federate cavalry showed themselves opposite this ferry yesterday. I have one of my strongest companies guarding a ford, 1 1/2 miles above this, but by the nearest trace road, 4 1/2 miles.

Yours, respectfully,

B. P. WELLS,

Captain, Comdg. Second Battalion, Second Michigan Cavalry.

[Indorsements.]

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, Island Ferry, October 4, 1863.

Respectfully forwarded.

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

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, October 4, 1863.

Brigadier-General MITCHELL,

Chief of Cavalry:

The general commanding wants to know what cavalry guards patrol between here and Jasper.

Very respectfully,

D. G. SWAIM,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 4, 1863.

Colonel L. D. WATKINS:

The general commanding directs me to say that he has been expecting to receive through the proper channel a detailed report of the movements of your command, including the loss of your wagon train, and he desires, if you have not already made it out, that you do so and forward it as soon as possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANK S. BOND,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 4, 1863.

Major HOWLAND,

Third Ohio Cavalry, Decherd:

MAJOR: The major-general commanding desires to compliment you on your success in pursuing and punishing guerrillas on the 24th of September at Decherd.

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

WM. McMICHAEL,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 4, 1863-11 a.m.

Major-General HOOKER,

Stevenson:

Your dispatches of yesterday are received. The general commanding does not desire you to draw your forces back from Bridge-