[Indorsement.]

JOHN MCDERMOTT, Colonel, Commanding:

Barricade with cotton-bales if you have them. A force is moving north from Holly Springs to your assistance; will reach you by morning.

U. S. GRANT.

GRAND JUNCTION, December 22, 1862.

General SULLIVAN:

The enemy expected every moment. I am good for Van Dorn and all his imps in way of cavalry. I have a good position and will hold it.

J. MCDERMOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

GRAND JUNCTION, December 22, 1862.

General SULLIVAN, Commanding:

By order of General Grant all troops south of Bolivar are ordered to fall back to that point and destroy all they cannot take along.

J. MCDERMOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

GRAND JUNCTION, December 22, 1862.

General SULLIVAN:

I cannot fall back; the enemy are in our rear. I will stand and hold my position if possible.

J. MCDERMOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

GRAND JUNCTION, December 22, 1862.

General SULLIVAN:

The order to fall back came through Colonel Marsh, commanding District of Tallahatchie. Do you think it genuine?

J. MCDERMOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

GRAND JUNCTION, [December] 22, [1862].

General GRANT:

We are now skirmishing with the enemy and will hold then in bay until morning.

J. MCDERMOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

BETHEL, December 22, 1862.

General SULLIVAN:

Captain Wooster and 20 men who scout for General Hamilton are here; left Pocahontas this morning; came 15 miles southwest from