BRISTOL, February 24, 1865.

(Received 5 o'clock.)

General ECHOLS:

It is a raid on Salisbury. The route for us to strike them will be through Elizabethtown to Lenoir, N. C. There are 900 effective men in my brigade.

J. C. VAUGHN,

Brigadier-General.

BRISTOL, February 24, 1865.

(Received 8.35.)

General ECHOLS:

I doubt whether I am strong enough, but am ready to obey orders. I can concentrate and move Sunday morning.

J. C. VAUGHN,

Brigadier-General.

BRISTOL, February 24, 1865.

(Received 8.35.)

Brigadier-General ECHOLS:

Below find all the information I have. Colonel Tool is a good officer.

Last night I moved round the enemy in Greeneville, where I received reliable information that General Gillem, with his command, had moved up the French Broad River in direction of North Carolina.

SAMUEL TOOL,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

Very respectfully,

J. C. VAUGHN,

Brigadier-General.

GLADE SPRING, February 24, 1865.

(Received 9 p. m.)

General ECHOLS:

Enemy's cavalry, 2,000, are reported in Carter County. May intend flank movement by way Taylorsville to this place. Road good.

WM. B. BYERS.

BRISTOL, February 24, 1865.

(Received 3.20.)

General ECHOLS:

Quickest way to communicate with Palmer is by telegraph to Salisbur, railroad to Morganton, and by his courier-line from Morganton.

J. C. VAUGHN,

Brigadier-General.

MERIDIAN, MILES., February 24, 1865.

Colonel R. H. CHILTON,

Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond:

COLONEL: I had the honor on 4th instant of forwarding by mail from Canton, Miss., my inspection report to Mabry's brigade of cavalry. The interruption of railroad communication has made me appre-

64 R R-VOL XLIX, PT I