whole command to Nance's Ford, about 7 or 8 miles above Strawberry Plains. It is reported that it is now in possession of the enemy's cavalry.

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,

JNumbers G. PARKE,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Minot's House, 2 Miles North of Blain's Cross-Roads,

December 17, 1863-5.15 p.m.

Brigadier General W. L. ELLIOTT,

Comdg. Cavalry Division, Strawberry Plains, Tennessee:

GENERAL: Since writing you last I have received instructions from General Parke requiring you to move up to Nance's Ford on the Holston. You will please to execute this movements without delay. I have a brigade of cavalry and mounted infantry picketing along Richland Creek, connecting the main line of battle with Spears' brigade at Stone's Mill, also extending from Spears' right along the creek to the Holston River. I have also a brigade of cavalry at Stone's Mill, which has reported to Brigadier-General Spears for the purpose of watching the river road.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. D. STURGIS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Strawberry Plains, December 17, 1863-8.30 p.m.

Major General JOHN G. PARKE,

Commanding U. S. Forces, Blain's Cross-Roads:

GENERAL: The guide you sent me I have sent to cross the brigade at McKinney's Ford at daybreak, at once if river is rising, and join me on the road to Nance's Ford. I leave at daybreak to-morrow. McKinney's Ford is represented to be barely fordable. To cross the battery with the boat here would take twenty-four hours. The piece and its horses could not be crossed together. A rope cannot be stretched with the means at hand, nor is the boat large enough to be taken over by rope; oars have to be used. I have reported this to General Foster.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, and Chief of Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Strawberry Plains, December 17, 1863-9.30 p.m.

Major-General FOSTER,

Knoxville, Tennessee:

General Parke's order, reiterated by General Sturgis, directs me to go to Nance's Ford. I have a guide to cross the brigade at Mc-