[CHAP. XLII.

SIGNAL STATION,

Cameron's Hill, October 12, 1863-5.30 p.m.

Captain MERRILL:

South 45 degrees east I see fifty new shelter tents and one wall tent, on the slope and near the foot of Missionary Ridge. Some tents visible farther toward Rossville; cannot tell how many, as trees are in the way. South 40 degrees east and three-fourths of a miles nearer, considerable timber has been cut away apparently, and a considerable number of tents can be seen; could not count them. On the west side and half way up Lookout Mountain I saw a thin blue smoke, where we have frequently seen a small fire.

SAM. BACHTELL,

Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer.

CAMERON'S HILL, October 12, 1863-6.40 p.m.

Captain MERRILL:

Can see a line of enemy's fires extending from 5 degrees to 25 degrees south of east and another line from 35 degrees to 55 degrees south of east. There is a small fire at foot of Lookout on east side, 3 miles distant, and another one on west side about three-fourth of a mile from Craven's house and three-fourths of the way up the mountain.

HOWGATE,

Acting Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTER,

October 12 1863-9.30 p.m.

Lieutenant REBER:

Yes. Send what men you do not want here with Lieutenant Brent.

CASE,

Captain and Acting Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

October 12, 1863.

Brigadier General J. C. DAVIS:

GENERAL: In compliance with instructions of General Rosecrans I am making a minute examination of the official reports of the battle of Chickamauga in order to make a list of those who by special merit deserve special mention. For this purpose, and that the instances of the devotion of the private soldier may not escape me, I have the honor to request of you a copy of regimental reports of the old First Division for 19th and 20th September, which I pray you to send as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HORACE N. FISHER,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Inspector-General.