HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, September 24, 1863.

Brigadier General R. B. MITCHELL:

The general commanding directs you to make careful examination of the right bank of the river opposite the present right flank of the rebel army, and find, if possible, commanding positions where you can plant batteries to enfilade the rebel lines and prevent their approach against the left of our line. It will be well for you to cut timber and open the way for observation of their position, and locate a battery or two at once, to annoy them. Report the result of your operations to this end as soon as practicable.

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

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Island Ferry, September 24, 1863.

General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in compliance with your orders to examine the right bank of the river and find a position to plant artillery, I have just returned and have found a position from which batteries can reach their camps. I have ordered up three pieces to that point, all I have that are available, the remainder of my artillery being stationed at the various fords along the river. I discovered two or three camps that can easily be reached.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, Camp near Chattanooga, Tenn., September 24, 1863.

Major F. W. HELVETI,
Inspector, First Cavalry Division:

SIR: In compliance with yours of this date, I beg leave to submit the following report:

Regiments Officers Effecti Dismount Aggrega

ve men ed men te

2nd Indiana, Major 23 360 9 392

J. B. Presdee

4th Indiana, 15 292 21 328

Lieutenant-Colonel

Deweese

1st Wisconsin, Colonel 17 361 28 406

O. H. La Grange

Total a 55 1,013 58 1,126

a 2nd East Tennessee absent.

In consequence of the arduous duties recently performed by the brigade, it is not in a very efficient condition. The horses are very much run down, principally from a want of forage, which, under

53 R R-VOL XXX, PT III