HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, September 22, 1863-1.30 p.m.

Colonel J. T. WILDER:

The general commanding directs you to establish a courier line from your headquarters to these, and report at least twice a day, and oftener if anything of importance occurs. I inclose a dispatch for Colonel Byrd, commanding Burnside's advance at Cleveland, which the general directs you to read and forward at all possible speed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. GODDARD,

Lieutenant-Colonel, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure.]

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

Colonel BYRD:

If you are beyond reach of orders from General Burnside, cross the river at the most practicable point and join Colonel Wilder's force. Wilder's headquarters are at Friar's Island, 7 miles above Chattanooga, and he pickets the river up to Harrison's Landing.

By order of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,

Lieutenant-Colonel, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

ON THE RIGHT OF 21ST ARMY CORPS, FRONT LINE,

September 22, 1863-2 p.m.

Captain MERRILL:

I see rebel infantry south 80 degrees east. One regiment is in line of battle. They are on top the ridge. Were deployed as skirmishers, but assembled where the road leads the hill.

W. LEONARD,

Acting Signal Officer.

SIGNAL CORPS ACROSS RIVER,

September 22, 1863-3.25 p.m.

Captain MERRILL:

The rebels on the ridge are in line as if to receive our attack.

FORAKER,

Lieutenant, and Acting Signal Officer.

GENERAL CRITTENDEN'S HEADQUARTERS, September 22, 1863-3.30 p.m.

Captain MERRILL:

The ridge in our front is covered with rebel troops in column of company moving northward.

[A. F.] BERRY,

Lieutenant, and Acting Signal Officer.