HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Kingston, Tennessee, December 13, 1863.

Major General JOHN G. PARKE,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Ohio, Knoxville:

GENERAL: Upon my arrival here on the 11th I reported to you by courier. The note sent by Mr. Ellison was forwarded to me by him without seeing or receiving from him verbal instructions to which your note referred.

I have reported by courier from Crossville and this place to Major-General Reynolds, chief of staff, Department of the Cumberland, and await instructions. The want of pontoons over the Tennessee make it difficult to procure forage from the islands by means of flat-boats. Subsistence stores are not to be had here. In the event of my command moving in the direction of Knoxville, is it desirable that my train should haul supplies or be left at or near this place, more convenient to forage?

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, and Chief of Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Kingston, Tennessee, December 13, 1863

Major General JOHN G. PARKE,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Ohio, Knoxville:

GENERAL: Since writing my letter of this date asking for instructions I have received the following from headquarters Department of the Cumberland:

If you do not reach East Tennessee in time to join the pursuit of Longstreet,you will take up a position on the northeast side of the Hiwassee, pushing outposts as far southeast as possible to observe the movement of the enemy.

GEO. H. THOMAS.

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

I am preparing to leave to-morrow as above ordered, and request, if you deem it proper to cause a change in my movements, please advise me by courier.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON, CAVALRY,
Dandridge, Saturday, December, 13, 1863-9 p.m.

Brigadier-General SPEARS,

Comdg. U. S. Forces, at or near New Market:

GENERAL: I have the honor to communicate to you that I reached Dandridge from Gatlinburg, on the road from Sevierville to the Great Smoky Mountains, this evening at 5 o'clock with my command.

The marauding party of about 100 rebel cavalry which had been infesting this neighborhood and the south side of French Broad