HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITION,
Yazoo City, December 1, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that I burned the railroad bridge on Sunday last [November 27], and thirty miles of railroad on Monday, and reached here without serious loss on the 29th at I p.m. I rested yesterday, but still find my stock much disabled. Hearing rumors of the concentration of the enemy for my capture, I sent this morning detachments on each road, all of which found some portions of the enemy. The Second Wisconsin, 250 strong, found about 1,500 of the enemy, part cavalry and part infantry; no artillery was used, but I know they have four batteries. From 25 to 50 of the Second Wisconsin were killed, wounded, and missing. Major Dale was severely wounded in the ankle. At 4 p.m., judging that with so large a force in my front I could not move to Vicksburg on this side the river, I commenced crossing to the other side. I judge that I shall have my command in the saddle on the west bank of the Yazoo River by 3 a.m. to-morrow, and expect to reach the mouth of the Big Sunflower by noon to-mor-row. I desire you to send to me at that point transports sufficient for my command and the gun-boat Vindicator, although transports unattended can come with safety to this point. I anticipate no trouble here to-night, and believe I can make the movement successfully without loss. I am compelled to send the Shenango with sick and wounded, although the rebels may have batteries at Liverpool and Sartesia. The Prairie Bird will assist her as much as possible. I believe the present movement of the Confederate forces quite formidable, and may have Vicksburg in view, although the destruction of the railroad will prevent rapid movements for some days. Almost all these troops operating against me came over the railroad from Grenada, and perhaps higher up. I trust the transports will be sent immediately, as I have no rations.

Respectfully,

E. D. OSBAND,
Colonel, Commanding Expedition.

One of the transports should bring me 10,000 rations and four days' forage for 2,200 men and 2,500 horses and mules, unless transports enough to take the whole command are sent, when the forage will not be needed.

Respectfully

E. D. OSBAND,
Colonel, &c.

Capt. F. W. Fox,
Assistant Adjutant-General.