NASHVILLE, TENN., November 3, 1864-7. 50 p. m.

Brigadier General R. S. GRANGER,

Decatur, Ala.:

Make as many reconnaissances as you can south, in the direction of Moulton, threatening him all you can, so as to keep him on the watch.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Nashville, Tenn., November 3, 1864-3. 30 p. m.

Brigadier-General CROXTON,

Shoald Creek, via Pulaski:

Do you patrol the country well to your right? It will be well for you or General Hatch to do so, and to keep fully posted at all time as to Hood's movements. I have your dispatch of yesterday, 3 p. m. Hope most sincerely you may succeed.

GEO. H. Thomas

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

PULASKI, TENN., November 3, 1864-7 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

The enemy are crossing at the mouth of Blue Water in force, half way between this place and Elk River.

Respectfully,

JOHN T. CROXTON,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

SHOAL CREEK BRIDGE, ALA., November 3, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

An officer has just arrived announcing that the rebels were repulsed in their attempt to cross the mouth of Blue Water.

JOHN T. CROXTON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SHOAL CREEK BRIDGE, ALA., November 3, 1864-10 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

Your dispatch of yesterday 3 p. m. received. I have just returned from reconnoitering and find the rebel line unchanged. They have a large force of infantry and very little cavalry. I think General Hatch should move at once to Bough's Factory, via Lexington. My force is scattered from the mouth of Elk River to this point, and thence to Bough's Factory, and is so scattered that a small cavalry force would make it necessary for me to concentrate, and thus abandon portion of the road I am watching. If you will send him drown I will report to him and let him take charge of the whole force. Have not heard from the expedition to cut their pontoon bridge.

Respectfully,

JOHN T. CROXTON,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.