HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, February 22, 1864.

General PALMER:

Cruft occupies Red Clay, and has pushed a reconnaissance toward Varnell's Station. Report what you have discovered so far.

GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, Commanding.

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Chattanooga, February 23, 1864.

General PALMER:

The general commanding has ordered the whole of General Davis' command to join you as soon as possible. Colonel Paul has been ordered to send all supplies possible, to be escorted by the Tenth Indiana Infantry. The bridge across Chickamauga will also be ordered to-day.

WILLARD,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

OFFICE SIGNAL OFFICER, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, February 23, 1864.

Captain CASE:

Have you received those messages for Palmer?

P. BABCOCK, JR.,

Captain and Chief Signal Officer.

SIGNAL DETCH., FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Ringgold, Ga., February 23, 1864.

Captain BABCOCK:

I have received but two messages for General Palmer.

C. R. CASE,

Captain, Commanding Detachment.

TUNNEL HILL, GA., February 23, 1864.

General THOMAS:

Reconnaissance to Tunnel Hill completed. Enemy retreating before our skirmishers. About 400 cavalry, no infantry; one battery of artillery. Main position of our force between Ringgold Gap and ridge 3 miles this side of Tunnel Hill.

Loss 1 sergeant, killed, and 4 or 5 men wounded. Rebel works and quarters at Tunnel Hill abandoned.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General and Assistant Adjutant-General.

Received at 10 p.m., called from 10 to 11 p.m., and then sent by courier.

QUINTON.

29 R R-VOL XXXII, PT I