HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lieutenant-Colonel FLYNT: COLONEL: One brigade-King's and headquarters encamped here, about 5 miles from Jasper; Turchin's brigade in Sweeden's Cove, 5 miles in rear, and will move up early to-morrow morning; Brannan's division 2 miles this side of University, and will move to Sweeden's Cove to-morrow and encamp 4 or 5 miles in rear of this position. Heard from Wilder's brigade last night; sent his report to corps headquarters via Decherd this morning. He would move forward from Tracy City to-day, if possible, depending upon his train. Road from University to Tracy City bad. Tracy City and Stevenson about the same distance from this place, but having to pass up the mountain in going to Tracy makes it preferable for us to draw supplies from Stevenson, other things being equal. Very respectfully, J. J. REYNOLDS, [Capt. GEORGE LEE, HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Assistant Adjutant-General:] CAPTAIN: I am as yet unable to state positively whether the force opposite has been increased or not, but hope to have accurate information to-night. Should they open on us with heavy ordnance, I have directed my regiments to retire behind the hill, where they will be sufficiently covered. Does the general commanding think it worth while, under all the circumstances, to complete the works on the hill and put them in shape? If there is any probability of our being delayed here long, or so long a time as to render it possible that we may be attacked, it would be well, I think, to have the portion of the works now occupied by Colonel Bradley's brigade thoroughly policed, our guns mounted on the platforms in the redoubt and the series of works on the western face, and another line of rifle-pits constructed, connecting the works on the face of the hill, next the railroad. It seems hardly worth while, however, to go to this trouble if a forward move is imminent. I have had no reports from the Second Tennessee for a day or two, in violation of their instructions. Shall I send Ray up toward Jasper to-morrow? Please instruct me as to this latter matter by telegraph. I am, captain, yours, very respectfully, IN CAMP, August 18, 1863-8 p. m. [Brig. Gen. THOMAS J. WOOD:] GENERAL: I am 13 miles only from Tracy City. Colonel Wilder is only 4 miles ahead. His train is not yet out of sight. I think he need have no fear about getting support. I have lain by to-day several hours waiting for his cavalry to get out of the way, and worked Will move on as the road at that [point]. The road good so far. fast as possible to Therman. Everything in fine condition. Pardon this scrawl-nothing to write on. Your obedient servant, G. D. WAGNER, HDQRS. THIRD DIV., TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS, Lieut. Col. LYNE STARLING : Your dispatch received at 1 o'clock this morning. You wished me to communicate with you, but did not inform me on what road you would be. I will not be able to send you any cavalry until Colonel Minty joins me at Pikeville. I have one battalion of 140 men with me. One battalion goes by way of Spencer; the balance of his brigade Colonel Minty takes by way of Sparta. I cannot reach Pikeville before to-morrow evening. On Thursday morning I can send you the two companies. Colonel Minty has about 1,700 men for duty in his brigade. We find this a bad road. Am waiting here for General Beatty, whose train did not all reach the top of the mountain before 6 p. m. yesterday. Where can I communicate with you next? I expect to advance about 10 miles to-day, which will be about 16 for General Beatty's command. Very respectfully, H. P. VAN CLEVE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. P. S.-A citizen reports that about 30 rebel cavalry were seen late last evening on the Savage road about south of this point. (Received on top of mountain, 19 miles from Dunlap, 12.45 p. m.) STEVENSON, ALA., August 18, 1863. Nashville: Maj. Gen. G. GRANGER, The general commanding directs that you instruct General Steedman that he must take care of the railroad up to Tantalon, and that he should make his preparations as speedily as possible. FRANK S. BOND, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Brig. Gen. A. C. GILLEM, Nashville: The general commanding wishes to citizens of African descent you have. on your promotion, and will remember know how many American I congratulate you heartily you in my libations. FRANK S. BOND, Major and Aide-de-Camp. FORT DONELSON, TENN., August 18, 1863. Capt. WILLIAM C. RUSSELL, Assistant Adjutant-General, Nashville, Tenn.: Mounted infantry scouts have returned. They bring in 17 prisoners, 27 horses, 8 mules, and a quantity of jeans, cotton, yarn, tent cloth, and some arms. They were not attacked. They scouted the country from Yellow Creek to the Tennessee River for 25 miles south, driving out all guerrillas. WM. P. LYON, Colonel, Commanding Post. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION CAVALRY, Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: Agreeably to orders received from Col. E. M. McCook, commanding First Cavalry Division, I have the honor to make the following report as to the disposition of my command: The Ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry is stationed near the railroad bridge across Mud Creek, guarding the same; also the Bellefonte Ford, Gunter's Ford (Landing), and the mouth of Mud Creek. The Second Michigan and First East Tennessee Cavalry are encamped at Bolivar, Ala., guarding Caperton's Ford, Cox's Ford, and Shallow Ford; also picketing the roads on our front and patrolling the roads between the points guarded by my command and Bolivar. A. P. CAMPBELL, QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, calling for report upon the practicability of furnishing 5,000 mules for the purpose of mounting infantry in General Rosecrans' army, the mules to be of large size, suitable for such service, with an estimate of the probable expense and the time within which they can be furnished. Judging from the late propositions for sale of mules to the Department, I believe it to be practicable, and I estimate that 5,000 mules, suitable for the purpose required, to be not less than 144 hands in height, could be procured by contract, delivered at Louisville or other convenient point in Kentucky, at $125 each. The time required would probably be six weeks from the opening of the bids; the cost, about $625,000. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [Indorsement.j M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General. AUGUST 18, 1863. The Quartermaster-General is directed to purchase the mules within mentioned as speedily as practicable. EDWIN M. STANTON, ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Cincinnati, Ohio, August 18, 1863. (Received 22d.) General M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have this day telegraphed to you as follows: "12,383 horses and 5,789 mules sent to Nashville since April 27." This number is made up-from Louisville, 9,257 horses and 5,789 mules; from Chicago, 1,275 horses; from Indianapolis, 110 horses; from Cincinnati, 1,741 horses. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T. SWORDS, Assistant Quartermaster-General. HEADQUARTERS, Crab Orchard, Ky., August 18, 1863-4.30 p. m. Major-General ROSECRANS : We have had a serious delay in mounting the cavalry and accumulating forage and subsistence, but all the columns are in motion. I will telegraph you in cipher this evening the exact position of my troops and my plans. In the mean time will be glad to hear from A. E. BURNSIDE, you. Major-General. Major-General BURNSIDE, Stanford, Ky.: CINCINNATI, August 18, 1863. Arrived last night. Have ordered Colonel De Courcy to Crab Orchard. The medical officers make sorry reports. There are but 2 officers and 30 men fit for duty in Edwards' and Benjamin's batteries. Lieutenant Sprague, on duty at headquarters, died last night, and Captain Heistand, assistant quartermaster, is dangerously ill. It is painful to have to make such reports. Rest assured I will get the corps in condition for the field as soon as possible JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE: HEADQUARTERS CAMP, I learn that the Ninth Corps have been committing some irregularities in Covington. You will of course give the necessary orders to stop it and punish the offenders. Please order De Courcy's brigade to Crab Orchard at once, and get one of your brigades to this place as soon as possible; it is a very good place for them. Communicate with General Boyle, and get him to relieve the Fortyeighth Pennsylvania as soon as possible. You will find him ready to co-operate with you, and I am sure you will render him all the assistance in Kentucky he may require. A. E. BURNSIDE. Colonel DE COURCY, CINCINNATI, August 18, 1863. Comdg. Brigade, Ninth Army Corps, Lexington, Ky. : The general commanding the department directs that you proceed at once with your brigade to Crab Orchard. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, NEWPORT, R. I., August 19, 1863. Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The President extended my leave of absence to the 1st day of October next, on the condition that I would inform you of the fact, and if you desired me to report for duty sooner than that date I should do so immediately. I am, therefore, waiting orders. If any movement is to be made by the corps to which I belong before that time, I shall be very glad to be informed of it, as I do not desire to be absent under such circumstances. My understanding, however, from General Sherman, was that no movement would probably be made prior to that time. I feel, therefore, like availing myself of the President's kindness, if it meets with yours and General Sherman's approbation. General, allow me to observe to you that the entire people of the loyal States are filled with admiration and gratitude to you and your army for the glorious achievements of your arms. Among the best and most intelligent people especially does this feeling predominate. This recognition by our loyal countrymen of the great services you have rendered is especially gratifying to your friends and to no one more than to your friend and servant, Respectfully, FRANK P. BLAIR, JR. P. S.-Any communication addressed to me will reach me at St. Louis, Mo. Lieut. Col. HENRY BINMORE, LA GRANGE, August 19, 1863. Assistant Adjutant-General: Have heard nothing from the cavalry expedition yet. J. K. MIZNER, Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant-General: CORINTH, August 19, 1863. Colonel True's brigade has been ordered, and started for Memphis this morning. Dispatches just received. AUG. MERSY, Colonel, Commanding. |