troops and your four regiments. There are 6,000 convalescents to defend the city, if necessary. I should like to cut off the enemy's retreat. Keep me advised.

By order of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. R. THOMPSON,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

NASHVILLE, January 12, 1863.

General ROSECRANS:

I can send a small expedition out at any time. General Stanley has but 600 cavalry. If the train waiting for the escort is delayed, I can send three regiments of infantry and four pieces of artillery in addition to the cavalry. You have one of my batteries with you (Beebe's). Believe, from the best information we can get, the enemy have at least 2,000 mounted infantry and eight pieces of artillery. By actual count there is not less than 4,000 within supporting distance of each other.

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,

Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, January 12, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

I have information from Shelbyville to the night of the 10th instant. General Polk's corps occupy the town of Shelbyville. I have a pass signed by Cheatham.

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS, Nashville, January 12, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

I have reliable information this morning that Wheeler's cavalry are all at Brentwood, and Forrest's entire cavalry force came into Franklin last night and this morning.

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, January 12, 1863-3 p. m.

General ROSECRANS:

I have 800 men; 200 of them with Stokes. My scout to La Vergne and Nolensville returned at daylight this morning. They found nothing. The enemy are in pretty large force. I should like to have more cavalry, but, if you desire, I will go ahead. Please answer.

D. S. STANLEY,

Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, January 12, 1863.

General ROSECRANS:

I do not think there is anything on the Nolensville pike. The head of the column is on the Hillsborough pike; they turned toward the river 6 miles this side of Franklin. They are between the Franklin

21 R R-VOL XX, PT II