47.] CAIRO, January 16, 1865.

Honorable C. A. DANA,

Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:

Arrived here this morning. Start for Paducah immediately. Will have boats enough there in the morning for the movement, and start early unless detained for convoy. Hope to be at Clifton early Wednesday and start back to Thursday. Weather and river favorable. A cipher telegjraph operator accompanies me, according to your order.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

48.] CAIRO, January 16, 1865.

Captain J. H. WILSON,

Assistant Quartermaster, Paducah, Ky.:

Have all the boats take on board at least three days' fuel, and be ready to start oin an hours' notice after 10 o'clock to-night, if convoy arrive. Request convoy as soon as possible, as time is important. Will be up this evening.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

49.] CAIRO, January 16, 1865-3 p.m.

W. PRESCOTT SMITH,

Master Transportation, Baltimore, Md.:

Everything looks well. You will not probably hear from me again for three days.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

50.] CAIRO, January 16, 1865.

Captain J. H. WILSON,

Assistant Quartermaster, Paducah, Ky.:

I leave here at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

51.] CAIRO, January 16, 1865.

W. PRESCOTT SMITH, Esq.,

Master Trnaspt., Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Baltimore, Md.:

DEAR SIR: I arrived at Paducah last night. Expect to proced up the Tennessee to-night. Hope to leave Easport by Thursday. All will probably to emabrked on the same day; hence, I fear if we succeed in going up the Ohio they willa ll reach Parkersburg or Wheeling within two days. I have endeavored to avoid this in accordance with your request, but with the present views of officers, it cannot be done. Hence, inc ase we reach you by water, it will be of importance to have the largest preparation practicable. As soon as we get out of the