Major-General Forney having returned from leave of absence this day resumes command.

S. CROOM,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[31.]

RICHMOND, VA., December 18, 1863.

General J. E. JOHNSTON, or

OFFICER COMMANDING,

Brandon, Miss.:

General Hardee, by telegram of the 17th instant, communicates report, which he does not think reliable, that enemy has sent two corps to Mississippi.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[31.]

RICHMOND, VA., December 19, 1863.

General J. E. JOHNSTON,

Brandon, Miss.:

You are aware of my views relative to the assingment of officers of the general staff. The difficulties of your new position are realized, and the Government will make every possible effort to aid you. Telegraph to the Adjutant-General the names of such officers as you will certainly require, and after you join your command, should you find others necessary, you can communicate for other assingments. In anticipation of orders by the Adjutant-General you can take with you either of the adjutants-general.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[31.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Near Bean's Station, December 21, 1863.

Brigadier General ROBERT B. VANCE,

Commanding District of Western North Carolina:

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt yesterday of your note of the 15th instant, and am directed to return you, in reply, the thanks of the lieutenant-general commanding for the offer you have made of yourself and command. He desires me to say that if you will take position at Newport, on the French Broad, your district would be well covered; and by scouting well toward Sevierville your position and scouting parties will be of material benefit to us. Our front line in a day or two will run from a point near Strawberry Plains toward Dumpling Creek, and you may communicate with the communicate with the commanding general at Russellville, at which place he will be pleased to hear from you.

I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

G. M. SORREL,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[31.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS, Numbers 24.
Brandon, Miss., December 22, 1863.

In obedience to the orders of His Excellency the President the command of this department is transferred to Lieutenant-General Polk.