going to Trenton thinking that my force might be wanted here, and having all the information that I could get by advancing in person, I recrossed and turned back. Moore will come via Dresden, and Heinrichs via Gardner's Station, both conscripting as they come. They will be here to-morrow. If the general has no objections, I will go in to talk to him to-morrow evening.

My spy has gone to Jackson to get news of the artillery. He and others will inform me of any movement in this direction. I shall hold all the crossings of the Obion River from to-morrow night.

GEO. E. WARING, JR.,

Colonel, Commanding.

MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON,

Flap-ship Black Hawk, December 1, 1863.

Brigadier General H. T. REID,

Commanding Forces, Cairo, Illinois:

GENERAL: I inclose you herewith a telegraphic dispatch* which I have just received from General Grant. I think we shall require at least four more boats to proceed without delay up the Tennessee River to bring down all the things.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DAVID D. PORTER,

Rear-Admiral.

PADUCAH, December 1, 1863.

Major-General GRANT:

All the transports that were at Eastport, fourteen in number, have just arrived at this place. Came down empty. Shall I send them back for the troops there? Please tell me what to do. I will fill the bill. I have received your dispatch ordering all the troops to Nashville.

Respectfully,

S. G. HICKS,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

CHATTANOOGA, December 1, 1863.

Colonel HICKS,

Paducah:

Send the transports back to Eastport to remove the troops thence to Columbus, Ky. The following order, which was sent in care of Admiral Porter to commanding officer at Eastport, you will send up by an officer of your command with the transports:+

U. S. GRANT.

* See November 30, p. 278.

+ See Grant to commanding officer Eastport, November 30, p. 278.

20 R R-VOL XXXI, PT III