verbal instructions to my officers, in regard to flags of truce. I have received none as yet. The letter, with my indorsement, to the rebel Wharton came to me through department headquarters. I do not believe in flags of truce; therefore, do not permit or receive them.

Very respectfully,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Nashville, December 17, 1862

Major-General VAN CLEVE:

GENERAL: The general commanding has to-day received a communication from General Braxton Bragg, saying that the three men captured behind a flag of truce on the 13th instant have been returned, with their arms and accouterments, and he desires from you a report as to whether these men have been received.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

FRANK S. BOND,

Acting Aide-de-Camp.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, December 17, 1862

Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati, Ohio:

Is there any further danger of Eastern Kentucky, and cannot your forces act to best advantage on the Cumberland, or in concert with Rosecrans from Nashville? Is not the entire army of Bragg in front of Rosecrans? State in general terms the position and numbers of your forces.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, December 18, 1862

Brigadier-General BOYLE, Louisville:

Now is the time, to send Bruce and all fore to Clarksville, put it into defensible condition, and hold it. Orders ought to be given to procure stores of wood and see to water without delay. Please order it. Will close the gates against raids into Kentucky.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Nashville, December 18, 1862

Brigadier-General BOYLE, Louisville, Ky.:

Green River bridge and trestle-work at Munfordville reported as