The whole force of the enemy under Sherman is six division, viz: Corse's, Osterhaus', W. S. [John E.?] Smith's, Morgan L. Smith's, Quinby's old division, and one other, about 25,000 men in all. This force is now between Iuka and Bear Creek. The enemy are building the railroad as they advance. The destination of this force is reported to be Northern Alabama. Among the regiments composing this force are:

Illinois: Ninety-third, Ninety-seventh, One hundred and sixth, Sixty-first, Sixty-third, Fifty-fourth, One hundred and fourteenth, Sixty-seventh, Fifty-fifth, Fifty-sixth, Forty-third and two batteries.

Indiana: Twelfth, Ninety-fifth, Ninety-seventh, One hundredth, Eighty-seventh.

Wisconsin: Twenty-third, one battery.

Iowa: Fifth, Tenth, Seventeenth, Sixth.

Minnesota: Fourth, Fifth.

Michigan: Twelfth, Fifteenth, two batteries.

Missouri: First, Twenty-first, Twenty-seventh, Sixth, Eighth, one battery, Tenth Missouri Infantry.

Nebraska: First.

Ohio: Thirtieth, Thirty-seventh, Forty-seventh.

Regulars: Fifteenth and Thirteenth.

All the above are infantry unless otherwise designated.

Official copy.

R. M. HOOE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Columbus, October 25, 1863.

Respectfully forwarded.

DANIEL RUGGLES,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF WESTERN VA. AND EAST Tennessee,
Dublin, October 25, 1863.

Major General R. RANSOM, JR.,

Abingdon:

Send the Sixtieth Regiment Virginia Infantry to Wytheville without delay. I would like it to start at night so as to attract as little attention as possible. A force of cavalry, with three [pieces?] of artillery, is moving from below Charleston on the Kanawha toward Logan Courth-House; will probably strike at the railroad or salt-works.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF WESTERN VA. AND EAST Tennessee,
Dublin, October 26, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: I telegraphed you a few days since suggesting that if, as reported, General Lee had driven General Meade to his intrenched camp, at or near Centreville, and had fallen back himself behind the

38 R R-VOL XXXI. PT III