CHATTANOOGA, December 25, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE:

Dispatch received. The orders mentioned were given yesterday, and the trains leave here to-morrow morning for bridgeport.

W. E. MERRILL,

Colonel and Chief Engineer, Department of the Cumberland.

RICHLAND CREEK, December 25, 1864.

Colonel WILLIAM E. MERRILL,

Chattanooga:

Yours received. O. K. Notify General Steedman.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, December 25, 1864.

General W. D. WHIPPLE,

Chief of Staff:

Captain F. H. Ruger, assistant quartermaster, in charge of advance depot of army, now at Spring Hill, reports great thefts and robberies by troops and others, and says he is without sufficient guards. I have telegraphed him to call on your headquarters for all necessary guards now or hereafter, and respectfully request that his requisitions be honored accordingly. I need scarcely say that it is of the first importance that your advance depot be well regulated and well protected, and supplied with ample details for guards to public property at all times.

J. L. DONALDSON,

Chief Quartermaster.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Richland Creek, December 25, 1864.

Brigadier General J. L. DONALDSON,
Nashville:

Yours of this day received. A regiment has been ordered from Nashville to Spring Hill, as guard to the advanced depot, and with orders to move with it.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

COLUMBIA, December 25, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE:

Railroad repairs progressing well. Bridge over Cartes' Creek, Numbers 7, will be O. K. to-morrow, then builders will go to Duck River bridge. Colonel Wright is at Carter's Creek bridge, and has an operator with him, so you can communicate by telegraph. Line O. K. to Louisville via Chattanooga and Knoxville.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. R. PLUM,

Operator, &c.