directed. The rebels will most probably take the routs via Mount Pleasant and Lawrenceburg to Florence-this distance is fifty-three miles; to go by Pulaski it is something over sixty miles; and all roads to the eastward are proportionally longer. It seems to me that our march should be by Williamsport, toward Eastport, crowding the enemy on that flank as much as possible. If it is intended to carry the pursuit beyond the Tennessee River, and gun-boats can control it as far as Eastport, we could lay a bridge and cross the whole army there. Please advise me what course I shall pursue.

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

J. H. WILSON,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, In the Field, December 18, 1864.

Major General J. H. WILSON,
Commanding Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you press directly after the enemy to-morrow, and await the developments of another day before deciding upon your future route. You ar authorized to send to Nashville to be remounted such portions of your command as are now without horses.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. CAV. CORPS, MIL. OF THE MISS., Mrs. Sayers's House, December 18, 1864-1 p. m.

The Cavalry Corps will halt. Division commanders and commanders of independent brigades will take prompt measures to issue three days' rations and all the ammunition possible to the men, as the command will leave the turnpike this afternoon. Commanders will see that every horse is fed and groomed at once.

By order of Brevet Major-General Wilson:

A. J. ALEXANDER,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Chief of Staff.

17 R R-VOL XLV, PT II