HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tennessee, December 27, 1863.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Germantown, Tennessee:

The enemy are close on Collierville. Have everything ready in case they strike you in the morning. I think they will have their hands full at Collierville, but you must be on the alert.

S. A. HURLBUT.

Major-General.

COLLIERVILLE, December 27, 1863.

Major-General. HURLBUT:

The firing has all ceased since dark. The enemy are encamped about 3 miles east, having fallen back 2 miles.

W. SCOTT BELDEN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

LA GRANGE, December 27, 1863.

(Received 9 a. m.)

Major-General HURLBUT:

Nearly all of the Seventh Illinois have got in. Our loss in the engagement of yesterday small. The enemy lost heavily in killed. My patrols were moving all night on all roads running north between here and Middleton. No enemy discovered. Patrols went to Bolivar. Contraband arrived at Collierville this morning; left Somerville last night; says Forrest was there with about 4,000 men and two pieces of artillery; says he has 13 of our men prisoners. He may attempt to cross Wolf between here and Memphis, but I thinks he will cross in the vicinity of Saulsbury. I hear nothing of Smith; have sent scouts with your orders to him.

B. H. GRIERSON,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS,
Memphis, Tennessee, December 27, 1863.

Brigadier General R. P. BUCKLAND,

Commanding Brigade:

Forrest moved west last night from Somerville, and it is supposed will attempt to cross Wolf River near Memphis. The pickets must be kept in the best possible condition and every officer and man at his post.

By order of Brigadier General J. C. Veatch:

F. W. FOX,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

No. 32. Nashville, Tennessee, December 28, 1863.

2. Brigadier General Alvan C. Gillem, U. S. Volunteers, adjutant-general of Tennessee, is hereby authorized to proceed to Camp Nelson, Ky., for the purpose of organizing under the orders of Governor