that side or to rejoin Lee near Richmond. It is hoped that Meade will fight Lee before he can be re-enforced. General Hurlbut is again apprehending an attack in West Tennessee.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WASHINGTON, November 27, 1863-11.30 a.m.

Major-General THOMAS:

Vicksburg prisoners recaptured will not be exchanged without further orders. They will be sent to depots the same as other prisoners of war.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, November 27, 1863-9.15 a.m.

Brig. General GEORGE CROOK,

Maysville:

The general commanding department directs that you get your regiments well in hand and in moving order. Picket the river well between Flint River and Crow Creek. Our success on 23d, 24th, and 25th very complete-forty guns, 4,000 to 5,000 prisoners. Enemy in full retreat. Our forces near Red Hill and Ringgold.

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HUNTSVILLE, November 27, 1863.

General REYNOLDS:

I have been compelled to move to this place on account of forage. I have fire regiments here, in all about 1,500 men for duty. In case I was ordered away from here and had to leave sufficient force to guard the railroad, I could not take much of a force with me. I will send a force at once picket the river as directed.

GEORGE CROOK,

Brigadier-General.

MURFREESBOROUGH, November 27, 1863.

General W. D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Dispatch received, but not explicit. At what point should cavalry concentrate and by what route should it move, from what direction, into East Tennessee? Should the line be guarded east or west? My latest information left the Second Division with one brigade of First Division upon the line of Tennessee River extending from Maysville, Ala., to Washington, Tennessee Two brigades First Division are here. I have ordered ferry at Caney Fork to be held, anticipating

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