Unknown to Stephen A. Hurlbut, December 25, 1862

Holly Springs, Miss., December 25, 1862.

Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, Memphis, Tenn.:

Just as Forrest’s raid upon our railroad was commenced I received a dispatch from the General-in-Chief of the Army to divide my command into four army corps, giving one to General McClernand and placing hin in chief command, under my direction, of the expedition on Vicksburg

I immediately wrote the order giving you command of the Third Army Corps, and directed General McClernand to order you here to take command of it. Before this got off all communication was cut off with the north, and has not yet been resumed. General McClernand consequently has not yet received my directions and orders.

Communication now being cut off and the probabilities being that Vicksburg is already in our hands a change of plans will probably be

a ae Grant to Commanding Officer Expedition down the Mississippi, December

adopted and also a change of organization of army corps. I would di rect therefore that you retain command of the District of Memphis until receipt of orders arranging army corps in accordance with the instructions referred to.

I will be glad to hear from you and to learn when the river expedi. tion sailed and any other news you may have to communicate.

U. S. GRANT, Major-General.

} DECEMBER 25, 1862. Major JONES, Commanding at Island No. 10:

The order I sent you last evening to “destroy ammunition and burn gun-carriages and spike” I hope you havecarried out. Send up by the O’Brien 500 rounds of canister, 8-inch, if you have it.

The object: I have in view is to so cripple the armament there that it will not be available to the enemy as a point of defense in case they should capture it.

You can save such of the guns as will be serviceable for your own defense, but be careful not to retain too much ammunition.

THOS. A. DAVIES, Brigadier- General.