HDQRS. RIGHT WING, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, CAMP IN FIELD, NORTH SIDE OF TALLAHATCHIE,
December 24, 1862-8.30 p. m.

Major-General GRANT,

Commanding, &c., Holly Springs:

My command is in camp on the north side of the Tallahatchie, with the exception of Colonel Leggett's brigade, which I left at Abbeville, with one battery of artillery, to assist in guarding the cotton, &c., until it can be removed. Left Oxford at 12 o'clock m. Everything in that vicinity quiet. Colonel Hatch left Oxford at 12 o'clock last night, in an east-northeast direction to try and intercept the rebels. Have nor heard from him yet. Your dispatch, inclosing one from Colonel Grierson, just received. Will immediately send 30 of my escort with it to Colonel Hatch, if he can be found.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. B. MCPHERSON,

Major-General.

HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS., December 24, 1862.

Brigadier General I. F. QUINBY, Waterfored, Miss.:

If I go to Memphis your division goes also. It is reported, however, from the south that Vicksburg is now in our possession.

Your division will all be concentrated at Lumpkin's Mill until further orders.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

HDQRS. THIRTEENTH A. C., DEPT. OF THE TENN.,
Holly Springs, Miss., December 24, 1862.

Brigadier General C. S. HAMILTON,

Commanding, &c., Holly Springs, Miss.:

You will please move Ross' division of your command to-morrow morning, the 25th instant, to Davis' Mill, Grand Junction, and La Grange.

By order of Major General u. S. Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Holly Springs, Miss., December 24, 1862.

Brigadier General C. S. HAMILTON,

Commanding Left Wing:

Inclosed I herewith send you a copy of dispatch just received from Colonel Grierson. One a little later from Grand Junction says fighting is now going on north of that place. If it probable therefore that the enemy are now turning their course south:

VAN BUREN, December 24-4 p. m.

Major-General GRANT:

The rebels have just passed through this place and are going directly south. Van Dorn is in command. They are ;moving toward Saulsbury, 5 1/2 miles from here. We are still in close pursuit and constantly skirmishing with their rear. They broke the