or by rail. Will arrange with Governor Clark for a proper disposition of the State forces and all reserves he may be able to bring to my assistance. Will write you or telegraph as often as deemed necessary. Captain Carter, of Wheeler's scouts, reports the enemy from Decatur as having returned. The main points are from Vicksburg and Memphis.

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

N. B. FORREST,

Major-General.

OXFORD, MISS., August 5, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel A. H. CHALMERS,

Abbeville:

Have you any scouts on the Pontotoc road east of Holly Springs? What news from the enemy?

JAS. R. CHALMERS,

Brigadier-General.

ABBEVILLE, MISS., August 5, 1864.

General CHALMERS, Oxford:

Have no scouts on Pontotoc road. Enemy at Waterford; pickets this side; main camp at Lumpkin's Mills. My forces are inadequate to carry out all the order and hold the crossings.

A. H. CHALMERS,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

OXFORD, MISS., August 5, 1864.

Lieutenant-Colonel CHALMERS, Abbeville:

If the enemy commence repairing the railroad south of Waterford destroy the bridge at Tallahatchie.

JAMES R. CHALMERS,

Brigadier-General.

OXFORD, MISS., August 5, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel H. C. DAVIS,

Commanding Reserve Forces, Grenada:

General Forrest orders 500 negroes impressed to repair fortifications at Grenada. You will please render all the assistance you can in the impressment, and order the negroes to report to Captain Mickle, assistant quartermaster.

JAS. R. CHALMERS,

Brigadier-General.

ABBEVILLE, MISS., August 5, 1864.

General CHALMERS, Oxford:

Captain Henderson is southeast of Waterford with squad of men. Don't know that he has any in direction of Pontotoc road.

J. V. RICHARDS,

Henderson's Scouts.