the President. In the Department of Arkansas I would also recommend that Canby be authorized to place Reynolds in command, to put Steele in his place if he thinks the good of the service demands it. Steele I do not think quite equal to the efficient command of a department, whilst he is a first-class commander of troops in battle. I would suggest leaving this change entirely to Canby's judgment.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

WASHINGTON, November 25, 1864-3 p. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

City Point, Va.:

Authority was given to General Canby some days ago to make such changes as he deemed best in the Department of Arkansas. General Thomas reports that General Dodge is well and available for duty.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.

CITY POINT, VA., November 25, 1864-6 p. m.

Major-General HALLECK,

Washington:

I see no objection to General Canby's recommendation to have General Dana's command made into a department. It embraces much territory and is as much a department in command as either of the others comprising Canby's division.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., November 25, 1864.

Major-General HALLECK,

Washington:

I think it advisable to send orders to Missouri that all the troops coming from there shall receive their directions from General Thomas and not listen to conflicting orders.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., November 25, 1864. (Received December 2.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

Under information received from General Sherman, and in anticipation of his coming out at some point on the Gulf, I have collected large supplies in the Gulf, and have transportation ready to move at any time and to any point; rations for thirty days; clothing and ammunition for 60,000 men, and forage for the same period for 15,000 animals. Most of these supplies are already on board. Co-operative movements for the

43 R R-VOL XLI, PT IV