WASHINGTON, D. C., January 28, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Murfreesborough, Tenn.:

Numerous applications for leaves of absence, approved by you, are received here. While you are in the face of the enemy, and are daily asking for officers and re-enforcements, it is obviously improper to give leaves to officers of your command.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Nashville, Tenn., January 28, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

Fleet passing Shoals at 1 p. m. without interruption. Colonel [Robert] Johnson's cavalry arrived this evening, considerably run down.

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

MURFREESBOROUGH, January 28, 1863.

Brigadier-General MITCHELL, Nashville:

Forrest is not at Harpeth. Some portion of his command may be there, perhaps under Napier. Please report this to Fort Henry and Clarksville.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

MURFREESBOROUGH, January 28, 1863.

Brigadier General E. A. PAINE, Gallatin:

Send forward Steedman's two regiments. There is no force of consequently of the enemy in your vicinity. If necessary, you can call in some of the troops from Bluck Lodge, leaving a small guard there.

By order:

C. GODDARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., January 29, 1863-7.30 p. m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

Am convalescent and at work. Enemy shows signs of withdrawing from the line of the Elk River, near or across the Tennessee. Believe they fear gunboat expedition up the Tennessee. Recent storms destroyed our bridges between here and Nashville. Damaged road covering. The country and dirt roads nearly impassable for teams. Our railroad will be ready by the 6th, and by the 15th shall have mounted infantry and cavalry enough to drive the enemy's cavalry from the field, want of which, up to this time, has cost the Government many millions of dollars. This war must be conducted the annihilate the mili-