HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 3, 1863-4 p.m.

Major-General THOMAS:

The general commanding directs you to send back to Stevenson all the spare animals of your command. One-third of the artillery horses can safely be sent. Detail a responsible officer with a sufficient number of men to accompany him, and take care of the animals on the way and after their arrival. They should be ready to start by 9 o'clock to-night. Direct the officer in charge to report to these headquarters in person when they are ready to start. All horses in use by clerks will be sent to the rear.

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

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

[Copy to Major-General Crittenden, Major-General McCook, and Major-General Granger.]

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, October 3, 1863-7.45 a.m.

Brig. General J. A. GARFIELD,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Reports from my front state that all is quiet along my entire line this morning. The usual camp-fires of the enemy were not seen during the night on our front and left. Colonel Post reports that his pickets heard this morning five distinct reveille calls of the enemy in his front.

Very respectfully,

A. McD. McCOOK,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIV., 20TH ARMY CORPS, On Grand Guard, October 3, 1863.

Major-Generals SHERIDAN:

GENERAL: I have just been informed from the pickets on our front, and the right of the line, near the base of the mountain, that they

have heard considerable work with the pick and chopping; also that they could hear the enemy converse and laugh while apparently measuring for some purpose or other. There has been no felling of trees, but the use of the ax is plainly heard.

Respectfully,
F. T. SHERMAN,

Colonel, Commanding First Brigade.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, October 3, 1863.

Brig. General J. A. GARFIELD,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The above is a copy of a communication just received through General Sheridan from Colonel Sherman, and is forwarded for information of the commanding general.