MOBILE, December 10, 1864.

Colonel R. McCULLOCH:

(To be forwarded by courier from Citronelle.)

Your dispatch of 6 a. m. received, Keep close to the enemy; dispute the passage of the fords and ferries. Communicate wither and co-operate with General Thomas at Bucatunna, whom I have ordered to take command of all the troops operating against the enemy. Your scouts from the Pearl report force of enemy, 3,500 cavalry, 7 pieces of artillery, and 500 pioneers, and 100 wagons.

D. H. MAURY,

Major-General, Commanding.

[DECEMBER 10, 1864.-For statements of the strength of the Army of Tennessee, see Part I, pp. 663, 678.]

MONTGOMERY, ALA., December 11, 1864.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD:

(Care of General Cobb, Macon, Ga.)

Henderson's scouts report:

Osband with his entire command left Vicksburg for Memphis on 7th instant. Three companies Marine Brigade gone to Skipwith's Landing.

GEORGE WM. BRENT,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS, Overton's House, December 11, 1864-7 p. m.

Lieutenant-General STEWART,
Commanding:

GENERAL: General Hood directs that, as Biffle's brigade is to be withdrawn form Chalmers to-morrow, you will send a regiment on picket to John Williams' house, on the Hardin pike, to support our cavalry.

Yours, respectfully,

A. P. MASON,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS, Overton's House, December 11, 1864-11 p. m.

Lieutenant-General STEWART,
Commanding:

GENERAL: General Hood directs me to inclose you this note* of General Lee, for your information, and to say that, should the enemy attack Lee upon the front lone, he desires you will support Lee. One of the main objects in taking the second line is that you may have a better left flank.

Yours, respectfully,

A. P. MASON,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*Not found.

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