BEAN'S STATION, Tennessee, November 20, 1863. (Received 5 p.m.)

Maj. General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

The following just received:

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE,
Blain's Cross-Roads, Tennessee, November 20, 1863-5 a.m.

Brigadier-General WILLCOX:

A dispatch from the front says the advance scout is within 5 miles of Knoxville, and within one-quarter of a mile of the rebel pickets. It is reported that the road from this side is blockaded.

F. W. GRAHAM,

Colonel, Commanding.

O. B. WILLCOX,

Brigadier-General.

(Same to Grant.)

CLINCH MOUNTAIN, Tennessee, November 20, 1863. (Received 5.35 p.m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

The following just received:

BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS, November 20, 1863-7 a.m.

Brigadier-General WILLCOX:

Citizens report that there are from 80,000 to 100,000 rebels around Knoxville. Firing ceased at dark last evening. Steady and heavy firing during the afternoon. Rebel pickets all around the town.

Very respectfully,

F. W. GRAHAM.

Another dispatch states that firing ceased at dark last evening. It is possible that General Burnside is overwhelmed. Colonel Graham says no firing this morning. I do not credit citizens as to numbers, but it is possible that Bragg is shifting his base of operations, but probably you know best. My train is nearly through Clinch Gap. No signs of an attack in the rear. I shall go forward.

O. B. WILLCOX,

Brigadier-General.

(Same to Grant.)

BEAN'S STATION, Tennessee, November 20, 1863-9 a.m. (Received 5.10 p.m.)

Maj. General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

My advance commenced moving on Tazewell at 12 o'clock last night. If nothing happens, Colonel Foster will arrive there about noon. My movement to this place from Bull's Gap was covered by a demonstration on Rogersville, which seems to have checked the advance of the enemy on that road. I have heard of but two regiments of the enemy moving down on the Rogersville road. Do not know where the main body of Jones' cavalry is. A force reported at Bull's Gap yesterday; I do not know how strong. Scouts from Cumberland Gap on Jonesville road have not reported any movement in that direction yet. I think the main body of Jones' cavalry, which defeated Garrard at Rogersville on the 6th instant, is moving in a