NOVEMBER 23, 1863.

Major-General REYNOLDS,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I send two more rebel messages, the first one taken from Lookout and the other from Missionary Ridge:*

HARDEE:

I observed from this point the movements of the enemy until-. The object seemed to be to attract our attention. The troops in sight were formed from center to left. Those on the right moved to center. Troops from Raccoon were in line in full sight. If they intend to attack my opinion is it will be upon our left. Both of their bridges are gone.

[STEVENSON],

General.

On whose left did General S. think your attack would be made?

Respectfully submitted.

JESSE MERRILL,

Captain, and Chief Signal Officer.

ORCHARD KNOB, November 23, 1863-3 p.m.

General THOMAS:

The enemy's rifle-pits in front, 1,200 yards, very strong and filled with rebels. They cannot be carried without heavy loss.

G. GRANGER,

Major-General.

NOVEMBER 23, 1863-4.15 p.m.

General THOMAS:

Heavy columns are passing to our left to the front of Howard. They have double lines of rifle-pits in his front.

G. GRANGER,

Major-General.

CHATTANOOGA, November 23, 1863-6.40 p.m.

Brig. General WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

GENERAL: An order has just been handed me directed to Brigadier-General Baird, directing him to "close to the left on Sheridan." Is it intended that he shall advance so as to connect with Sheridan's line?

JOHN M. PALMER,

Major-General, Commanding.

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, November 23, 1863-6.30 p.m.

Major-General PALMER,

Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps:

The general commanding directs that General Baird's troops move to the left and connect with General Sheridan. The troops need not

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*Message from Missionary Ridge not found.

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