on this march. Allow me also to say that the commanding general (James S. Negley) feels highly gratified with the conduct of Captain Crook, Lieutenant Drummond, and their commands, for the promptness with which they executed their duties.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM SIRWELL,

Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade.

(Copy to Lieutenants Brinker and McCullough, Seventy-eight Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Captain Alban, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteers.)

WILDNER'S HEADQUARTERS,

September 5, 1863-2.15 p.m.

General ROSECRANS,

Department Headquarters:

The enemy have laid their pontoon-bridges, and now have them ready to swing round preparatory to crossing. Reliable news.

J. T. WILDER,

Colonel, Commanding.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH DIV., 14TH ARMY CORPS,
September 5, 1863-10 a.m.

Colonel C. GODDARD,

Asst. Adjt. General, Department of the Cumberland:

The rebels have repaid their pontoon-bridge on the river side preparatory to swinging it across. Their camp appears to be much increased since yesterday morning. They have reliable news of our force on this side, and appear to be concentrating either at Chattanooga or for a movement farther south. General Wagner coincides with me in this. A deserter crossed the river here last night, corroborating this.

I am, sir, very truly, your obedient servant,

J. T. WILDER,

Colonel, Commanding.

P. S.-General Hazen's battery threw a few shots at the rebels at Friar's Island this morning, to which they responded.

WILDER'S HEADQUARTERS,

September 5, 1863-12.20 p.m.

(Via Shellmound, 2 p.m.)

Captain CASE,

Department Headquarters:

Heard five reports of artillery on right of us at 5 a.m. My men report the enemy constructing works on the bank of the river, south and adjoining battery.

Only two embrasures finished as yet; will investigate. Have discovered no guns on the enemy's works.

WM. QUINTON,

First Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer.