HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Huntsville, Ala., May 17, 1864.

Brigadier General W. Q. GRESHAM,

Athens, Ala.:

GENERAL: On Colonel Rowett being satisfied that the enemy have recrossed the river, he may return with his force to Athens, scouting the country on his way back, as far as Rogersville. The brigade ordered in the direction of Madison Station will not be sent, but will telegraph you again if needed. Hold it in readiness to move at any moment.

JNO. E. SMITH,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
May 17, 1864-1 a.m.

Colonel R. ROWETT,

Commanding Cavalry Expedition:

COLONEL: Have just received your dispatch of yesterday per courier. If you have driven the enemy across the river, and I have no doubt of it, and congratulate you on your success, you can either take up your old position or return to this place, as I do not feel authorized, under present circumstances, to give your orders for the future. The Ninth Ohio Cavalry are expected to return to Decatur.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. Q. GRESHAM,

Brigadier-General.

LARKINSVILLE, May 17, 1864.

Lieutenant C. L. WHITE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:

Colonel Wever has started with 140 men. Will pick up balance on the road. He will have 300.

G. B. RAUM,

Colonel, Commanding.

MADISON, May 17, 1864.

Brigadier-General SMITH:

I have arrived all right at Madison, ten minutes to 7. Am preparing to follow the enemy at once. They left at 10 o'clock in direction Triana road. They crossed at Gillsport below Triana on flats, Colonel Patterson in command. The Fifth Ohio Cavalry and Fifty-ninth Indiana are harassing their rear. If the gun-boat will only prevent the crossing we will surely get them. The telegraph will be operating in an hour.

Respectfully

J. I. ALEXANDER,

Colonel, Commanding.

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
In the Field, near Rome Cross-Roads. Numbers 12.
May 17, 1864-8.30 a.m.0

I. Brigadier-General Garrard having reported with his cavalry division, will be assigned to duty of covering our right flank in the direction of