158.] CINCINNATI, January 23, 1865-10 a. m.

SAMUEL C. GALE,

Agent, Parkersburg, Va.:

Six hundred to 1,000 troops left Louisville for Parkersburg nearly a week ago. I can hear nothing from them. Have they arrived? If so, they are to proceed immediately with the Twenty-third Army Corps. Let me hear from you as soon as possible. What is the condition of the river? I have telegraphed several times without any reply.

LEWIS B. PARSONS.

159.] PARKERSBURG, January 23, 1865.

Colonel L. B. PARSONS,

Cincinnati, Ohio:

No troops have arrived here yet. River full of floating ice and but few boats running. Your dispatches have been answered daily.

SAML. C. GALE,

Agent.

159 1/2.] EVANSVILLE, January 23, 1865.

Colonel LEWIS B. PARSONS,

(Care Colonel McKim, Cincinnati, Ohio.)

The Does Moines passed up at 2 p. m. Said to be the last of the fleet.

I. W. HART,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

160.] CINCINNATI, January 23, 1865.

W. PRESCOTT SMITH,

Baltimore, Md.:

Over 8,000 had left by 12 o'clock last night via Columbus. Twenty-five hundred more are now loading by the same route. Three thousand will start this evening for Parkersburg on boats, and reach there in from fity to sixty hours. Probably about 1,500 more will start to-day by Columbus. Do not think I shall send any by the Marietta railroad.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

161.] LOUISVILLE, January 23, 1865.

Colonel L. B. PARSONS:

(Care Colonel McKim, Cincinnati, Ohio.)

Captain Edwards here. The last of the boats are now passing through the canal.

FRANK. ERNST,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.