small garrisoning force in important towns, until some steps are taken to supply more troops? I have received dispatches from different points asking protection, and am unable to give it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FIRST DIV., MILITARY DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY,
Lexington, February 19, 1865.

Colonel H. M. BUCKLEY,

Fifty-fourth Kentucky Volunteers, New Castle, Ky.:

The general directs me to inform you that by a recent order all his old troops, except Thirtieth Kentucky, have been taken from him and that it will be necessary to guard such important points as can be guarded by detachments. He directs you to use all your vigilance and energy in scouting and making the most of your command, and to complete the organization as fast as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

LEXINGTON, KY., February 19, 1865-9 a. m.

Colonel W. C. JOHNSTON,

Fifty-third Kentucky, Paris, Ky.:

Send Company G, of your regiment, to mount Sterling immediately. Eleventh Michigan Cavalry is ordered off, and town and fort are unprotected. If you have not men enough at Paris after it is sent get some from Cynthiana and Falmounth. Report receipt of this and time the company leaves.

By order of Brigadier-General Hobson:

J. S. BUTLER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, February 20, 1865-7.30 p. m.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

City Point:

I start for Eastport to-day, in order to get off the cavalry expedition from that point as soon as possible.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, February 20, 1865.

Lieutenant-General GRANT:

GENERAL: Becoming satisfied that your order in regard to General Washburn going to Memphis has not been executed, I called at the War Department this morning to inquire about it. General Townsend sent over to Halleck and found that nothing had been done, and then