troops from the Department of East Tennessee as may be disposable, and for such time as these operations may require, it is the wish of the President that a sufficient force should be left in that department for the defense of Cumberland Gap and the line of the Tennessee Railroad east of Chattanooga. The experience of Lieutenant-General Smith will probably enable him to determine the number required for this service.

The Department of East Tennessee will continue under Lieutenant-General Smith, as now organized, and it will be left to that officer to determine whether he will accompany the troops which may be drawn from his department or remain in the personal command of the department, for such ulterior movement relating to the same as the service may require.

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Numbers 255.
Richmond, Va., October 31, 1862.

* * * * * * *

XXVI. With a view to combined operations, the command of General Bragg will embrace such portions of the troops belonging to the Department of East Tennessee as circumstances may render necessary and for such time as the exigency of the operation may demand.

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNumbers WITHERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Abstract from field return of the Army of the Mississippi, commanded by Major General Leonidas Polk, November 2, 1862; headquarters Knoxville, Tenn.

Present for duty.

Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery.

Command. Offi- Men. Offi- Men. Offi- Men.

cers. cers. cers.

Right Wing. 1,019 9,830 6 67 28 736

Left Wing. 1,045 11,051 7 114 31 709

Wheeler's

-----

-----

83 1,127 ----

-----

brigade.

Wharton's

-----

-----

116 1,591 ----

-----

brigade.

Grand total. 2,064 20,881 212 2,899 59 1,445

CONTINUATION:

Command. Effective Aggregate Aggregate present

total. present. and absent.

Right Wing. 11,546 14,551 27,572

Left Wing. 13,013 15,600 25,735

Wheeler's brigade. 1,204 1,376 1,867

Wharton's brigade. 1,597 1,889 2,307

Grand total. 27,360 33,416 57,481

RICHMOND, VA., November 3, 1862.

Brigadier General HUMPHREY MARSHALL,

Abingdon, Va.:

General Echols has been authorized to call on you for assistance, if it be necessary. Should the call be made, move at once with your infantry and artillery by railroad, and let your cavalry follow by country roads.

G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War.

25 R R-VOL XX, PT II