HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Murfreesborough, March 8, 1863.

Major-General GRANGER, Franklin:

Advance at once firmly, secure your baggage, and establish courier lines, and keep me very frequently advised of movements and results. Steedman reports strong force in his front. If the force at Spring Hill is found to be insignificant, secure Franklin, and aim to strengthen Steedman's position.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General, Commanding.

FRANKLIN, TENN., March 8, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

I do not understand your last telegram. I have called up Sheridan's command in order to advance early to-morrow. Force is too small without him. Have I understood? The road between here and Triune is almost impassable.

G. GRANGER,

Major-General.

FRANKLIN, TENN., March 8, 1863.

General ROSECRANS:

I have report from a judicio source that the railroad bridge one the Tennessee, at Bridgeport, is washed away. Also that Van Dorn is being re-enforced from Shelbyville.

G. GRANGER,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS,
March 8, 1863.

General GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

Lieutenant [L. H.] Thickstun, an officer of my escort, was sent out at 11.30 a. m., to ascertain about the firing this day. He drove the rebel pickets in on three roads, and was within 1 mile of Middleton. I took observations with compass during the firing. It was at or near Nolensville. God is with us to-day. Prepare for a victory.

A. McD. McCOOK,

Major-General.

MURFREESBOROUGH, [March 8, 1863.]

Major-General McCOOK:

The general commanding directs you to send two brigades immediately to Salem, to observe any movements the enemy may make. Keep scouts well out toward Versailles and Middleton and across on the Shelbyville pike.

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.