his force be captured or destroyed. I am sending out to-day to accomplish this. Will you have the river thoroughly patrolled in every quarter where he might attempt a crossing; it will help much to catch him.

TH. J. WOOD,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, Ala., January 7, 1865.

Colonel J. G. MITCHELL,
Larkinsville, Ala.:

Send out vigorous scouting [parties] at once, and find out in which direction the enemy went; then pursue them at once, and destroy the bank, if possible. Send the two companies of negroes to Scottstown.

TH. J. WOOD,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

PAINT ROCK, January 7, 1865.

Brigadier-General WOOD or GRANGER:

Do you hear anything further of Lyon? Colonel Mitchell's brigade is at Larkinsville; will hear from his soon.

CHAS. CRUFT,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, Ala., January 7, 1865.

Brigadier-General CRUFT:

I telegraphed to General Thomas this forenoon the orders I had given to you. I have received this evening a telegram from him approving these orders, and saying that when you had done the work assigned you of cleaning out Lyon's command you could go on your way. I trust you will capture and destroy Lyon's command. Let me hear from you.

TH. J. WOOD,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

PAINT ROCK STATION, January 7, 1865.

Brigadier-General WOOD:

Dispatch received. Will get to Larkinsville soon. Mitchell's brigade is there, and Harrison's with me; not yet heard from him. I learned that General Granger has ordered some of my trains to unload at Brownsborough. Can hear nothing of Lyon's whereabouts thus far.

CHAS. CRUFT,

Brigadier-General.

EASTPORT, MISS., January 7, 1865.

Major General G. H. THOMAS,

Nashville, Tenn.:

I have landed about half my command at Eastport, and will return immediately to Clifton for the remainder. It will take yet some time