upon the Columbia and Lewisburg pike. It is important that you advise me promptly if your party is cut off or fails to reach Nashville, and also if telegraphic communication is cut off between Nashville and Murfreesborough, and where the break is, if it can be ascertained. Hold yourself ready for any emergency. The rebels are reported to be advancing with two divisions of infantry and artillery in proportion; also nine brigades of cavalry. Total, about 25,000 men. We expect to give them a fight, and do our best. If you are cut off by their cavalry from joining us, harass them in the rear and flank. Try to keep open communication with me, if possible.

G. GRANGER,

Major-General.

No enemy is in my immediate neighborhood yet.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

DANIEL McCOOK,

Colonel, Commanding United States Forces at Brentwood.

CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Murfreesborough, May 27, 1863.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps:

SIR: The major-general commanding directs you to hold your command in readiness to march at a moment's warning, with rations and forage for five days. You will see that your command is fully supplied with ammunition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Numbers 144.
Murfreesborough, Tenn., May 27, 1863.

* * * * * * * *

IV. Brigadier-General Willich, U. S. Volunteers, is assigned to and will at once assume command of the First Brigade, Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps.

By command of Major-General Rosecrans:

H. THRALL,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

MURFREESBOROUGH, May 27, 1863-1 p. m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

I am very anxious to know how soon your troops will reach their destination. The time appears ripe for a movement here, and much depends upon the position of your forces. Please answer at once.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

LOUISVILLE, May 27, 1863-7.50 p. m.

General ROSECRANS:

I have been waiting for a reply to a message sent you a few days since, stating that I did not understand that we were to send three reg-