days from to-day, with orders to push on immediately wherever General Rosecrans wants them.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 24, 1863-10 a.m.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Chattanooga, Tenn.:

The corps of fourteen or fifteen thousand men to be sent from here has the usual amount of artillery,but no cavalry. If the artillery is not deemed necessary,the railroad transportation will be greatly diminished. Please answer.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

CHATTANOOGA, TENN., September 24, 1863.-2 p.m.

(Received 4.25 p.m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Genera-in-Chief:

Please send the infantry by brigades as fast as possible. Let the artillery follow at leisure. The great point is to have troops at Stevenson and Bridgeport, to secure those points and the railroad. We can hold this point if we can keep up communication and supplies. Hurlbut must secure us from an advance from Rome by Governor Brown.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPT., ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, No. 427.
Washington, September 24, 1863.

* * * * * *

XIX. Major General J. Hooker, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps.

* * * * * *

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, September 24, 1863.

Ordered, by the President of the United States:

That Major-General Hooker, be,and he is hereby, authorized to take military possession of all railroads, with their cars, locomotives, plants,and equipments, that may be necessary for the execution of the military operation committed to his charge;and all officers, agents, and employees of said roads are directed to render their aid and assistance therein,and to respect and obey his commands, pursuant to the act of Congress in such case made and provided.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.