NASHVILLE, TENN., November 1, 1864-7. 30 a. m.

General R. S. GRANGER, Decatur:

If the enemy have not got possession of the Elk River Ford, I wish you to have the garrison of Athens reoccupy that place again. Brown's Ferry and Elk River Ford should be held as long as possible.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

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

DECATUR, ALA., November 1, 1864-10. 15 a. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

I had already ordered the reoccupation of Athens. I have a heavy picket of cavalry at Brown's Ferry; have ordered 100 infantry there also. All my cavalry is on the river. Have ordered my strongest regiment to Elk River Ford; would have done so before but could not get transportation.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

DECATUR, ALA., November 1, 1864-a. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

Courier just in from Brown's Ferry with the following:

BROWN'S FERRY, October 31, 1864-7. 30 p. m.

Yours of 2 p. m. received. Major Williamson has arrived. The report of rebel cavalry being on the WEST side of Elk River was premature. Major Williamson brought with him the detachment of Second Tennessee stationed at mouth of Elk River. He says Major Hutsell, Second Tennessee, will camp five miles WEST of here, on the road to Florence, to-night, and fall back to this point in the morning. The eight companies of my command are now at this point; will have to send or come in for rations, or run corn mills. Please send orders if a force is to remain at this ferry. I think a force should be kept on the Athans and Florence road opposite this point, to prevent its being cut off or flanked.

G. R. SWALLOW,

Major Tenth Indiana Cavalry.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

DECATUR, ALA., November 1, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

All quiet along the river. Sent two gun-boats from here to-day. One goes up the river and Stone River goes down to Brown's Ferry with troops. I shall leave for Huntsville some time to-night with part of a regiment to look after the defenses of the road. Will be back at daylight in the morning and see if I can possibly get transportation for additional troops for defense of Elk River.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

DECATUR, November 1, 1864.

General J. L. DONALDSON, Chief Quartermaster:

I would urgently request that your order a train of five flats and a caboose to this place, to be entirely subject to my orders, for patrolling the road. I found such an one, strengthened with timber, extremely