essary instructions in reference to details for working parties. All the intrenching tools and axes that can be spared should be sent with the brigade.

Will you please direct the commanding officer of the brigade to report at these headquarters on hi way down for such further instructions as may be necessary?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNumbers G. PARKE,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,
Kingston, Tennessee, December 24. 1863.

Major-General FOSTER:

GENERAL: I am able to advise you that I have the pontoon bridge about ready to place across the Tennessee River at this point, but inasmuch as between this and the last of January will be the time a heavy flood usually occurs in our river, I would suggest the propriety of not laying the bridge down until after the winter flood. At the same time, as soon as we are furnished with rope for cables, the bridge can be laid across on short notice in case of emergency.

I will be ready to commence the work on the three steam-boat hulls next week if the nails are furnished by that time.

I would inquire in reference to Lieutenant G. H. Clemens, who was ordered here on duty as quartermaster, and sent by me to Knoxville on the 19th instant on important business connected with this post, since which time I have heard nothing from and fear that some accident may have befallen him.

Respectfully, &c.,

R. K. BYRD,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Chattanooga, Tennessee, December 24, 1863.

Major General G. GRANGER,

Commanding Fourth Army Corps:

DEAR GENERAL: I have just been informed at department headquarters that there is no danger at all of dispatches being captured between here and Knoxville, and I can, therefore, give numbers in this. A 8 o'clock this morning I sent a train loaded as follows (with the number of men stated below as a guard), under command of Colonel Laiboldt, Second Missouri Infantry, for Knoxville. He will report to you as soon as he arrives there.

Second Division:

Wagons loaded with camp and garrison equipage......... 30

Wagons loaded with commissary stores.................. 45

Wagons loaded with forage............................. 5

---- 80

Third Division:

Wagons loaded with camp and garrison equipage......... 25

Wagons loaded with commissary stores.................. 26

Wagons loaded with forage............................. 4

---- 55

----

Total....................................................... 135