this point since the withdrawal of the other troops, but do not know what disposition Colonel McCook will make of my small force.

Reliable Union men report that the rebels while in camp at Dunlap told them that their intentions were to strike at our communications in Middle Tennessee, then cross the Cumberland, do all the damage they could, and get out through Eastern Kentucky into Virginia.

Respectfully,

S. D. ATKINS,

Colonel Ninety-second Illinois Volunteers.

STEVENSON, October 4, 1863-5 p.m.

Brig. General R. S. GRANGER,

Nashville:

Refer the matter concerning the force at Manchester to General Slocum, if you know where to reach him.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

MURFREESBOROUGH, October 4, 1863-9 p.m.

Brigadier-General GRANGER:

My scouts just returned and report a large force of artillery and cavalry approaching by three roads, and all indications found that I am to be attacked. I have no force with which to make a defense. I think a force is marching to cut the railroad between here and Nashville, and in all probability I will be engaged before morning. They can't take the place with a white rag.

WM. L. UTLEY,

Colonel Twenty-second Wisconsin, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, Anderson's, October 4, 1863-7 a.m.

General GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I arrived here this morning at 1.30 a.m. The Second Michigan has reported and I have sent Colonel McCook's command over the mountain to join Crook's, and shall follow on, leaving orders for the remaining regiments to follow on. McCook has recaptured about 800 of the mules taken. The report of prisoners you have already.

ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. SECOND BATTALION, SECOND MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Camp, Rankin's Ferry, October 4, 1863.

Major SINCLAIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report all quiet at this front. Some conversation with rebel pickets. I have in my command four companies, numbering 99 men and 5 officers. A strong company of Con-