force on the Cumberland Gap Railroad. I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that he would prefer your retaining your main force in the Cumberland Gap road and send only strong scouting parties to the railroad. Please fortify your position in the Cumberland Gap road by felling trees and otherwise. Block the road also as far as you can toward Knoxville. The scouting parties that you send over to the railroad should have orders to block also all the roads leading into Knoxville.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. M. SORREL,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS, Near Hall's House, Clinton Road, November 18, 1863.

Major-General WHEELER,
Commanding Cavalry:

GENERAL: The commanding general desires that you will have all the roads between this point and yourself and between you and Knoxville properly picketed, and he also wishes you to picket on the other side of you toward Clinton.

Very respectfully,

G. M. SORREL,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS LONGSTREET'S CORPS, November 18, 1863.

Maj. Gen. JOSEPH WHEELER,
Commanding Cavalry:

GENERAL: General Longstreet desires me to say that if you can do anything with the regiment of Yankees you speak of in your note, or any other force, of course do it. Strengthen your position by felling trees, &c.; also make demonstration in your front on the enemy. Send the machinery round here.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

OSMAN LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS LONGSTREET'S CORPS, November 18, 1863.

Major-General WHEELER,
Commanding Cavalry Corps:

GENERAL: General Longstreet directs me to say that when you have strengthened your position as he directed by felling timber, you can leave a small force on guard and let the rest of your command forage, keeping up communication however.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

OSMAN LATROBE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Did you send after the tools you require and by whom?

O. L.