HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tennessee, December 30, 1863.

Brigadier General B. H. GRIERSON,.

La Grange, Tennessee:

Stevenson telegraphs that Lee has moved west from Okolona. If the enemy go down toward Panola, they will soon be out of reach. You will, in that case, secure a crossing on Coldwater, and retire your force across that stream in the direction of Collierville. After crossing let a force of a regiment or two sweep down Coldwater and back to Memphis.

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General.

LA GRANGE, December 30, 1863.

(Received 2.30 p. m.)

Major-General HURLBUT:

General Mower is here with his command, as follows: One regiment at Saulsbury, one at Grand Junction, and two here.

J. M. TUTTLE,

Brigadier-General.

LA GRANGE, December 30, 1863.

(Received 4 p. m.)

Major-General HURLBUT:

Two of the scouts that went to Jackson with dispatches for General Smith have just returned; had a hard time; were captured twice-the last time at Jackson. They found a rebel force of about 300 in Jackson, by whom they were taken prisoners. They made their escape from them night before last. They heard nothing from Smith.

J. M. TUTTLE,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
December 30, 1863.

Brigadier-General CHALMERS,

Commanding Cavalry in North Mississippi:

SIR: I forward by flag of truce two letters, one for yourself from the widow of President Polk. I hope you will be able to grant her request. She has a safeguard for her plantation and crops from the officers of the United States. If her cotton can be allowed to come up, I will see that it is forwarded for her benefit. The other letter is for the Honorable H. S. Foote. The contents I am assured are private. As such I have passed it, without inspection. Major D. J. Benner, my aide, with an escort of 15 men and 2 officers, will bear this to your outposts, or until he can find an officer who will receipt for it.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers.