it was impossible to form any accurate idea of the extent of the force raising the dust, or what movement it was engaged in. Near night-fall a squad of cavalry made a dash at my outward post, but was driven back.

Respectfully, &c.,

TH. J. WOOD,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1863-5 p.m. (Received 5.20 p.m.)

General CRITTENDEN,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: On further questioning Colonel Minty, I learn the enemy's skirmishers have reached the direct road to Chattanooga. I will go out to see if I can't drive them from the road with Wilder's and Minty's force and Van Cleve's two regiments.

Respectfully,&c.,

TH. J. WOOD,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
Crawfish Spring, September 18, 1863.

Major General J. M. PALMER,

Comdg. Second Division, Twenty-first Army Corps:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you post your command in the position occupied by General Van Cleve this morning, and hold your whole command in readiness for any movements.

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

P. P. OLDERSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
Crawfish Spring, September 18, 1863-8 a.m.

Colonel R. H. G. MINTY,

Commanding Cavalry Brigade:

SIR: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge receipt of your note of last 7 p.m.* He requests me to say that he desires

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*See p.709.

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