[CHAP. XLIII.]

LA GRANGE, Tennessee, December 25, 1863.

(Received 2.10 p.m.)

Major-General HURLBUT:

I have sent dispatch to Mower by rail. Have ordered him to fall back as soon as he finds beyond a doubt that Forrest has crossed Hatchie. I am under the impression that Forrest will go down on east side of Hatchie. It looks to me like we will get them sure this time.

J. M. TUTTLE,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tennessee, December 25, 1863.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Collierville, Tennessee:

Let the bridges over Wolf River be completely destroyed at once, and keep vigilant patrols. Advise me instantly of any movement in the direction of Moscow.

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tennessee, December 25, 1863.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Germantown:

Destroy the bridge over Wolf River in your rear completely, and let a strong cavalry picket watch it. Keep your men on the alert.

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tennessee, December 25, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel FOLEY,

Moscow, Tennessee:

I have ordered 400 troops up to Moscow, under Major Henry. Put them on your most exposed points. They will come by train.

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Vicksburg, Miss., December 25, 1863.

Brigadier General GEORGE W. CULLUM,

Chief of Staff:

MY DEAR GENERAL: Your esteemed favor of 15th instant has just this moment come to hand, and I am under many obligations to you for writing it. That rumors and reports have been sent North giving an account of my reported "secesh" tendencies, I am well aware, but I am not going to be swerved from what I conceive to be my duty by all the reports that envy, malice, and slander can suggest.