Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana, and McCook reports himself unable to gather the least information from them. He did not find Minty, who it is supposed had formed a junction with Wilder. General Steedman has directed Whitaker to drive the enemy across the Chickamauga in the morning, if possible. In the mean time he awaits orders relative to Mitchell's brigade. I inclose herewith a communication from General Wagner concerning the capture of a forage train by rebels.* Please send General Steedman orders about Mitchell's brigade.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM C. RUSSELL,

Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, September 19, 1863. (Received 3 a.m.)

General JAMES B. STEEDMAN:

The general commanding directs that you send for McCook and the other brigade with all possible speed for orders to you. Orders to Whitaker are right.

R. S. THOMS,

Captain, and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
RODGERS' HOUSE, NEAR BLUE BIRD GAP,

September 19, 1863-3.30 a.m.

Brigadier-General CROOK,

Commanding Second Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that immediately on receipt of the inclosed order you + move with your command to Stevens' Gap. If you can get your artillery through Dougherty's Gap, come the Valley road and send your train via mountain route; if not, come the mountain route. Before coming down the mountain at Stevens' Gap supply your command with three days' rations. Move with all possible dispatch. Colonel Watkins is ordered up from Valley Head, and his column will protect your train.

I am, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SINCLAIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CRAWFISH SPRING, September 19, 1863.

Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

Wagner reports the capture of a man who saw heavy forces of the enemy moving on the Ringgold road toward Chattanooga. Steedman reports that Whitaker drove the force in front of him about one-half a mile.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff.

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*See p.115.

+See Garfield to Mitchell, 8.30 p.m., September 18,p.75.

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