HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Trion Factory, Ga., October 18, 1864.

Colonel L. D. WATKINS,

Commanding THIRD Brigade, First Cavalry DIVISION:

You will, with your command, make a bold reconnaissance in the direction of Alpine and Henderson's Gap, to develop any movement of the enemy in that direction. Give information as early as possible. The Army of the Tennessee marches to support you. Headquarters will be at or near Summerville.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry.

HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
Summerville, Ga., October 18, 1864 - 4 p. m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

GENERAL: General Hood left here yesterday morning on the Alpine road with his army, leaving only a few regiments of cavalry as a rearguard. Part of his force took the Gaylesville road, and followed it for a mile, then crossed over to the Alpine road. I charged two regiments of rebel cavalry at Trion Factory, capturing 27 prisoners. I also had some work driving them out of Summerville. Cheatham's corps passed down the Broontown Valley road the day before yesterday. A reliable citizen says that the rebels will cross Tennessee River at Guntersville.

Respectfully,

LOUIS D. WATKINS,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Trion Factory, Ga., October 18, 1864.

Brigadier General K. GARRARD,

Commanding Second Cavalry DIVISION:

You will, with your command, mak3e a bold reconnaissance in the direction of Gaylesville, and develop any movement made by the enemy in that direction. The Army of the Ohio marches for Melville, that of the Tennessee for Alpine. Give information as early as possible. Headquarter will be at or near Summerville.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
October 18, 1864.

[Major General W. T. SHERMAN:]

GENERAL: Union citizens report that Cheatham's corps took the right fork at Hall's house, six miles from La Fayette, going into Broomtown Valley. Soldiers report that they aim to cross the Tennessee at Guntersville. My column is just passing this point. Colonel