HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, December 23, 1862.

Brig. General JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS,

Gallatin:

Try and ascertain the strength of enemy, and if he has any infantry supports. Send out scouts in all directions. Make arrangements for communicating in letters to us, in case telegraph line be cut. Concentrate your forces and fight like the devil. General says you will have help from us, and if you whip him recollect you have him at mercy.

By order:

J. P. GARESCHE,

Chief of Staff.

GALLATIN, December 23, 1862-7 p.m.

Colonel J. P. GARESCHE,

Chief of Staff:

Information from Lebanon is to the effect that there is no rebel force there. Pegram is at Baird's Mills, with two brigades and two batteries, grinding the wheat recently taken from Lebanon. Report about Lebanon is that Morgan has left Alexandria, to cross at Carthage or Gainesborough and go into Kentucky.

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Brigadier-General.

GALLATIN, December 23, 1862-10.30 p.m.

Colonel J. P. GARESCHE:

Have had three reports from Colonel Hall, at Bledsoe's Creek, since dark. The last, just received, says the information is undoubted that a mounted force of 7,000 to 10,000 is now advancing on the camp at Bledsoe's Creek or this place. I have notified all the commanders here to be ready.

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, December 23, 1862.

Brig. General JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS,

Gallatin:

Arrange for perfect communication, and keep us advised. Will send force to intercept them. Say from what quarter they come, and on which side of the Cumberland.

By command of General Rosecrans:

J. P. GARESCHE,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

GALLATIN, December 23, 1862-11.45 p.m.

Colonel J. P. GARESCHE:

This force came from Alexandria; crossed, probably, at Carthage. Will advise you of any change.

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Brigadier-General.