crossed the river 6 miles above Chattanooga with a heavy force. It is of the first importance that you ascertain whether this is true at once.

JAMES B. FRY,

Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS,
Huntsville, August 2, 1862.

Captain MACFEELY and Captain BINGHAM, Nashville:

We must at all times have 200,000 rations ahead at Decherd.

JAMES B. FRY,

Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS,
Huntsville, August 2, 1862.

General NELSON and others:

Full rations will again be issued to this army.

J. M. WRIGHT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Huntsville, August 2, 1862.

General SMITH, Manchester:

Mr. Anderson will put a force in the road to-morrow. Endeavor to inform yourself of Nelson's movements and be always ready to move and fight at a moment's notice. I suppose he will arrive to-morrow. Concentrate Buckley's brigade at Cowan without a moment's delay. If you have need of troops to replace those now with you they must come from Wood's troops at Wartrace and Duck River. Have you received the letter cipher sent you?

D. C. BUELL.

DECHERD, [August 2, 1862].

Colonel J. B. FRY, Chief of Staff:

Your dispatch of yesterday says Nelson is moving forward and directs me to be in readiness to march and fight. If I am to co-operate with Nelson, directly or indirectly, or my movements are at all dependent on his, I should be informed whither he is moving. Is it intended for me to send back my division trains? Please reply immediately.

TH. J. WOOD,

Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,

Huntsville, August 2, 1862,

General WOOD, Decherd:

Nelson is moving on McMinnville; the most that is expected is that you may have to support him with a brigade. It is more probable that the bulk of your force will have to operate toward Battle Creek. These movements will have to be prompt. You must take what rations you can carry on the men and in baggage wagons. Your supply train will