WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 20, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Chattanooga, Tenn.:

General Burnside's instructions before he left Kentucky were to connect with your left. These instructions have been repeated five or six times, and he has answered that he was moving with that object. I think his advance cannot be far from you.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, September 20, 1863-5 p.m.

OFFICER COMMANDING ADVANCE,

General Burnside's Army, Cleveland:

SIR: Hasten forward with your command to this place as rapidly as possible. We need you as soon as you can get here. The route by Tyner's will probably be the best. I send you a dispatch for General Burnside, which please forward to him with all possible speed.

By order of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CHATTANOOGA, September 20, 1863-5 p.m.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

We have met with a reserve disaster. The extent of it is not yet known. If you are near enough to join us, do so at once. If you are still too far away to form a junction, let me know your exact position, and I will advise you what you had better do.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

CHATTANOOGA, September 20, 1863-5 o'clock.

General SHERIDAN,

Rossville:

Verbal message by Captain Hill received. Support General Thomas by all means. If he is obliged to fall back he must secure the Dug [Dry] Valley. Right falling back slowly, contesting the ground inch by inch.

By order of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CHATTANOOGA, TENN., September 20, 1863-5 p.m. (Received 8.40 p.m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

We have met with a serious disaster; extent not yet ascertained. Enemy overwhelmed us, drove our right, pierced our center, and