[Second indorsement.]

QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Richmond, December 22, 1863.

Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War.

On the 14th of this month a requisition for a supply of clothing for General Longstreet's command was received at this office. The depot officers were directed to forward the articles called for as promptly as possible. The requisition called for 10,000 blankets, a large number in proportion to the command. Three thousand five hundred, all on hand, were ordered to be issued and others will be sent forward when they are received from Wilmington.

A. R. LAWTON,

Quartermaster-General.

BEAN'S STATION, December 16, 1863.

Hon. J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

Your dispatch of the 14th is received. We are trying to accomplish the objects indicated by you.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

BEAN'S STATION, December 16, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Richmond, Va.:

Please send me muster-rolls for the command. If General Bragg can prevent railroad communication between Chattanooga and Knoxville, the enemy will be obliged to leave East Tennessee.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

BEAN'S STATION, December 16, 1863.

General SAM. JONES,

Dublin Depot, Va.:

General Ransom has sent me your dispatch to him. I have brought him here under authority, as I conceive, of the President. He cannot get to Bristol in time to afford protection against a raid. Can't I do better by using some of our cavalry?

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS, Bean's Station, December 17, 1863.

Maj. Gen. W. T. MARTIN,

Commanding Cavalry:

Your note of to-day and messages by Captain Yoe received. The enemy must be making his arrangements to move into Kentucky. If it be true had General Sherman has gone back to General Grant's