Fort Deposit there are two small boats, capacity for 8 horses; there are two at Fletcher's Ferry, will cross 30 horses on both; two at Decatur and three at private ferries above, will average about 10 horses; and one at Brown's Ferry.

There are no fords passable now, and will not be again this winter, without some very unusual weather. Boats can be speedily built at many places on and near the river, especially up Elk River. I have made no guess at the enemy's strength or probable moves from Huntsville, but hope to give you some definite information very soon. Many citizens near the railroad seem to think they are moving forces from Chattanooga toward Murfreesborough. My horses are in a terrible condition for want of shoes and with sore backs. Men generally in good health. Sent all prisoners to Decatur yesterday.

Very truly,

P. D. RODDEY,

Brigadier-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF TENNESSEE,

Numbers 269.
Missionary Ridge, October 18, 1863.

I. Captain James Cooper is relieved from duty as inspector of cavalry.

II. Major J. R. B. Burtwell is hereby assigned to duty as inspector of cavalry, and will report of Colonel J. P. Jones, inspector-general.

* * * * * * *

By command of General Bragg:

GEORGE WM. BRENT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Field return of the effective strength of the Army of Tennessee, October 18, 1863.

Effective Total Aggregate Effective

Command. total. present. present. total last

return.

Infantry.

Longstreet's

corps:

McLaws' division. 4,776 5,938 6,481 4,765

Hood's division. 5,067 6,055 6,589 5,046

Walker's 3,212 3,745 4,045 3,291

division.

Preston's 3,285 4,208 4,541 3,314

division.

Anderson's 1,439 1,522 1,664 1,306

brigade.

Total

Longstreet's 17,779 21,468 23,320 17,722

corps.

Polk's corps:

Cheatham's 5,291 6,826 7,529 5,302

division.

Hindman's 5,707 7,105 7,722 5,728

division.

Total Polk's 10,998 13,931 15,251 11,030

corps.

Hill's corps:

Cleburne's 5,148 6,501 7,048 5,105

division.

Stewart's 3,878 4,992 5,421 3,915

division.

Breckinridge's 2,825 3,663 4,029 2,846

division.

Total Hill's 11,851 15,156 16,498 11,866

corps.

Stevenson's 3,049 3,505 3,825 3,031

division.