HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH CORPS,
Shellmound, Tennessee, October 29, 1863-5.30 p.m.

Major General J. J. REYNOLDS,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland:

GENERAL: The head of my column is at Shellmound. I left one regiment (One hundred and first Ohio, Colonel Kirby), at Rankin's Ferry, with one company Sixteenth Illinois and two companies Second Michigan Cavalry, and the four-gun battery (Lieutenant Sahm) to protect the barges of rations and to cover the laying of the pontoon in case of removal. Rankin's Ferry seems to be best point for the bridge, all things considered, and it seems to have been unfortunate that it was not placed there originally. A much smaller force can protect it there then here. My troops are passing to south side of river, as ordered, and General Hooker advised of their position. I am, in communication with General Hooker, who was at Brown's Ferry this a.m. My aide-de-camp advises me at 12 m. to-day, from Whiteside's, that General Hooker is at Lookout Mountain and that all is quiet in front, I will await General Hooker's orders or further orders from General Thomas.

I am, very truly, yours,

CHARLES CRUFT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, October 29, 1863.

Brigadier-General CRUFT,

Rankin's Ferry, via Jasper:

Cross your division on the bridge at Shellmound and join General Hooker's command near Wauhatchie.

By order of Major-General Thomas:

C. GODDARD,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, October 29, 1863-5.15 a.m.

Major-General HOOKER:

Have ordered signal party to report to you at once. Have also ordered two additional regiments from Colonel Daniel Mc Cook's brigade to move to the bridge and be in readiness if you call upon them.

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

CORINTH, October 30, 1863.

Major-General HURLBUT:

Colonel Fuller reports that rebels followed Engineer regiment to luka, burning railroad up to that point. A considerable force is this side of Bear Creek.

G. M. DODGE,

Brigadier-General.