HDQRS. CAVALRY DIV., DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Memphis, Tenn., April 16, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER, FIRST BRIGADE:

COLONEL: In memory of the immortal man murdered upon the 14th instant, the troops of this command will parade mounted to-morrow morning, the 17th instant, at 10 a. m. promptly, upon the open ground at the south extension of Shelby street. Each officer and enlisted man will wear upon his left arm and upon his saber hit the appropriate badge of morning. Upon the forehead of each horse and attached to the bridle will be fastened a festoon, one-half of black carpe and one-half of white cambric, each three inches wide and one yard long. Sabers will be carried in reserve when the command "march" is given.

By order of Byt. Brigadier General E. D. Osband:

E. J. MEYERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WASHINGTON, April 17, 1865.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS,

Nashville, Tenn.:

I most sincerely thank you for your encouragement.* It is duly appreciated. Thee have been two meetings of the cabinet. So far things move along harmoniously. I hope you will communicate with me fully in reference to all that pertains to the public interest.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

WASHINGTON, April 1865-2 p. m.

(Received 8 p. m.)

Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

The freedom of Virginia from occupation by an armed enemy renders the occupation of East Tennessee in large force longer unnecessary. You may commence the withdrawal of the Fourth Corps to Nashville immediately. It is desirable to hold all the territory we now have in sufficient force to protect it against roving bands that may yet infest the country, but all force not necessary for that collect near Nashville as rapidly as possible, the Fourth Corps intact.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, April 17, 1865-8 p. m. (Received 11.35 p. m.)

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,

Washington, D. C.:

Your dispatch of 2 p. m. this date received. Will immediately make arrangements to withdraw the Fourth Corps from East Tennessee to the vicinity of Nashville.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

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*See Thomas to Johnson, 15th, p. 359.

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