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

Colonel W. W. WRIGHT,
Carter's Creek:

How are you getting along with the rebuilding of the brigades? Can you form any idea when you will get to Columbia? Road from Columbia to Pulaski O. K., except bridge over Richland Creek, which is destroyed. It is of the utmost importance that we get the railroad through as soon as possible.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, TENN., December 25, 1864-11 a. m.

Major THOMAS T. ECKERT:

Rebels under Lyon hold Louisville railroad near Elizabethtown, Ky., having destroyed a bridge and captured a train. Of course no telegraph at work that way. Just got one wire through over Chattanooga railroad. General Thomas this morning eight miles south of Columbia; will be at Lynnville to-night; is not crowding the rebels; seems to be pushing easy till Steedman gets his forces into position in their rear. Report current that Hood has been superseded by Forrest, whose task it is to get the army out of the scrape into which Hood has fought it.

J. C. VAN DUZER,

Captain, &c.

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

Brigadier General T. J. WOOD,
Commanding Fourth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you place in the haversacks of your men three days' provisions, and move on to the support of Major-General Wilson. The cavalry train, followed by your train, should move immediately in your rear and keep closed. General Wilson has been ordered to continue pressing the rear of the rebel army.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Lamb's Ferry Road, Six Miles South of Pulaski, Tenn., December 25, 1864-8.15 p. m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I propose to take four batteries, with me and leave the rest of my artillery in Pulaski, taking the teams of the guns I leave. This will give me one battery for each division and one reserve battery. I will also take in addition to the five ammunition wagons with each