NASHVILLE, April 17, 1865-10 a. m.

(Received 1 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Washington:

I last night forwarded to General Grant General Wilson's official report of the capture of Selma, Ala., by his corps.* I shall to-day send him orders to hold Selma and operate west of the Alabama River against Taylor's forces, with a view of aiding General Canby as much as possible. Have I authority to propose the same terms to General Taylor and all other Confederate forces that General Grant proposed to General Lee?

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Army.

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 17, 1865-4.10 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Nashville:

The Secretary of War authorizes you to give the same terms to rebel forces in the west and south as those given by General Grant to General Lee. Special permits will be required in all cases to go to any place in the loyal States.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

NASHVILLE, TENN., April 17, 1865.

(Received 8.25 p. m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

I respectfully recommend that Selma be garrisoned by a portion of General Canby's troops, which would enable me to hold General Wilson's command in readiness to operate in any direction where it services would be of the most importance.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, April 17, 1865.

Colonel A. J. MACKAY,

Knoxville:

Have just received orders to concentrate Fourth Corps at this place Make necessary arrangements for transportation by rail for troops and artillery, and transportation to be forwarded by brigades or detachments of brigades, but so organized that they will be under proper discipline and control. Discontinue store-houses at Knoxville.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

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*See p. 217.

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