an energetic and reliable officer, to establish a courier line from this point to General Rosecrans' headquarters over the mountain. They had better take what feed they can up the mountain, as they will find it difficult to forage there. Order the commanding officer to report here for instructions.

I am, your obedient servant,

WM. H. SINCLAIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

P. S.-We will not move from here to-morrow till about noon probably, unless some other orders are received. Watkins' brigade will be left here.

WM. H. S.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Winston's, September 15, 1863.

Colonel E. M. McCOOK,
Commanding First Division Cavalry:

COLONEL: General Stanley directs me to say that, having been taken so seriously ill as to be unable to retain his command, he has turned it over to Brigadier-General Mitchell, who will for the present act as chief of cavalry.

I am, your obedient servant,

WM. H. SINCLAIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY, Valley Head, September 15, 1863.

Colonel E. M. McCOOK,
Commanding First Division, Cavalry:

General Stanley is going in the morning, and desires to start at 4 a. m. With a little exertion I think they can be prepared to start at that time. They must be ready to start at 5 o'clock at the farthest, in order to make their march before the heat of the day.

Respectfully,

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Dougherty's Gap, September 15, 1863.

Major WILLIAM H. SINCLAIR,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived here at 12 m. to-day; found a party of about 75 scouting on the mountain; chased them down Neal's Gap, capturing some of their hats and guns, with I horse, but did not get any of the men.

I am encamped on top of the mountain. Have to go to the bottom for water and forage. Have heard nothing of any rebels about here.