HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, December 19, 1864-10.30 a. m.

Major-General SCHOFIELD:

The artillery firing in the direction of Columbia. No report form it yet. Get your troops across Harpeth and attempt to come no farther to-day, but leave the road clear for General Wilson's trains. Send an outpost on Hillsborough road. Be in readiness to march early to-morrow, and report if railroad has been repaired to Franklin or not.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

FRANKLIN, December 19, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,

Chief of Staff, Department of the Cumberland:

Harpeth is rising very fast, and I am apprehensive the trestle may be washed away. Where are the pontoons? I think they should be sent down by rail and laid as soon as possible, if they have not already been sent by wagon.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, December 19, 1864.

Major-General SCHOFIELD:

The pontoon bridge has been hurried up as much as possible,a nd should be at Franklin by this time.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS, Franklin, December 19, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

The superintendent of repairs is just in. He reports the railroad all right to this point.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Franklin, December 19, 1864-7.30 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS:

I have my troops and a portion of my trains across the Harpeth. Shall I come forward in the morning?

J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.