enemy or his movements this morning, excepting that his cavalry is reported crossing at Finley's Ford. I believe the movement to be more than a cavalry demonstration.

Respectfully,

John G. PARKE,

Major-General.

[31.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 23.
Nashville, Tenn., December 17, 1863.

Brigadier General J. T. Boyle, commanding District of Kentucky, will order the Thirteenth Kentucky Cavalry and the different detachments of the Third Kentucky Cavalry under his command to proceed to this place immediately and report to Brigadier General W. S. Smith, chief of cavalry. General Boyle will supply the places now occupied by these troops with mounted infantry as far as he may deem necessary.

By order of Major General U. S. Grant:

T. S. BOWERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[31.]

HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS,
December 17, 1863.

Major-General HOOKER:

Commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I have returned to camp in accordance with instructions. The troops are put in as before the battle of Chattanooga, and I await your orders. I will report in person in the morning.

Respectfully,

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.

[31.]

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
December 19, 1863

Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS,

Commanding Department of the Cumberland;

GENERAL: I have the honor to call your special attention to the distinguished and meritorious conduct of Brigadier General William B. Hazen in the late operations around Chattanooga. First. The surprise and night assault at Brown's Ferry October 27, 1863, where great gallantry and coolness was displayed, evincing the highest qualities of the soldier and general. Second. The assault and carrying of the strongest points of Orchard Knob on November 23, 1863. Third. The daring and successful charge of the enemy's rifle-pits and batteries on Mission Ridge on November 25, 1863. If any officer has fully and frequently won his promotion by gallant and meritorious conduct, by strict devotion to duty, by the high state of discipline and efficiency in which he keeps his command, that officer is Brigadier-General Hazen; and from a high sense of duty and justice I do most earnestly recommend him for promotion to a major-generalcy of volunteers.

I am, general, very respectfully,

G. GRANGER,

Major-General.

[31.]