authorized to raise six regiments of new troops, two of cavalry and four of infantry, and muster them into the Confederate States service. With these and such corps as he may find already organized he will operate against the enemy wherever found, but especially at Nashville, Clarksville, &c., cutting, off supplies, capturing trains, and harassing them in all ways practicable.

II. Requisitions will be made on Major General Samuel Jones at Chattanooga for arms and ammunition.

III. The four companies of Forrest's cavalry will report to the general as his escort on this service and remain subject to his order.

By command of General Bragg:

JNumbers M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Abstract from Field Return of the right wing of the Army of the Mississippi, command by Major General L. Polk, September 25, 1862 (headquarters Bardstown, Ky.)

Present for duty.

Infantry. Artillery.

Troops Officers. Men. Officers. Men.

Cheatham's 629 5,043 15 360

division

Withers' 591 6,295 14 423

division

Grand total. 1,220 11,338 29 783

Troops Effective Aggregate Aggregate

total. present. present and

absent.

Cheatham's 5,721 6,761 9,726

division

Withers' 8,698 8,608 14,470

division

Grand total. 15,459 15,459 24,196

ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., September 26, 1862.

General BRAXTON BRAGG, Commanding Army of the West:

GENERAL: By order of the honorable Secretary of War I have the honor to transmit herewith instructions for Captain Edward B. Sayers, directing him to make reconnaissance of the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers with a view to an early occupation of the best points by fortifications commanding obstructions in their channels. For the construction of all these works liberal appropriations have been asked of Congress. The limits within which the proposed defenses can be placed will depend upon the extent of the country controlled by your army. On this point Captain E. B. Sayers is instructed to confer with you and will be guided by your directions. For the performance of the service intrusted to Captain E. B. Sayers I have respectfully to ask you to afford him every necessary assistance, and, if required, protection against the enemy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. F. GILMER,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Engineer Bureau.

[Inclosure.]

ENGINEER BUREAU,

Richmond, Va., September 26, 1862.

Captain EDWARD B. SAYERS,

Engineer Corps, P. A. C. S., Western Department:

CAPTAIN: With a view to an early occupation of the most eligible points along the navigable rivers of the Western and Southern States