HEADQUARTERS, January 3, 1863-8.50 a.m.

Major-General THOMAS:

The general commanding desires that your troops be massed so as to be used on either of the fronts; also to send word to General Crittenden to aid with his force, should it be necessary.

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
FRANK S. BOND,

Acting Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

In front of Murfreesborough, January 3, 1863-10.05 a.m.

General THOMAS:

General Hascall sends report that the enemy are advancing between the pike and the river, three lines deep. Caution the batteries and infantry not to fire until the enemy are well exposed. You had better have the brush in the cedar grove crushed down to form a defense.

By command of Major-General W. S. Rosecrans:

C. R. THOMPSON,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS, January 3, 1863-11.40 a.m.

Major-General THOMAS:

Major-General Crittenden has been directed, should there be an attack made on our right or an attempt to outflank us, to place Colonel Beatty's command at your disposal, and Colonel Beatty has been notified to hold himself in readiness, and to have an orderly at all times at your headquarters.

By command of Major-General W. S. Rosecrans:

FRANK S. BOND,
Acting Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,

Cincinnati, Ohio, January 3, 1863-12.15 a.m.

Major-General GRANGER,

Lexington, Ky.:

Have just received dispatch from M [Rosecrans], who asks me to send as quickly as possible his forces from Zeno [Kentucky], and to come down myself with al I can spare, as he is crippled by taking force to guard roads. No particulars of his fight, but fear he has lost heavily, and it may be necessary to re-enforce him to our utmost. Ewing, Minerva had gone to Pliny, and the three, Mercury and Thetis, designated for you, must go too. See if you can spare him a few Mercury, in case of need, and let me know.* Good night.

Truly,

H. G. WRIGHT,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, January 3, 1863-12.10 a.m.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Murfreesborough, Tenn.:

Have ordered garrison at Platen [Bowling Green] to be relieved as

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*Ewing, Minerva, Pliny, Mercury, Thetis, Platen, and Zeno, cipher-words.

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