up to you give him the road and let him pass with his train of decking, &c. He expected to be in Lexington this evening with the rear of his train.

Yours, respectfully,

A. P. MASON,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
December 24, 1864-6.40.

Lieutenant-General STEWART,

Commanding:

GENERAL: General Hood directs you will move your command to-morrow and get it over Shoal Creek, sending back for all your wheels. As soon as you get over get the best line you can find for the protection of the ford and fortify it as well as you can. Major Green, of the engineers, expected to be with his train this evening at Lexington. If he catches you to-morrow, give him the road and let him pass.

Yours, respectfully,

A. P. MASON,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Two Miles and a Half South of Lynnville,

December 24, 1864-2.30 p. m.

Major-General WALTHALL,

Commanding Infantry:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that the enemy is now pressing his rear heavily, and directs that you get into position and [occupy*] your works with all possible haste, [and*] directs that you halt all cavalry stragglers, with guns, going to the rear, and form them with your line and make them fight.

Respectfully,

J. P. STRANGE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS, &C.,
December 24, 1864-10.15 p. m.

Major J. P. STRANGE:

MAJOR: In your note dated 6 o'clock this evening I am directed to move from my old position at 3 o'clock in the morning. As my position was changed before your note was received, please advise me when I am expected to move from my present position. Armstrong's, and not Ross', cavalry is behind me.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. C. WALTHALL,

Major-General.

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*Original torn.

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