Railroad, and would enable us to change our base to Decatur and operate on Hood's flank and rear as he retreated into Alabama. I will send transports with provisions and forage, under convoy, the Eastport. Bear Creek bridge is from five to eight miles from Eastport, on the south side of the Tennessee. I think General Hatch can do this, and, if successful, it will be a most important service. Answer immediately.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

NASHVILLE, TENN., December 26, 1864.

Major General G. H. THOMAS:

The following copy of telegram is respectfully furnished for your information:

MUNFORDVILLE, December 26, 1864.

Major BEAYMONT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Lyon was ten miles from Hodgensville, on the Greensburg road, at daylight yesterday morning, toward Greensburg; reported to have 800 and one piece of artillery. We made a forced march from Ashbysburg to Elizabethtown in forty-eight hours. Arrived in time to save the bridge and drive off a battalion sent to burn the trestle-work. Brigade will move to-day. Horses jaded and want shoes.

O. H. LA GRANGE,

Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade, First Division.

E. B. BEAUMONT,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Reynolds' House, December 26, 1864-6 a.m.

Captain E. B. CARLING,

Chief Quartermaster, Cavalry Corps:

CAPTAIN: The general commanding desires you to push forward your trains as rapidly as possible. The command must have rations to-morrow night. If necessary, call on General Thomas for an infantry guard. We are ordered to pursue the enemy, and must have something to eat.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. J. ALEXANDER,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Richland Creek, December 26, 1864.

Brigadier General E. M. McCOOK,

Nashville:

Lyon, it seems, is not destroyed or driven out of the country. We hear of him on Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The major-general commanding directs that you keep at work at him until he is finished or driven across the Cumberland.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General.