HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, September 19, 1863.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

The enemy, re-enforced by Joe Johnson, and Longstreet Virginia, doubtless intended us all the mischief in their power. It is of the utmost importance that you close down this way to cover our left flank. Your cavalry ought to be in the vicinity of Tyner's now. We have not the force to cover our flank against forces [Forrest] now. He could cross the river above us before we could discover it, having to mass the three brigades to cover the gaps and Will's Valley, on our right and rear, and are massed in Chattanooga Valley, from 15 to 20 miles south of Chattanooga. The enemy's main force at La Fayette, and thence toward Dalton and Ringgold. We may want all the help we can get promptly.

W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, September 20, 1863.

Brig. General R. B. MITCHELL,

Commanding Cavalry:

GENERAL: With your entire cavalry force adhere close to General McCook's right, sending patrols with all the wagon trains to the rear. You will defend the hospitals at all hazards. Cover also the closing up of Post's brigade, now on its march to join the main army. The general is dissatisfied that you do not report oftener.

Very respectfully, you obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Crawfish Spring, September 20, 1863-2 a.m.

General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: A company has been sent back to hurry up General Crook and Colonel Watkins. I will send another at once and report East Tennessee was also ordered up from Stevens' Gap, and has joined me at this place. I have had no intelligence of Watkins' arrival at Stevens' Gap. All of my command is on duty in positions ordered by yourself or on picket duty. I am endeavoring to observe McCook's right closely.

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near McDonald's House, September 20, 1863-6 a.m.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

Since my return this morning I have found it necessary to concentrate my lines more. My left does not now extend to the road that