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HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

October 6, 1863.,

Colonel J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army:

COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose for the information of the general-in-chief my letter of instructions to Colonel George E. Spencer, First Alabama Cavalry.

Colonel Spencer's regiment is wholly composed of refugees from Alabama. They have been in several engagements and behaved well. They are thoroughly acquainted with the country, well mounted and armed; have two light steel guns, take with them as volunteers 6 engineers who can either run or destroy railroads or steamers. The expedition is directed against the Montgomery and West Point Railroad, because it is a connecting link of great importance and of a different gauge from the other southern roads. Spencer is certain that he can get through the outer cordon without observation, and if he does so, I am satisfied he will make his way to Montgomery. His force will be about 650 men.

While I am now writing I would remark that the enemy's force of cavalry has been largely increased in North Mississippi, and that I have this moment (2 p.m.) intelligence of an attack upon our advanced cavalry on Coldwater below La Grange with artillery.

Your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General.