last DIVISION of your corps. Direct your ordnance officer and commissary to make requisition on this post for whatever supply of ammunition and commissary stores you will need, and I will give direction to have them sent you promptly.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers.

DECATUR, October 31, 1864-11. 30 a. m.

Major-General STANLEY:

Elk River Ford is about fourteen miles from Athens, and an excellent position to hold the enemy if the comes toward Athens. I will forward to you the new regiments sent me from Nashville as soon as transportation can be furnished.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

DECATUR, October 31, 1864-1. 30 p. m.

(Received 6. 30 p. m. November 1.)

Major-General STANLEY:

The cars are off the track, and trains cannot go forward until train is removed. Mr. Bruce, master of transportation, has the matter in hand.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

DECATUR, October 31, 1864-1. 45 p. m.

(Received 6. 30 p. m. November 1.)

Major-General STANLEY:

Do you want the re-enforcement from here immediately? I cannot get transportation for them, as there is a train off the track at the junction and an engine down the bank. It will take them five hours to march from here to Athens. Shall I send them overland?

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
October 31, 1864-10 p. m.

(Received 7. 30 a. m. November 2.)

Major-General STANLEY,

Athens:

The enemy last night and to-day crossed a large infantry force at and above Florence. They are reported moving on the Huntsville road; also toward Lawrenceburg. It is impossible for me to determine which direction their main force will take. I will furnish you all the information I can get promptly.

Respectfully, yours,

JOHN T. CROXTON,

Brigadier-General, Volunteers.