HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 16, 1863.

Major-General HOOKER,
Stevenson:

We must have some kind of roughness [long forage] for our mules when they come to Stevenson, or they will soon die. None up here. Please try to have it supplied till hay can be sent from Nashville.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., TWELFTH CORPS, Decherd, Tenn., October 16, 1863.

Captain S. E. PITTMAN,
A. A. G., First Div., Twelfth Army Corps:

CAPTAIN: In compliance to circular from division headquarters, October 14, 1863, I have the honor to submit the following report of the state of defenses:

At Cowan there are two stockades and one field-work, with ample supplies of wood and water, and with six day's commissary stores.

At this point (Decherd) I find stockades and rifle-pits covering the water-flank and trestle-work; these are the only defenses.

At the tunnel no works have as yet been erected, but stockades will be built to cover the shafts as soon as the entrenching tools (for which requisitions have been made) arrive.

The country around these points affords no cover for the enemy.

A detailed report will be forwarded as soon as the reports from the post commanders at Cowan and the tunnel are received.

Very respectfully,

JOS. F. KNIPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Post.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, October 16, 1863-4.15 p.m.

Major-General HOWARD,
Bridgeport:

Captain West, engineer officer, with instruments, is either at Bridgeport or will be there soon en route for this place. The general commanding desires that you see that he is furnished with necessary transportation, as he is much needed.

F. S. BOND,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, October 16, 1863.

Brigadier-General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

The pontoons were taken to Battle Creek without difficulty by water, but the pontoon-wagons loaded with the planking took all day yesterday to get through. The water rose 2 feet and more in