DALTON, January 17, 1864.

His Excellency the PRESIDENT:

Be assured that the measure I presented was not and will not be thought of when it can be avoided. All promise are made by railroad authorities.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[32.]

MOBILE, January 17, 1864.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector-General:

A fleet of twenty-three vessels passed eastwardly on the 15th instant in direction of Pensacola.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General.

[32.]

MORRISTOWN, January 18, 1864.

(Via Russellville.)

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

A report is here, said to be from a reliable person, that General Vance, with 100 of his men, were captured near Sevierville on the 14th. He advised me on the 10th of this month in that direction. As our parties in Sevier County sent to co-operate with him have no reported his capture, I hope that it may not be true.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

[32.]

RUSSELLVILLE, January 18, 1864.

(Received 19th.)

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

A part of Martin's cavalry is a part of the sharpshooters of Hood's division. Brigadier-General Jenkins' command had a successful affair near Dandridge yesterday. We were getting into position, but the enemy returned during the night. It is supposed that he was attempting to turn our left.

J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

[32.]

RICHMOND, VA., January 18, 1864.

Lieutenant General L. POLK,

Meridian, Miss.:

I acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of copies of general orders which you have transmitted to me in relation to your transfer to your present command.* While I thank you for your attention in the matter, I must express my gratification at the spririt of the order.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[32.]

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*See VOL. XXXI, Part III, p. 857.

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