HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, December 5, 1863.

Colonel J. L. DONALDSON,

Chief Quartermaster, Nashville:

We require daily 125,000 rations for this army, including Sherman's command. Have on hand 310,000 rations salt meat, 1,392,000 rations flour and bread, 766,000 rations coffee and tea, 1,642,000 sugar, 1,418,000 salt. We require daily about 170 head cattle.

A. PARKER PORTER,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief Commissary.

CHATTANOOGA, December 5, 1863-5 p.m

(Received 4.20 a.m., 6th.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

Nothing has been heard from Sherman directly since the 1st. He then expected to reach Knoxville by 3rd or 4th. His force is full 30,000 exclusive of cavalry. Reposing full confidence in him and his command, I feel no apprehensions for the result, except as to General Burnside's ability to hold out until he reaches him. Dispatch from General Burnside on the 30th stated that the enemy had attacked him and been repulsed with great slaughter. His supplies were then still up.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General, Commanding.

MARYVILLE, December 5, 1863

(Received 7th.)

Major-general GRANT,

Chattanooga:

I put my cavalry into Knoxville during the night of December 3. My head of columns are now here in communication with Knoxville. Enemy retreated last night, moving eastward. I have sent a staff officer to Burnside, and by daylight will determine what to do. Elliott is not up, but cavalry must pursue and harass the rear. We have released Knoxville and will soon decide what next. A stern chase is a long one and especially by my advance, that have now marched 500 miles.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, December 5, 1863-4.30 p.m.

(Received 5.25 p.m.)

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding, &c., Cumberland Gap:

You will immediately revoke your order directing all quartermasters in your department to go to the field. The staff officers, such as paymasters, quartermasters, commissaries, and surgeons, are as-