HEADQUARTERS CENTER, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Camp before Murfreesborough, December 30, 1862.

Brigadier-General NEGLEY:

Make arrangements to hold your position as you are. If your troops are too far advanced, draw them in a little. Keep out strong skirmishing parties, and be prepared to advance early to-morrow morning. General Thomas has gone to his camp, back 1 mile, but will see you in person before you advance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[GEO. E. FLYNT,]

Major and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, December 30, 1862-1.30 p.m.

Major GEORGE E. FLYNT:

Colonel Starkweather, at 10.30 a.m. to-day, sent dispatch (just reached me) saying he was attacked in force, and it would not do to leave one regiment alone at Jefferson Crossing; it would be captured, and he awaited further orders; that a part of his train had been captured; that the enemy was reported 3,000 strong on the opposite side of the river, but that half that number was probably correct; that he had lost some men. Inclosed you have dispatch from General Rosecrans, in answer to which I inclosed Colonel Starkweather's report, deeming it necessary to give to him an immediate reply, with such information as I had; but my dispatch was directed to you or Colonel Garesche. If you receive it, will you please forward it to General Rosecrans, and I will make no further reply to him.

Very respectfully,
LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS CENTER, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Camp before Murfreesborough, December 30, 1862.

Major-General ROUSSEAU,

Commanding Third Division:

Move with your command at 6 o'clock to-morrow morning to the ground occupied by General Crittenden on the night of the 29th, 1862, and await orders from General Thomas. Send orders to Colonel Starkweather to join his division as soon as relieved by General Stanley, but on no account to move unless relieved.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[GEO. E. FLYNT,]

Major and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS CENTER, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Camp before Murfreesborough, December 30, 1862.

Colonel M. B. WALKER,

Commanding First Brigade:

March with your brigade on the Murfreesborough pike join Major-General Rousseau's division as soon as relieved by General Stanley's