NASHVILLE, October 13, 1864.

Major General J. M. SCHOFIELD:

The following extract from a dispatch received this p. m. from Major-General Halleck, Washington, I submit for your information and guidance:

WASHINGTON, October 13, 1864-12 m.

Major-General THOMAS:

Schofield and Burbridge are ordered to send you everything that can be spared from Kentucky. Put yourself in communication with them in accordance with above.

I desire you to send me all the available force you can at once, and send me a report what troops I may look for from each. Please report receipt of this telegram with number of troops you can send.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General of Volunteers.

CLEVELAND, TENN., October 13, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

I can raise about 3,000 mounted men in Kentucky to go to the front in a few days. Do you think they should come through East Tennessee or via Nashville. I have just received a dispatch from General Halleck directing me to send to Nashville all the troops that can be spared from Kentucky. I had ordered them to come this way.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, TENN., October 13, 1864-10. 30 p. m.

Major General J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Cleveland:

Under the critical circumstances I think it will be better if you give the order for your cavalry to report to me at this place, when I can make such disposition of them as may be most necessary.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

ATHENS, October 13, 1864.

Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

Have just arrived and received your order to turn over the horses. Will do it in the morning. When may I except transportation? My command encamped from miles from here.

JAMES B. STEEDMAN,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, October 13, 1864-11 p. m.

Major-General STEEDMAN,

Pulaski or Athens:

Reports just received indicate that Hood, with his entire army, is demonstrating against Dalton, having already demanded its surrender. All troops from Cleveland, Tunnel Hill, Ringgold, and intermediate