CAMP HAMILTON,

December 15, 1862-5.20 p.m.

[Colonel J. P. GARESCHE:]

Five hundred rebel cavalry encamped last night at Mrs. Hamer's farm, 4 miles from Brentwood. To the left of Wilson's pike, 2 miles beyond Brentwood, on a lane leading east, two regiments of infantry, three pieces of artillery, and some cavalry were encamped. Saturday night a citizen named McNary, living 1 mile beyond Brentwood, is reported as aiding in the capture of Stokes' men yesterday. Your circular of to-day will have prompt attention.

JAS. S. NEGLEY,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, December 15, 1862

Brig. General W. S. SMITH, Bowling Green:

Hold on with command at Bowling Green till further orders. Keep heavy scouts out toward Scottsville, strong enough to deal with 200 or 300 men. Order them to attack vigorously. Keep trains parked defensively; let none go out, or,if gone, bid them stop at Gallatin. Railroad train can run safely to-morrow. Morgan is crossing via Hartsville.

By command:

J. P. GARESCHE,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

JACKSON, December 15, 1862

General ROSECRANS,

I have information from several sources, which seems reliable that Bragg's forces, or portions of them, are moving westward. Forrest's cavalry, or rebel cavalry, are crossing the Tennessee River at Clifton to-day. Deserters from there declare that Bragg's army has left Murfreesborough.

JER. C. SULLIVAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,
Nashville, December 15, 1862

Major-General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Gallatin:

Have you any further news reported from that cavalry raid reported from direction of Hartsville or from any other direction?

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General, Commanding.

GALLATIN, December 15, 1862

Colonel J. P. GARESCHE:

Colonel Wolford's scout, returned at 5 p.m. to-day, reports no rebel cavalry crossing to the north side of the river. Hamilton's and Fergu-