HEADQUARTERS, January 2, 1863-6 p.m.

Major-General THOMAS:

You will please feel the enemy with your front line, a heavy line of skirmishers in advance, until you find them in strong force. Keep them moving if you can. Report to me the condition of things. I have ordered McCook to do the same, seeing your skirmishers in his direction.

By command of Major-General W. S. Rosecrans:

FRANK S. BOND,
Acting Aide-de-Camp.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, January 2, 1863.

Major-General WRIGHT,

Cincinnati, Ohio:

If you wish assistance from Saint Louis, in supplying General Rosecrans by the Cumberland, apply to Allen, chief quartermaster. He has great energy and experience.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, January 2, 1863-9.55 a.m.

General ROBERT ALLEN,

Saint. Louis, Mo.:

Consult with General Wright, at Cincinnati, and give the necessary assistance in supplying General Rosecrans by the Cumberland River.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

WASHINGTON, January 2, 1863.

Major-General WRIGHT,

Cincinnati:

What is General Cox's force now in Kanawha Valley?

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS,
Cincinnati, January 2, 1863.

Major-General HALLECK:

About 8,000 present for duty, not including Ewing's brigade, now on the way to Kentucky.

H. G. WRIGHT,

Major-General, Commanding.

LOUISVILLE, January 2, 1863.

Major-General WRIGHT:

GENERAL: General Manson sends verbal message by courier that rebels are entering the State above Carthage in considerable force. I do not believe it. Morgan will go out in that way or by Burkesville. General Paine is apprehending attack at Gallatin.

J. T. BOYLE,

Brigadier-General.