LOUDON, November 14, 1863.

General BURNSIDE:

My authority is Mr. West, who was warned to leave his home by Mr. Huff, who keeps the ferry, and who stated that the bridge was being laid down; also the statement of the pickets; also the statement of my assistant adjutant-general. None of them could see the bridge, but were close enough to hear the laying down of the planks. The pickets saw men crossing in boats also. No reason to doubt the statement. The enemy's pickets were within 50 yards of Captain Curtis. He heard officer command drivers of teams. He could go no nearer without being captured. I have a squad of cavalry as near as they can get to the enemy yet, and shall obtain the optical proof if possible.

JULIUS WHITE.

KNOXVILLE, November 14, 1863.

General POTTER:

Send your trains at once up the road toward Knoxville, strong and sufficiently guarded. Move your whole force in this direction. As soon as General White's trains and troops have passed you break the machinery in the mills. Don't fire any buildings.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Maintain your telegraphic communication and make preparation for destroying your pontoon bridge.

KNOXVILLE, November 14, 1863.

General POTTER:

How much time would Babcock require to take up the pontoon bridge and load it on cars, they being in readiness there?

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

KNOXVILLE, November 14, 1863.

Brigadier-General POTTER:

Have your wagon train in readiness to move at short notice, that you may be able to break camp and move here it if becomes necessary. Colonel Biddle is under orders to move down to-morrow to join you with Edwards' battery.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

LOUISVILLE, KY., November 14, 1863.

(Received 4.50 p.m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

It is almost impossible to procure teamsters for line of transportation to Knoxville. Can I enlist, with consent of Governor Bramlette, from 2,000 to 3,000 negroes as teamsters for there years; the