commanding post, for engineer duty on fortifications at that place. He will make such returns as Colonel Carlton may require, but will be considered simply on detailed duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.

* * * *

V. The Thirty-fourth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Lawrence commanding, is hereby relieved from duty at Paducah, Ky., and will proceed up the Cumberland River, acting as guards to steam-boats, to Nashville, Tenn. Upon its arrival at that place the commanding officer will report without delay to Major A. J. Smith, commanding Detachment Army of the Tennessee.

* * * *

By command of Major-General Thomas:

HENRY M. CIST,

Captain and assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Columbia, Tenn., December 23, 1864-1.30 p. m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I am just starting on the march. I wish to move six or eight miles out on the Pulaski pike, to get out of the way of the cavalry and such other troops as may cross to-night. I do not think the cavalry will all get over the river much before dark. Please allow the remnant of my artillery and trains to cross the pontoons to-night.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I am just starting on the march. I wish to move six or eight miles out on the Pulaski pike, to get out of the way of the cavalry and such other troops as may cross to-night. I do not think the cavalry will all get over the river much before dark. Please allow the remnant of my artillery and trains to cross the pontoons to-night.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

TH. J. WOOD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Squire Mack's, Five Miles from Columbia, December 23, 1864-6.30 p .m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I advanced the corps five miles upon the Pulaski pike, and occupy a position about two miles in advance of the cavalry. The position is a gorge between ridges closing down on either side of the road. The gorge was occupied by a force of rebel cavalry, about a brigade, which was readily dispersed by the advance of a skirmish line and a section of artillery. Casualties, so far as known, one rebel captain mortally wounded, who fell into our hands. I will wait to-morrow morning a reasonable time for the cavalry to move out, and if it does not do so I will advance down the pike toward Pulaski.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

TH. J. WOOD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

21 R R-VOL XLV, PT II