HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, OFFICE CHIEF ENGINEER, Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864.

Major JAMES R. WILLETT,
First U. S. Veteran Volunteer Engineers, &c.:

SIR: In accordance with instructions received from the major-general commanding the department, you will move the pontoon train at as early an hour as possible, on the Murfreesborough pike, being prepared to report with it to the commanding general at any point between Brentwood and Columbia. As soon as this is done you will report to him in person for special instructions.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. C. WHARTON,

Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Engineers, Dept. of the Cumberland.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Hale's House, Granny White Pike, December 16, 1864-9.30 p. m.

Brigadier-General WOOD and

Major-General STEEDMAN:

The major-general commanding directs that you move your commands, in your present order, on the Franklin pike, in pursuit of the enemy. Your wagon trains will follow the troops in the order of precedence. Major-General Wilson's command of cavalry will be on the left of and cover your left flank.

I have the honor to be, generals, your obedient servant,
ROBT. H. RAMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, In the Field, December 16, 1864-5.15 a. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I am informed by General Couch that the enemy were very busy fortifying to his right and that of General Cox, at 12.10 a. m.

Very respectfully,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

DECEMBER 16, 1864-11 a. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: I am at a loss to understand the infantry movement which General Wilson reports,* unless it be troops arriving from a distance. The enemy has not yet made any demonstration on my front. The ground masks his movements from the rear.

Respectfully,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

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*See Wilson to Schofield, 10.10 a. m., p. 215.

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