that line to re-enforce Grant before Vicksburg; that the remainder are being concentrated at Memphis, Germantown, and LA Grange. It is certain, I believe, they have been concentrating their forces, as stated, and that nine transports recently passed down the river loaded with troops. It is possible that they may have been from Memphis, though I am inclined to think they are from Rosecrans' army. In any event, the fine wheat crop of this district, which is now in a condition to be most easily destroyed, offers a strong inducement to the enemy to repeat their raids. My district has been extended to the immediate vicinity of General Johnston's army, and I am expected to guard new points, with scarcely any addition to my force- that of wholly undisciplined men. General Johnston looks to this district for the greater part of his supplies, and I am compelled to guard this place in order to protect the railroad by which they can be transported to him, which leaves me but little disposable force with which to advance against the enemy, or even to assist in protecting the country in my front. If you could assure me a portion of your command (disciplined soldiers), I could make them very useful in protecting the wheat harvest, whether the enemy advances or not. If they should advance in two columns, as reported, you can render me great relief by moving so as to threaten the flanks of the column intending to flank me. I will endeavor to keep you advised of their movements if they should advance, as threatened.

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

[JAMES R. CHALMERS.]

[Inclosure.]

Consolidated report of Federal forces on the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, between Memphis and Corinth.

Locality. Effect Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery.

ive

men

Memphis 5,300 Four 10th Not known.

brigades, Missouri

27th, 43rd and 15th

, and 63rd Illinois

Ohio, 27th regiments.

Wisconsin,

25th and

89th

Indiana,

and 117th

Illinois,

and one

brigade,

names of

regiments

not known.

Buntyn 300 One --- None.

regiment

White's 325 One --- None.

regiment

Ridgeway's 275 One --- None.

regiment

Germantown 1,400 42nd 3rd and 9th 6-gun

Illinois Illinois battery.

and 12th

Indiana,

two

regiments.

Colliervil 1,100 Two Four 6-gun

le regiments companies battery.

8th

Illinois.

LA Fayette 600 90th --- 2-gun

Illinois battery.

Moscow 1,700 53rd and Four 6-gun

70th Ohio, companies. battery.

and 100th

Indiana.

LA Grange 4,000 6th and 8th 2nd Iowa 16-gun

Missouri, and parts battery.

and 6th of 6th and

Iowa 7th

Mounted Illinois,

Infantry, and 2nd

Hawkins' Tennessee.

Tennessee

Regiment,

34th

Wisconsin.

Grand 700 15th --- 6-gun

Junction Michigan battery

Corinth Not

known.

Total 15,700 Twenty-four Five full 42 pieces.

regiments regiments

and one and parts

brigade. of five

(Number of others.

regiments

not known.)

The above is as correct a statement of the forces on the above railroad as can be computed under the circumstances, and agrees with the reports of scouts, spies, and citizens.

WM. H. CARROLL, Jr.,

Captain, Commanding Escort.