to left wing, Army of the Mississippi, and will report to Major-General Hardee.

* * * * *

By command of General Bragg:

JNO. M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Abstract from Field Return of the right wing of the Army of the Mississippi, commanded by Major General L. Polk, August 26, 1862 [headquarters Chattanooga].

Present for duty

Infantry Cavalry

Troops Officers Men Officers Men

Cheatham's 541 4,718 - -

division

Withers' 562 7,424 - -

division

Cavalry company - - 2 46

Grand total 1,103 12,142 2 46

Artillery

Troops Officers Men Effecti Aggrega Aggrega

ve te te

total present present

and

absent

Cheatham's 17 285 5,393 6,291 8,737

division

Withers' 11 312 8,114 9,304 14,390

division

Cavalry - - 50 52 68

company

Grand total 28 597 13,557 15,647 23,195

CHATTANOOGA, TENN., August 27, 1862.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

We move tomorrow. Buell has fallen back to Nashville and is fortifying. We crossed and took possession of Bridgeport last night. Kirby Smith, having turned Cumberland Gap, is marching on Lexington.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF KENTUCKY, Barboursville, Ky., August 27, 1862.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,
Commanding Department No. 2:

GENERAL: Your letter of 24th instant came safely to hand last night. I am now fully committed to my advance policy, as two of my divisions will leave London tomorrow for Richmond. My intention is to push rapidly forward to secure the passage of the Kentucky River. If I can do this I think all will go well. My only concern is as regards re-enforcements, for though I have men enough to win one battle, yet if it should be a well-conducted one I may need a few recruits to enable me to reap the fruits of this victory; therefore, if it be possible, do send me Breckinridge with his Kentuckians. I shall instruct General McCown to prepare transportation with the view of his arrival at Knoxville.

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. KIRBY SMITH,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT NO.2, Chattanooga, Tenn., August 27, 1862.

Major General STERLING PRICE,

Commanding District of the Tennessee, Tupelo, Miss.:

GENERAL: We move from here immediately, later by some days than