HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
September 7, 1863-1 a.m.

Brigadier-General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Your dispatch of 10.30 is just received. I return the cipher dispatch directed to Colonel A. Stager, Washington, D. C., as I have no way of forwarding it except by couriers. Captain Van Duzer has not yet reported his line of telegraph as open. One of his operators was captured yesterday near Whiteside's and carried to Chattanooga. At 12.15 to-night I forwarded to you two very important communications from General Wood, and await further advice from you before ordering him to advance.

By command of Major-General Crittenden:

JOHN J. McCOOK,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, September 7, 1863- 5 a.m.

Brigadier-General WOOD,

Comdg. First Division, 7 Miles from Chattanooga:

SIR: The general commanding directs me to send you the inclosed copy of orders from General Garfield, which, in a dispatch of this 3.15 a.m. from department headquarters acknowledging receipt of your last two communications, is confirmed* You will therefore lose no time in making the reconnaissance in force as indicated. The general desires that you keep him constantly informed of your movements and of all information that you may gather of the position of the enemy.

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

P. P. OLDERSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
September 7, 1863-5.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General WOOD,

Commanding First Division:

SIR: The general commanding directs me to inform you that General Palmer will move with his command at 3 in the morning, and take up position about 2 miles to your rear.

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

P. P. OLDERSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
September 7, 1863-7 p.m.

Brigadier-General WOOD,

Comdg. First Division, Twenty-first Army Corps:

SIR: The general commanding directs me to inform you that he cannot determine how long you will stay in your present position. Your trains is here and easy of access for supplies, &c.

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

P. P. OLDERSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See p. 414.

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