NEAR CALHOUN, GA., May 17, 1864.

Brigadier General JOHN E. SMITH,

Commanding Third Division, 15th Army Corps, Huntsville, Ala.:

Major-General Thomas having been charged with the protection of our communications to the rear, including Decatur and Huntsville, you will make preparations to come forward with your division as soon a relieved and join the Fifteenth Corps in the field. Bring your camp and garrison equipage and transportation.

By order of Major General James B. McPherson:

WM. T. CLARK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DECATUR, May 17, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel R. M. SAWYER:

Rebel Patterson crossed with 500 men, three pieces of artillery, near Triana, moved on Madison Station, destroyed all but the railroad, took Colonel Gorgas prisoner and 50 men, fell back to the river; not known if he recrossed. One regiment of infantry should be at Triana.

C. L. MATTHIES,

Brigadier-General.

DECATUR, May 17, 1864

Lieutenant-Colonel SAWYER:

The enemy crossed the river above this place; destroyed Beaver Dam Station and Limestone bridge. Three regiments from Athens will be after them to-night. Send the gun-boats to Triana and here.

C. L. MATTHIES,

Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, May 17, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Bridgeport, Ala.:

General Matthies, at Decatur, telegraphed me that a force of the enemy with artillery, passed east on his front. He also reports the rebels at Madison Station, he probably means on the river opposite. Order the commander of the gun-boat in General Sherman's name to start at once for Decatur and report.

By order of Major General W. T. Sherman:

R. M. SAWYER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[MAY 17, 1864. - For Gorgas to White, reporting attack on Madison Station, see Part III, p. 271.]

DECATUR, May 17, 1864.

General J. E. SMITH:

Telegraph from Decatur Junction says 2,000 mounted rebels at Madison Station. Burnt the town.

C. L. MATTHIES,

Brigadier-General.