graph to Colonel Martin your success in securing a steamer, and at what hour he may expect it.

ASBOTH,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Columbus, Ky., July 16, 1863.

Lieutenant-Colonel BLACK,

Commanding Fort Heiman, Ky.:

Fall back at once to Paducah by boat, reporting to Colonel Martin. Take such stores as can be transported. Leave nothing to fall into the hands of the enemy. Select a cool, intelligent officer, and order him, with a picked cavalry escort, to scout and observe the enemy. Act upon this immediately.

ASBOTH,

Brigadier-General.

PADUCAH, July 16, 1863.

General ASBOTH:

Your three dispatches of this date received. I have telegraphed Colonel Black, and have started a steamer to Fort Heiman for the garrison. Preparations making to receive any number of rebels that may attack this post. Boat just up from Cairo reports all quiet on the river, and that no force has crossed.

JAS. S. MARTIN,

Colonel, Commanding.

HDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Columbus, Ky., July 16, 1863.

Colonel JAMES S. MARTIN,

Commanding Paducah, Ky.:

I have ordered General Buford to send a steamer to report to you at Paducah. Withdraw the garrison from Fort Heimaan, and prepare for an attack on Paducah. If you have a steamer at Paducah, send it at once, without delay, and inform General Buford; and if a steamer is at Fort Heiman, order the immediate embarkation of the garrison. Lose no time; act energetically.

ASBOTH,

Brigadier-General.

PADUCAH, July 16, 1863.

Brigadier-General BUFORD, Commanding Cairo:

I have a steamer sufficient to carry down garrison of Fort Heiman.

You need not send one.

JAS. S. MARTIN,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

HDQRS. SIXTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Columbus, Ky., July 16, 1863.

Captain A. M. PENNOCK,

Commanding Naval Station, Cairo, Ill:

Citizens of Hickman, just arrived from there, report the town occupied by the rebels with three companies of cavalry. The stores of