HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
East Point City, Ga., September 20, 1864.

Brigadier-General KILPATRICK,

Commanding Cavalry DIVISION:

I am directed by General Howard to communicate with you, and to have a brigade in readiness to move to your assistance. Should you need help, it will be ready for you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. E. G. RANSOM,

Brigadier-General.

DECATUR, September 20, 1864.

Major-General ROUSSEAU:

The following dispatch has just been received from Huntsville:

[SEPTEMBER 19.]

I have this moment received following dispatch from Colonel Stewart, at Larkinsville:

"My courier just arrived from the river; reports that General Roddey, with about 4,000 men, is passing up the river. "

I have telegraphed Colonel Stewart for further particulars.

WM. P. LYON,

Colonel, Commanding.

I think the above dispatch is true. The indications for several days have convinced me that a force has been moving in that direction, a part of which is undoubtedly Roddey's.

R. S. GRANGER,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND GAP, September 20, 1864.

Captain W. P. AMMEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I learn from a contraband just in from Williams' command that the rebels are trying to get to Abingdon for the purpose of getting ammunition. He says they have no ammunition, and not more then half armed. Does General Gillem know of their movements? There are some 500 or 600 Jonesville. I would like to go for them.

W. Y. DILLARD,

Colonel, Commanding.

MOUNT STERLING, KY.,

September 20, 1864-10. 40 a. m.

Captain J. BATES DICKSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

My advance started this morning at 5 a. m. and I expect to march twenty-five miles to-day. When will the general join me? Remember that I am without explicit orders, as he has always expected to be in command himself. I shall leave for the head of the column in a short