221.] BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865-4 p. m.

THOMAS LOUGH,

Superintendent, Columbus, Ohio:

Will you please send me to-morrow to this place, care of the Ohio Central, a full report of the transportation of the Twenty-third Corps, showing the number of cars of troops, horses, &c., with time of leaving Columbus and arrival at Newark; also the reason for the several delays, on which I can make report to the Secretary of War.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

222.] COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 28, 1865.

Colonel LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Bellaire:

I will send you a full report.

THOS. LOUGH.

223.] BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865.

E. W. WOODWARD,

Superintendent Little Miami Railroad, Cincinnati:

Will you please send me at once to Washington a full report of the transportation of the Twenty-third Corps, showing the number of cars of troops, &c., and the time of leaving Cincinnati and arrival at Columbus. I remain here until Monday. Answer here.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.

224.] CINCINNATI, January 28, 1865.

Colonel L. B. PARSONS,

Bellaire:

Will forward at once to Washington the report you wish.

E. W. WOODWARD,

Superintendent.

225.] BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865-3. 30 p. m.

C. A. DANA,

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

We have had great detentions and a hard time on the Ohio Central arising from broken rails, cars off the track, and the cold weather, but as yet to injurey to a single person, so far as I can learn. There are still over 200 cars between here and Columbus, but the track is now reported all clear, and I hope all will be in very speedily. I am putting stoves and large quantities of straw or hay in every car and furnishing an abundance of hot coffee. We have had a very severe time for three days, and if we get through all safe I shall be most thankful. I can't get away from here before Monday.

LEWIS B. PARSONS,

Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.