COLUMBUS, KY., March 24, 1864.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Nashville, Tenn.:

Forrest has attacked and probably occupies Union City. He has cut the road and wire this side. I go out with 2,000 men. Some of these men belong to General Veatch. I will return to Cairo and send them up Tennessee as soon as their boats arrive from Saint Louis. I will not detain them.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE POST,
Columbus, Ky., March 24, 1864.

Captain A. M. PENNOCK,

Fleet Captain, &c., Cairo, Ill.:

After capturing Union City, Forrest left northeasterly, perhaps toward Paducah. His force not formidable. Columbus and Paducah in no immediate danger. Master Commanding Wetmore is on duty. I return to-night.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General.

COLUMBUS, March 24, 1864.

Colonel S. G. HICKS,

Paducah:

Union City surrendered to Forrest at 11 a. m. Forrest appears to intend an attack on you. His force is much less then supposed, and you are in no danger. I go to Cairo to-night.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

CAIRO, ILL., March 24, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN,

Nashville, Tenn.:

Your telegram received. General Brayman, in command, has just gone to Columbus with two regiments of Veatch's brigade. Forrest drove in our pickets at Union City this morning at 3 o'clock. Troops will be sent up the Tennessee as soon as transports can be procured. Colonel Hicks, at Paducah, has been informed of all movements, and telegraphs that he is ready for them. Your telegram sent to General Brayman at Columbus.

JNO. H. MUNROE,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

COLUMBUS, KY., March 24, 1864.

Captain A. M. PENNOCK,

Commanding Station:

Le the boat report here. We got out with 2,000 men toward Union City. I think the enemy will go toward Paducah.

M. BRAYMAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.