employ him on some board or court. He is a shrewd, energetic man, might be used advantageously on Crittenden and McCook court. Thomas has been much embarrassed by Stanley, who gets drunk and is lazy and careless. Still, he is a major-general assigned to this department by the Administration, and Thomas has not felt himself at liberty to order him away. Accordingly, he has very reluctantly appointed him to command a division. Can I tell Thomas that he must follow his own judgment in such cases?

[C. A. DANA.]

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

CHATTANOOGA, November 20, 1863-7 p.m.

Bragg sent Grant a flag this afternoon, warning non-combatants to leave Chattanooga. It having proved impossible to get up Sherman's troops, movements intended to-morrow postponed.

[C. A. DANA.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

CHATTANOOGA, November 21, 1863-9.30 a.m.

Heavy rain all nigh; still continuing. Roads bad; movement of troops difficult. Sherman may be obliged to leave subsistence trains in Lookout Valley, where he camped last night. Deserters report rebels have heavy rafts in Chickamauga Creek, with torpedoes attached, waiting for rise of water. This rise will now occur, when our bridges will be in danger from flood as well as torpedoes.

Anderson reported to Grant last night that contractors were backward in offering for bridges on Nashville and Decatur Railroad, one only having proposed to build all in ninety days, with forfeiture for every day over one hundred. Anderson inquired if he should make contract. Grant has relieved Anderson from all connection with that road, on the ground that, having ordered him three weeks ago to get it done as soon as possible, he should have got further on with work than now to refer question of contracts to him. Dodge is ordered to proceed with all dispatch opening road, and Colonel Pride, formerly serving with Grant on West Tennessee railroads and before Vicksburg, has been sent for to take direction of work. Quartermaster-General returned here last night from week's stay at Bridgeport.

[C. A. DANA.]

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

CHATTANOOGA, November 22, 1863-8 a.m.

Morning beautiful; cool. Sherman's troops nearly up. Howard ordered to march into Chattanooga 2 p.m. to-day. Steam-boat Dunbar has her machinery nearly completed; will be ready for use within twenty-four hours. Negley replied to Thomas' suggestion that he should demand court of inquiry on imputations of