from the rolls of their companies. They are only detailed from their companies for special service, entirely in accordance with what is and must always be done in any army, but in this instance effecting very important and useful ends. I have asked General Halleck to please examine this matter. I take the liberty of making this request to yourself also, as I think you will see in it only benefit, and no contravention of law. We all think it pregnant with good.

W. S. ROSECRANS.

CARTHAGE, TENN., [February] 28, 1863,

(Via Gallatin, March 2.)

Colonel C. GODDARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The river has risen so much that it has taken me up to this time to land. I shall keep the boats here until I hear from you. I am much in need of cavalry here. I will not be able to mount my men here. Will Stokes' cavalry join me soon?

Very respectfully,

GEORGE CROOK,

Brigadier-General.

NASHVILLE, February 28, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel C. GODDARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff:

I have information, which seems reliable, that Van Dorn has arrived with his command at Columbia. Eighteen thousand men, including Van Dorn, Wheeler, Wharton, and Forrest, reported there.

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Post.

HDQRS. SECOND Brigadier, ARMY OF CENTRAL KENTUCKY,
Paris, Ky., February 28, 1863.

General GILLMORE, Lexington:

Lieutenant-Colonel Oden, Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, brought in 3 prisoners this morning. They also captured the rebel mail. Marshall left Pound Gap, with 4,000 men, on the 14th of this month. He is reported back of Mount Sterling. More than twenty letters corroborate this statement. If this prove true, I will not attack Cluke, for fear Marshall is just lying out of sight, intending to thrash me. I will send you the letters as soon as they can be procured from Carlisle. I have sent a man into Mount Sterling.

BEN. P. RUNKLE,

Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KENTUCKY,
Lexington, Ky., February 28, 1863.

Colonel BENJAMIN P. RUNKLE, Paris, Ky.:

Your dispatch, by carrier, was received about 11.30. You have full authority and orders to pursue Cluke and use him up. It is supposed