[Indorsement.]

Respectfully returned. I cannot understand it.

C. S. HAMILTON,

Brigadier-General.

Colonel Ducat has been sent to explain it.

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General,

Per S. C. LYFORD.

HEADQUARTERS, October 4, [1862].

General HAMILTON:

GENERAL: Hurlbut is in rear of the rebels. Prepare for an advance movement.

By order General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

Corinth, October 5, 1862 - 1.20 p. m.

Brigadier-General HAMILTON,

Commanding Division:

You need not occupy Kossuth Bridge, but occupy Smith's Bridge with a good regiment until we hear whether any of the enemy have retreated by that route.

Tell the regimental commander to examine very carefully and tell you of the marks. Lee's cavalry has gone to Kossuth and will reconnoiter thence to Bone Yard.

By order of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,

First Lieutenant, Twelfth Infty., Ohio Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
October 5, 1862.

Brigadier-General HAMILTON:

Dispatches received. McKean had his orders to push ahead; have repeated them by bearer of this.

By order of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,

First Lieutenant, Twelfth Infty., Ohio Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. General

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE MISS., 3rd DIV., DIST. OF WEST TENN.,
Corinth, October 23, 1862.

Brigadier-General HAMILTON:

I observe in reading your report you entirely omit to mentation that you had express orders to make the movement on the enemy's left flank