[CHAP. XLII.

of south to 25 degrees east of south, 3 1/2 miles distant. Thirty degrees east of south is a column of smoke covering 2 degrees, about 5 miles from here. A line of smoke commences 35 degrees east of south and extends to a point 30 degrees south of east, covering 25 degrees at foot of Mission Ridge. A small column east-southeast about half way up the ridge. On 5 degrees south of east, and about 2 1/2 miles distant. In a field due south, and about 4 miles distant, can see about 100 horses grazing. No movement of troops except one regiment drilling, 30 degrees east of south.

HOWGATE,

Acting Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS,
October 12, 1863-10.40 a.m.

Lieutenant FORAKER:

Does firing across Missionary Ridge continue? Can you tell what it was?

MERRILL,

Captain.

OCTOBER 12, 1863.

Captain MERRILL:

Rebels have captured a large train between here and the mountains. The force is reported to be two regiments, or two brigades. A cavalry force has been sent to the front of the action.

E. F. C. KLOKKE,

Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officers.

SIGNAL STATION,

Cameron's Hill, October 12, 1863- 11 a.m.

Captain MERRILL:

South 10 degrees west see a small work low down on Lookout Mountain; see it indistinctly; think there are two embrasures. South 5 degrees east, probably 1000 horses grazing, beyond Rossville road, some 5 miles distant. From south 5 degrees east to south 10 degrees east, smoke, heaviest at the extremities. South 15 degrees east small smoke beyond Rossville on this side Mission Ridge and at its base. South 25 degrees east smoke to south 30 degrees east, thin except at the extremities. South 30 degrees east first tents seen on the right, few only and seen indistinctly, near an old house. South 35 degrees east smoke; some tents visible through the trees, and extending northward at foot of Mission Ridge. South 45 degrees east most smoke extending northward along the valley this side of ridge where most tents are seen. East 35 degrees south flag in same position; said to be Polk's corps flag. East 30 degrees south one regiment drilling. Aside from this nothing unusual.

SAM. BACHTELL.

Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer.

This report is confirmed by reports from Stations Nos. 1 and 2 on Cameron's and Crane's Hills. No firing heard on other side of Mission Ridge since 9 a.m.

MERRILL.