at Gower's Ford and extending along the Chickamauga Creek to Bird's Mill; Second Division with its right resting at Bird's Mill and its left connecting with Van Cleve's division at Owens' Ford; Third Division on the right of the First, covering four fords between Gower's Ford and Pond Spring. Two brigades of the Fourth Division thrown out in front of Pond Spring on the Catlett's Gap road to cover the pass through the mountains. Wilder's brigade detached and ordered to report to department headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Pond Spring, September 17, 1863 - 9.15 a.m.

Major-General McCOOK,

Commanding Twentieth Army Corps:

General Thomas desires you to send a force to guard Catlett's and Dug Gaps as soon as possible, as General Reynolds is ordered to Gower's, on Chickamauga Creek. If you have any messages to send the general, send to Alley's or Cave Spring.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. E. FLYNT,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS,
Near Stevens' Gap, September 17, 1863-10.40 a.m.

Brigadier-General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

Sheridan with two brigades arrived last night, and is now marching to pond Spring to watch Dug and Catlett's Gaps. Davis' division will all be down the mountain in an hour, and Johnson's is close upon him. I have not heard from Lytle this morning, but know he received my order. He certainly will be down the mountain this evening. I leave one regiment to watch and guard Stevens' Gap, and will make the best disposition possible to watch the gaps. I will have along line, but will do the best I can.

I am, respectfully,

A. McD. McCOOK,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS,
Near Stevens' Gap, September 17, 1863-10.40 a.m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding Fourteenth Corps:

GENERAL: Sheridan and Davis are down the mountain and are marching in compliance with orders and will be near the Pond spring as soon as possible, where we will take position. I send a dispatch to General Rosecrans;please forward. I do not know where Alley's or Cave Spring is as mentioned in Colonel Flynt's letter.

Very respectfully,

A. McD. McCOOK,

Major-General, Commanding

45 R R-VOL XXX, PT III