DALTON, February 23, 1864.

His Excellency the PRESIDENT,

Richmondm, Va.:

Major-General Anderson being ordered to Florida, the vacancy in Breckinridge's division is unfilled. Brigadier-General Gist I earnestly recommend for the major-generalcy. He is best qualified for the place, in my judgment. I want greatly good major-generals. I have stopped all Hardee's corps by telegraph that has not gone beyond Montgomery at 6 p. m. The enemy are within seven miles.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[32.]

DALTON, February 23, 1864.

General BROWN,

Rome, Ga.:

Send the following message to General Roddey, Gadsden, Ala.:

GENERAL: Come up to this place at once. General Johnston reminds you that much time has elapsed since you received your orders.

W. W. MACKALL,

Chief of Staff.

[32.]

RICHMOND, VA., February 23, 1864.

Lieutenant-General POLK,

Demopolis, Ala.:

As soon as circumstances will permit, General Hardee with his command will return to Dalton, your dispatch not indicating a probability of overtaking the enemy.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[32.]

RICHMOND, VA., February 23, 1864.

Lieutenant General L. POLK,

Demopolis, Ala.:

Direct Generals Lee and Forrest, after dispersing the enemy's cavalry, to hold his infantry until you can come up with him.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[32.]

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY WEST OF ALABAMA,
Starkville, Miss., February 23, 1864.

Brigadier General W. H. JACKSON,

Commanding Division:

GENERAL: General Lee directs that you will move with your division at daylight to-morrow morning, and proceed in the direction of Carthage and to the north of Pearl River, for the purpose of striking the head of General Sherman's column, now on the march from Meridian westward. You will keep in the vicinity of the enemy as long as in your opinion any good results can be effected by so doing, and will endeavor in every possible manner to harass him and to prevent him from injuring the country near his line of march. General Lee will remain at this point until to-morrow afternoon, when he will probably