missions will be forwarded to you. You will make requisitions upon the proper bureaus for arming, clothing, and equipping such troops.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., September 11, 1863-1.35 p. m.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Chattanooga:

Burnside telegraphs from Cumberland Gap that he holds all East Tennessee above Loudon, and also the gaps of the North Carolina mountains.

A cavalry force is moving toward Athens to connect with you.

After holding the mountain passes on the west and Dalton, or some other point on the railroad, to prevent the return of Bragg's army, it will be decided whether your army shall move farther south into Georgia and Alabama. It is reported here by deserters that a part of Bragg's army is re-enforcing Lee. It is important that the truth of this should be ascertained as early as possible.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

September 11, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

U. S. Volunteers, Trenton, Ga.:

Brigadier-General Hazen is senior.

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Memphis, Tenn., September 11, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS,

Stevenson, Ala.:

Six locomotives can be spared for your use from this place.

HURLBUT,

Major-General.

CAMP,

Chattanooga, September 11, 1863.

Received reliable information that the steamer Tennessee and steamer Holston are up the Hiwassee River, and also that there is a new boat hull at Kingston, on the Tennessee River.

O. S. BENTLEY.

I. H. McDOWELL.

P. S.-Which might be useful to the Government.