LEWISBURG, January 5, 1865.

Major LEVERING,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Little Rock:

Nothing later from above. This morning I sent scout to south side of the River to ascertain if the rebels had fallen back; if so, to follow and ascertain by what route, &c. Have sent orders to Captain Hamilton, at Norristown, to cross the River if it is fordable and ascertain if the rebs were going south from Dardanelle; if so, to harass them as much as possible. Raining, with prospect of a rise. This noon sent courier through to General Thayer.

Respectfully,

A. H. RYAN,

Colonel.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., January 5, 1865.

Major General N. J. T. DANA,

Commanding Department of Mississippi, Memphis, Tenn.:

SIR: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 28th ultimo,* referring to his cipher dispatch of the 21st, and to inform you that the Eleventh New York and Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, now at Baton Rouge and numbering, respectively, 671 and 668 effective men, are held in readiness to respond to your call at any time. If you will be pleased to sent the notification to the commanding officer at Morganza he will telegraph it to this city and at least half a day will be saved.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., January 5, 1865.

Major General N. J. T. DANA,

Commanding Department of Mississippi, Memphis, Tenn.:

SIR: Your communication of the 28th ultimo,# in relation to the defenses on the Mississippi River between Cairo and Memphis, has been received. In reply, I am instructed to say that the major-general commanding determined some time since to have but one post on the River between those post, but that he has not yet fully decide where to locate that post. Fort Pillow will probably be his choice. General Gillmore will look into the matter fully when he goes up the River, and upon his and your joint recommendation the commanding general will base his action.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. T. CHRISTENSEN,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Memphis, Tenn., January 5, 1865.

Mr. GEORGE H. ELLERY, U. S. Purchasing Agent:

Your letter of the 3rd instant reached me through the post-office yesterday afternoon. Whilst I am desirous of facilitating and expedit-

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* See Vol. XLI, Part IV, p. 951.

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# See Vol XLI, Part IV, p. 952.