HEADQUARTERS,
Rheatown, [November] 5, 1863-7 a. m.

General WILLCOX:

Just returned from up the road to this place. Received your dispatch two miles above this. Dispatch from Colonel Grham furnishes no further information from the enemy. Sent scouting parties different directions. Thinks he will be enabled to know definitely be 12 o'clock. Infantry has passed through this place to position designated about two miles west. A scouting party sent on Snap's Ferry this morning report no information of the enemy. My telegraph operator remains at Henderson's Depot.

J. H. SHACKELFORD,

[31.] Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Rheatown, November 5, 1863-10 a. m.

Colonel GARRARD:

A rebel force, 2,000 to 2,500, are reported to be moving from Spurgeon's Ford in direction of Rogersville. You will use the utmost vigilance and not suffer yourself to be surprised or overwhelmed.

J. M. SHACKELFORD,

[31.] Brrigadier-General.

KNOXVILLE, November 6, 1863.

General O. B. WILLCOX:

I am glad to inform you that General Grant has reconsidered the order in case of General Boyle, and I am glad to be able to retain you in this section. I shall now make the movement spoken of for some time. I design to send you a copy in cipher from General Grant. Have you a cipher; if so, what one is it?

A. E. BURNSIDE,

[31.] Major-General.

KNOXVILLE, November 6, 1863.

General WILLCOX:

Sent the following the Colonel Harney, Morristown:

What portion of Colonel Garrard's force is with you? How many men did he lose? Did he lose his artillery? Put your men in support of your artillery as they approach your place, and hold the heights at all hazards until General Willcox arrives. Muster all the stragglers with their arms. General and yourself ought to hold the place by all means.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

[31.] Major-General.

KNOXVILLE, November 6, 1863.

General WILLCOX:

Dispatch received*. You had better move as calmly as possible. Don't let Hoskins get so far in the rear as to be without supporting distance, but march as rapidly as you can safely.

A. E. BURNSIDE,

[31.] Major-General.

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* See Willcox to Burnside, VOL. XXXI, Part III, p. 68.

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