I hear reports of intended attack here, and you know my force, but I do not hesitate to detach cavalry to defeat this raid. Have placed supplies at Shubuta, Bucatunna, and Citronelle.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General, Commanding.

MOBILE, December 8, 1864.

Lieutenant-General TAYLOR,

Montgomery:

Nothing further from raiding party. Please use all of your influence with the Governor and Legislature to get militia and State troops into service at once. Have received dispatches this morning from Colonel Armistead that boats are being prepared in Choctawhatchie Bay to sen marauding party up the Chattahooche after cotton and other plunder.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General, Commanding.

MOBILE, December 8, 1864.

General THOMAS,

Bucatunna:

The company of Eighteenth Mississippi Battalion of Cavalry was ordered to march from Enterprise toward Mobile on the morning of 6th. Telegraph in my name to Enterprise and Shubuta any orders you may desire to give.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General, Commanding.

MOBILE, December 8, 1864.

General THOMAS,

Meridian:

Have sent McCulloch and Maury to Leakesville. They will probably be at or near Bucatunna to-morrow. Colvin can communicate and co-operate with them. Gardner and Governor Clark are sending troops. Endeavor to concentrate and attack enemy before he can cut the road. Have telegraph line carefully watched. I think be will strike for Bucatunna. Colvin ought to be moved there.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General, Commanding.