HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, September 22, 1863.

Commanding Officer, Bridgeport, Ala.:

Report at once situation of brigades at Bridgeport. Have you heard of any enemy in vicinity? After everything has crossed at that point take up the pontoon part of the bridge and float it around, and defend the island to the last. Have your patrols down the river. Do you hear of any enemy in that direction? Make every disposition to prevent enemy from crossing. Be sure that all transportation is across before taking up bridge between island and this side.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

STEVENSON, September 22, 1863.

General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

Just received copy of your dispatch to Colonel Smith at Bridgeport. Have two companies of cavalry patroling the river from Bridgeport to 10 or 15 miles below Stevenson. One ferry-boat destroyed yesterday and another ordered to be destroyed to-day. Hear of no enemy crossing of attempting to cross the river. Edgarton's battery just arrived from Nashville. A section has been ordered to move immediately to Battle Creek; two regiments of infantry are there.

JAMES D. MORGAN,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
September 22, 1863-7.30 a.m.

Colonel FLYNT:

At 5.30 a.m. Captain McIntyre reported to me that the enemy had discovered the evacuation and were advancing on him, and that he must fall back. I immediately moved out on the main road, and am there now.

Respectfully,

ROBT. H. G. MINTY,

Colonel.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
September 22, 1863-8.30 a.m.

COLONEL: The enemy (mounted infantry) is following up cautiously but steadily. I am falling back.

Respectfully, &c.,

ROBT. H. G. MINTY,

Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, September 22, 1863-9 a.m.

Brigadier-General WAGNER,

Commanding Post:

The general commanding directs you to draw in all your pickets and outposts whose positions are now occupied by other portions of