LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, September 23, 1863-6.20 p.m.

Captain MERRILL:

General Forrest has demanded the surrender of the U. S. forces on the mountain. The colonel commanding told him he never would surrender. There is a division of cavalry reported on mountain with one battery, a division of infantry on the Rossville road. I write from here.

H. W. HOWGATE,

Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer.

SEPTEMBER 23, 1863.

Assistant Adjutant-General TREWHITT:

We are ordered to surrender by Forrest's command immediately. They are under flag of truce near our pickets.

WM. CROSS,

Colonel, Commanding.

HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., RESERVE CORPS, Mouth Battle Creek, September 23, 1863.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

There are six or eight regiments of Forrest's cavalry advancing on us in front on the mountain, and a force said to be in the rear, and Forrest's cavalry has demanded an immediate surrender. Colonel Cross on the mountain.

Respectfully,
J. G. SPEARS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

TRACY CITY, September 23, 1863-8 p.m.

Captain R. S. THOMS,

Aide-de-Camp:

According to instructions in your telegram of the 21st, I scouted Sequatchie Valley; just returned. Found no enemy whatever; none heard of in the valley. Shall I continue to scout and report until further orders?

W. B. STOKES,

Colonel, Commanding.

CARTER'S STATION, TENN., September 23, 1863. [Received 10,30 a.m., 25th.]

His Excellency A. LINCOLN,

President United States:

Your dispatch of the 21st is received, and the order shall be obeyed at once. Every available man shall be concentrated at the point you direct, and with as little delay as possible. We hold this road effectually to this point, and have driven the enemy within a few