lines are as strong, I feel confident we can hold our present position until re-enforcements arrive.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

P. S. - If General Granger's troops were concentrated behind my left and Palmer's right, they would be available for any assault at that point or on Crittenden's lines.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Chattanooga, September 23, 1863- 12.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

I have the honor to report that it is reported by the officer commanding the pickets, the shells thrown from the fort this morning fell into the rebel camps and broke them up. Although the report to me is not strictly official, I have no doubt that general confusion was produced in their camp, and therefore respectfully suggest that Colonel Minty be sent out on a reconnaissance in that direction to ascertain the true state of affairs.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

SEPTEMBER 23, 1863-2.40 p.m.

Colonel FLYNT,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff:

I observe heavy column of enemy moving toward Tennessee River near foot of Missionary Ridge. Have been passing for the last half hours.

A. K. TAYLOR,

Captain and Signal Officer.

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Chattanooga, Tenn., September 23, 1863-7.15 p.m.

Colonel FLYNT,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

General Negley has just informed me that he will push forward his pickets to my line. I therefore shall not withdraw mine at present.

J. M. BRANNAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Chattanooga, Tenn., September 23, 1863-8.45 p.m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps:

My pickets just report sounds of throwing down of fences in our front and cutting of roads through the woods.

J. M. BRANNAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.