thus leave Stevens' Gap without a very strong support. In this case the general commanding directs that the brigade of General McCook's corps which he has been ordered to detach for the defense of the gap shall hold that pass at all hazards till General G. Crook and the cavalry at Dougherty's Gap and Valley Head can close up and join the brigade at Stevens' Gap. Should these forces be compelled to fall back, they will retire along the mountain road to Chattanooga, contesting the ground inch by inch, and giving due notice of their retreat.

You will direct General Crook to hold his command well in hand and keep his trains ready for ready [rapid] march to Stevens' Gap. General Crook must watch the movements of the two armies closely, and use his discretion as to the time when he should retire.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Crawfish Spring, September 18, 1863-4.25 p.m.

Major-General McCOOK,
Commanding Twentieth Army Corps:

GENERAL;The general commanding directs that you leave Post's brigade at Stevens' Gap to hold that position and cover the retreat of General Crook and the cavalry at Valley Head, should it be necessary. He must hold the gap at all hazards till the cavalry can join him, and in case ho should be compelled to abandon the gap he must retire along the mountain road to Chattanooga, contesting the ground inch by inch. Make such dispositions and give such instructions as may necessary to effect the desired end.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Crawfish Spring, September 18, 1863-8.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General MITCHELL,
Commanding Cavalry:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs you, immediately on the receipt of this order, to order General Crook's command and all the cavalry force both at Doughery's Gap and Valley Head to move with all dispatch and close down upon the right flank of the army. Detail what you may deem a sufficient force to operate in conjunction with Post's brigade to hold Stevens' Gap and the crest of the mountain. The courier line from Stevens' Gap to Chattanooga along the crest of the mountain must be established, and frequent reports forwarded to these headquarters of all that occurs and can be observed by the force left at Stevens' Gap. There is not a moment to be lost in moving the cavalry this way.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.