HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, September 24, 1863-10 a.m.

Major General P. H. SHERIDAN,
Commanding Third Division, 20th Army Corps:

GENERAL: The within is a copy of an order just this moment received from department headquarters. General McCook directs that you take immediate steps to carry out its provisions. He leaves the details to your own discretion.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. C. McCLURG,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, September 24, 1863-9,25 a.m.

Major-General McCOOK,
Commanding Twentieth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you take immediate measures to hold the foot of Lookout Mountain as an outpost, and take every means to annoy the enemy and thwart him in his attempts to gain possession of it. It will not be necessary to use a large force for this purpose. An enterprising officer with a small command can keep back a large force for a long time.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, September 24, 1863 -1.20 p.m.

Major-General McCOOK:

The general commanding directs you to make a reconnaissance in force up the Valley of Chattanooga Creek this afternoon to ascertain the force and the distance to which it shall be pushed are left to your discretion. Generals Thomas and Crittenden will reconnoiter their fronts at the same time.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, Near Chattanooga, September 24, 1863-1.40 p.m.

Brigadier-General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff, Department of the Cumberland:

GENERAL: Colonel Conrad, Fifteenth Missouri Volunteers, of General Sheridan's pickets, reports the capture by the enemy of the ferry-boat, with about 30 men on board. Some were killed, others swam the river, and the remainder were captured. A battery of artillery of our force on the opposite bank of the river fired about 10 shots at the boat. The enemy has established a signal station on the mountain.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. McD. McCOOK,

Major-General.