These instructions did not reach me as soon as anticipated, and as a consequence I did not make this point as soon as directed. No effort, however, was spared on my part to be here on time. Colonel Minty could not have made his march by way of Sparta and accomplished what he was required to do in less time than he did it. He is certainly an able and efficient officer.

The portion of my train left at McMinnville, about 40 wagons, will be here on the 22nd with rations. To-morrow I send back about 25 of my wagons and all Colonel Minty's train for supplies.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

H. P. VAN CLEVE,

Brigadier General, Comdg. Third Div., Twenty-first Army Corps.

STEVENSON, August 20, 1863.

Colonel E. M. McCOOK:

Ask Watkins if he cannot get a good camp in the vicinity of Bell Factory.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

LARKINSVILLE, ALA., August 20, 1863.

Major WILLIAM H. SINCLAIR,

Asst. Ajdt. General, Cavalry, Stevenson, Ala.:

The party sent out last night report General Johnson on the other road, about 10 miles north of this place.

EDWARD M. McCOOK,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Stevenson, August 20, 1863.

Major-General BURNSIDE,

Crab Orchard:

I am very anxious to hear from you.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

CRAB ORCHARD, August 20, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

I am waiting reports from some of our operations; will telegraph you our plan early in the morning. I think we will be in time. You may rely on every possible co-operation. Which town of Anderson is Thomas near? Whereabouts in the valley is Crittenden?

A. E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,

Numbers 321.
August 20, 1863.

I. It being a military necessity to construct railroad to supply the army, &c., Brigadier-General Boyle is ordered to make any further