SIX MILES EAST OF MARION, December 16, 1864-6 a. m.

Major-General BRECKINRIDGE:

GENERAL: The enemy attacked me as I was moving a portion of Vaughn's brigade from Marion, General Vaughn having taken the larger portion in the direction of the lead-miles after the raiders. My force is falling back in, some confusion on Wytheville. Artillery safe, but horses give out.

Respectfully,

JAS. W. GILLESPIE,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT, Near Mount Airy, December [16], 1864.

Major JOHNSTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: The enemy is pressing me closely in large force. I shall avoid an engagement, if possible. My troops are too much exhausted to do the work as it should be. Please inform General Vaughn, if possible.

Respectfully,

JAS. W. GILLESPIE,

Colonel, Commanding.

TUSCUMBIA, ALA., December 16, 1864.

Lieutenant-General TAYLOR,

Commanding Department:

GENERAL: I have received orders from General Hood to join the army near Nashville as soon as possible, but to destroy the railroad from Huntsville to Stevenson and from Stevenson to Murfreesborough on the march, and am now making every disposition in my power to obey the order promptly. I will leave one regiment to garrison Decatur and protect the battery. A company of engineers from General Hood's army has arrived at Decatur to replace the pontoon bridge and to assist in getting the captured engines on this side when needed. I shall continue to send reports to you and keep you advised of everything of interest. No other force will be left regiment indicated, one or two companies of which will be kept on detached in the more disloyal neighborhood.

Very respectfully,

P. D. RODDEY,

Brigadier-General.

MONTGOMERY, ALA., December 16, 1864.

General CLANTON, or

Major WILLIS,

Evergreen, Ala.:

General Maury telegraphs, 15th instant, that your brigade, dismounted, will go up toward Pollard by rail from Tensas. A brigade of cavalry is also operating from Blakely. Get into communication with them.

GEORGE WM. BRENT,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.