HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, September 20, 1863.

General GORDON GRANGER,
Rossville:

Do the ridges in front and left of Rossville admit of placing artillery in position with any possibility of commanding the valley and road?

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

In the Field, September 20, 1863-11.45 a.m.

Brig. General R. B. MITCHELL,

Commanding Cavalry:

The general commanding directs me to say that more frequent reports from you is a matter of duty. Send at once an intelligent officer with a squad of men to meet Crook, and report his position without delay.

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

J. P. DROUILLARD,

Captain, and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, September 20, 1863-12.15 p.m.[?]*

Major-General THOMAS:

Assume command of all the forces, and with Crittenden and McCook take a strong position and assume a threatening attitude at Rossville. Send all the unorganized force to this place for re-organization. I will examine the ground here and make such dispositions for defense as the case may require and join you. Have sent out ammunition and rations.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

CHATTANOOGA, September 20, 1863.

Brigadier-General GARFIELD:

See General McCook and other general officers. Ascertain extent of disaster as nearly as you can and report. Tell General Granger to contest the enemy's advance stubbornly, making them advance with caution. Should General Thomas be retiring in order, tell him to resist the enemy's advance, retiring on Rossville to-night.

By command of Major-General Rosecrans:

WILLIAM McMICHAEL,

Major, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAV., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Crawfish Spring, Ga., September 20, 1863.

Brig. General JAMES A. GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff, Department of the Cumberland:

General Crook has arrived and we are warmly engaged at the fords. They are trying to force a passage. We have repulsed them

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*See Rosecrans to Thomas, p.256; also Thomas to Rosecrans, p.257.

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