HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, Tenn., February 16, 1865.

(Via Eastport.)

Major General J. H. WILSON,

Commanding Cavalry Corps, Mil. Div. of the Mississippi,

Gravelly Springs, Ala.:

Lieutenant-General Grant desires the cavalry expedition from Eastport to get off as soon after the 20th instant as possible. Acknowledge receipt.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, February 16, 1865-4. 40 p. m.

Major General J. H. WILSON,

Gravelly Springs:

General Thomas says that he has no authority to send clothing or exchange prisoners, but will submit the matter to Washington; also the cotton proposition. In the meantime if General Forrest desires to meet you are authorized to meet him at Fulton any day between this and the 20th.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 16, 1865.

Major General JAMES H. WILSON,

Commanding Cavalry, &c., Vicksburg, Miss.:

I have just learned from General Thomas that you command the cavalry from his army. The first operation of your command will be to break up as far as practicable the railroad communication with Mobile west of the Tombigbee and Alabama Rivers. The time of moment will depend upon the arrival of A. J. Smith's infantry and the state of preparation in which it is found when it arrives. Make your preparations to move as lightly and rapidly as possible, living to the fullest extent upon the country you pass through. The time of movement and general object to be accomplish will be indicated hereafter. A corresponding movement against the Mobile and Montgomery road will be made from a point on the Gulf, and General Thomas will be requested to attack the attention of the enemy to the northward by a demonstration from Eastport.

E. ER. S. CANBY,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Gravelly Springs, Ala., February 16, 1865.

Major WILLIAM P. CHAMBLISS,

Special Inspector of Cavalry, Louisville, Ky.:

Nothing Colonel A. J. Alexander that he is confirmed brigadier-general by the Senate, and tell him to come here.

J. H. WILSON,

Brevet Major-General.