NASHVILLE, Tennessee,

October 20, 1863

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Louisville., Ky.,:

Just arrived. I will leave here early in the morning, and get through to Chattanooga as soon as possible. I presume you saw General Thomas' dispatch to me on the subject of rations.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee,

October 20, 1863.,

Admiral D. D. PORTER.

Cairo, Illinois:

General Sherman's advance was at Eastport on the 15th. The sooner a gun-boat can be got to him the better. Boats must now be on the way from Saint Louis with supplies to go up the Tennessee for Sherman.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND.

Chattanooga, October 20, 1863

Major General U. S. GRANT,
Nashville:

No change to report . Five days' rations issued to troops to-day.

Three hundred wagons between here and Stevenson with provisions.

General Rosecrans left this morning. Communicate with Burnside

to-day.. He is moving toward Kingston. His couriers connect with mine near Washington.

G. H. THOMAS.

Major-General

HEADQUARTERS PIONEER BRIGADE.

Chattanooga, October 20, 1863.

Brigadier-General. SMITH.

Chief Engineer, Department of the Cumberland.:

I have the honor to report the flying bridge completed, and that one trip has been made across the river with it.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. ST. C. MORTON.

Brigadier-General. of Volunteers.