at Athens. Scouts sent to find Williams not yet returned; think they are captured. One outpost here captured to-day. We are all on half rations. Have sent to find out what is here and will send you what I can.

Yours, truly,

JOHN C. STARKWEATHER,

Brigadier-General.

COLUMBIA, September 6, 1864.

Major POLK:

General Rousseau left here on Sunday at 4 p.m.; camped that night near Lynnville. Wheeler had crossed to the east of railroad same day, destroying some five miles track near Campbell's Station; recrossed to west side Sunday night; was attacked near Campbellsville by Rousseau on Monday; result of fight not known. Report is that Wheeler burned his train and continued his retreat toward Florence; expected to join Roddey to-day. Rousseau met Granger and Starkweather at Lynnville. Williams moved through Shelbyville yesterday; is thought will join Wheeler south of Pulaski. All rebels making for Tennessee River, pursued by our forces. Milroy passed here this afternoon, going to Pulaski.

W. B. SIPES,

Colonel.

DUCK RIVER, September 6, 1864.

(Received 7.30 p.m.)

Major J. O. CRAVENS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

Rebels in considerable numbers have entered Shelbyville by the Unionville and Richmond pikes. Now occupy the place.

JAS. WARTHAM,

Captain, Fourth Tennessee Mounted Infantry.

MURFREESBOROUGH, September 6, 1864.

Major-General ROUSSEAU:

At daylight this morning Colonel Jordan, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with 550 men, attacked Dibrell with 1,200 men at Readyville, utterly routing him, killing about 25, and bringing in 130 prisoners. Colonel Jordan's loss is 1 killed, 3 or 4 wounded. The charge was made with sabers.

H. P. VAN CLEVE,

Brigadier-General.

[SEPTEMBER 6, 1864.-For Special Field Orders, No. 66, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, communicating the congratulatory orders of the President and telegram of Lieutenant-General Grant, &c., see Part I, p.87.]

52 R R-VOL XXXVIII, PT V