the Tennessee River, with one or two iron-clads and a few gun-boats, for the purpose of destroying Hood's pontoon bridge near Florence and at the mouth of Duck River, where it is reported he is now building a bridge.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, Commanding.

CLARKSVILLE, December 17, 1864-6.20 p. m.

Major General G. H. THOMAS:

Convoy arrived at Smithland on the 16th, without encountering opposition. Gun-boats actively patrolling river, but have not seen or heard of rebel force.

S. P. LEE,

Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Hale's House, Granny White Pike, December 17, 1864-9 a. m.

Captain MORDECAI,
Chief of Ordnance, Military Division of the Mississippi:

CAPTAIN: The major-general commanding directs that you have collected together all the artillery and small-arms, with other ordnance property, captured from the enemy in the engagements of the 15th and 16th, and a correct inventory of the same forwarded to these headquarters as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. H. RAMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Franklin, December 17, 1864.

Brigadier General J. L. DONALDSON,
Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Cumberland:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that he now considers the Cumberland River perfectly safe, and that he desires you to resume shipments on the river to Nashville from below. The army continues to be successful in taking prisoners. We have to-day taken about 450, and 5 flags. The enemy will be pursued in the morning. All well.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. H. RAMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.