with the force I have. I think of no cause here for alarm. It is reported that 6,000 men are at Milton, but I can hold the position against 10,000 men. I could accommodate the sick should I go to the fort; also stores, commissary subsistence and quartermaster. There are large quantities of stores in hands Quartermaster Williams, and can be properly cared for in the fort. If you know of any cause why I should fall back to the fort please inform me.

WM. L. UTLEY,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

SHELBYVILLE, October 25, 1863.

Major-General SLOCUM:

I have had scouts in every direction, and west as far as Cornersville, and can hear nothing except that the rebels are on this side of the river.

ROBT. GALBRAITH,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

STEVENSON, October 25, 1863-5.30 p. m.

Major-General SLOCUM:

The general directs me to say that there is not a ford south of Knoxville, in present stage of river, where cavalry can cross. Wheeler is reported to have forded. Unless you have information which the general knows nothing of, he thinks you should direct the trains to come on where they are wanted.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

DECHERD, October 25, 1863.

Colonel H. C. RODGERS:

We have sent a regiment to scout the country in the vicinity of the last raid on the railroad and drive out all rebels. They will go northers far as Tullahoma.

Have you not some of the Tenth Ohio Cavalry at your disposal?

WILLIAM H. SINCLAIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

NASHVILLE, October 25, 1863.

Major General H. W. SLOCUM:

Dispatch received. We are moving General Geary's command as fast as possible under his directions from the different points.

WM. P. INNES,

Colonel, and Military Superintendent.

ANDERSON, October 25, 1863-1 p. m.

Lieutenant Colonel H. C. RODGERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I ordered the wagon train halted at Tullahoma. Please send it on. The roads over the mountain are almost impassable. There is