miles beyond Ringgold and twelve miles of the track between Dalton and Cleveland. Our [road] is getting to be in good order and condition.

J. C. IVES,

Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

[31.]

RICHMOND, VA., December 9, 1863.

Lieutenant-General HARDEE,

Dalton, Ga.:

Yours of the 8th received. The following just received from General Longstreet:

BEAN'S STATION, EAST TENN., December 8, 1863.

The attack on Knoxville was abandoned on account of re-enforcements marching to its relief, and because my communication was cut and transportation getting scarce. I took position here, that I might strike the column from Cumberland Gap to aid General Bragg by drawing off a part of Grant's forces, and to annoy the enemy's communications. I am apprehensive, however, that I shall not be able to remain here, as my transportation is deficient. I will remain, however, if necessary, or go wherever needed. Have four brigades of General Bragg's cavalry.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[31.]

DALTON, December 10, 1863.

President DAVIS, Richmond, Va.:

All is quiet in front. The main body of the enemy believed to have fallen back to the other side of the Tennessee. They have destroyed all the railroad track from Ringgold to Chickamauga. official returns show our total loss in the late battles to be 5,280, an alarming number of whom are believed to be stragglers. Repairing roads and establishing camps. General Leadbeter is in charge of these operatons, with a large force of eingeer officers and troops. Nothing has been heard from Longstreet. Will you notify me by telegraph if there is any further duty that I could perform or any other places that it would be desirable to visit before returning to Richmond.

J. C. IVES.

[31.]

RICHMOND, VA., December 10, 1863.

General W. J. HARDEE, Dalton, Ga.:

What information have you in regard to the movements and probable purposes of the enemy? Use all means to obtain full and accurate information, and keep me regularly advised. This information is necessary to guide me in the distribution of troops.*

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[31.]

DALTON, GA., December 11, 1863.

President DAVIS, Richmond, Va.:

The scouts this morning confirm the intelligence in my dispatch of last evening.+ There can be little or no doubt of the destruction of much of the railroad from Bridgeport to Charleston, and that the main body of the enemy has crossed the Tennessee. There are additional

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*For reply, see Hardee to Davis, VOL. XXXI, Part III, p. 809.

+See second, ante; also VOL. XXXI, Part III, p. 803.

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