than I have ever been before, and hope no officers will be sent into the department who rank those who are now with me. I am sorry to say it, but I would regard it as particularly unfortunate to have either McClernand or Wallace sent to me. The latter I could manage if he had less rank, but the former is unmanageable and incompetent. I would bespeak for General Hamilton promotion. He has earned it on the battle-field, and is competent. Besides this there is not a single major-general from Wisconsin, and some day they may claim one and give the rank to some less worthy person.

The people of Mississippi show more sings of being subdued than any we have heretofore come across. They are very cordial in their reception of the Federal officers, and seem desirous of having trade resumed.

I have been waiting on the reports of the cavalry subdued than making mine. If they are not handed in within a few days I will make mine, and submit theirs when received.

I am under many obligations to you for the confidence with Mr. Washburne says you expressed in me, and will endeavor not to disappoint you.

Yours, truly,

U. S. GRANT.

[17.]

SPECIAL
HDQRS. FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, FIELD ORDERS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Numbers 21.
Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1862.

* * * * *

VIII. Lieutenant Colonel A. von Schrader, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty as acting inspector-general with Brigadier-General Negley, and will report to Major-General Thomas, commanding Center, for same duty.

* * * * *

By command of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,

Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[20.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. SECOND Brigadier, ROSS' DIVISION, Numbers 24.
Oxford, Miss., December 16, 1862.

Colonel Loomis having been relieved from the command of this brigade and assigned to the command of the post of Oxford, the undersigned, by virtue of an order from the commander of the left Wing, dated the 15th instant, hereby assumes the command of the brigade.

JOSEPH A. MOWER,

Colonel Eleventh Missouri, Commanding.

[17.]

SPECIAL
HDQRS. FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, FIELD ORDERS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Numbers 23.
Nashville, Tenn., December 18, 1862.

* * * * *

XV. The battalions of the Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Eighteenth, and Nineteenth Infantry, and Battery H, Fifth Artillery (Captain Guenther), are