HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
Hillsborough, July 3, 1863-8 a. m.

General PALMER,

Hart's Ten-yard:

SIR: Since writing you yesterday at 7 a. m. I have received nothing from, or heard nothing of, you. I presume you are at Hart's tan-yard in compliance with orders from department headquarters. I returned here with General Wood's division last night according to orders. I desire if possible to open communication with you. Let me know by bearer where you are, and under what orders you are acting. Orders have been received for me to return to Pelham.

By order of Major-General Crittenden:

P. P. OLDERSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[23.]

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
Hillsborough, July 3, 1863-3 p. m.

Major-General PALMER,

Commanding Second Division, Twenty-first Army Corps:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge receipt of your dispatch of to-day, reporting your command back at Hart's tan-yard, &c. The general ordered Colonel Kniffin to Manchester this morning to procure supplies for his command, and he will send at once to him to expedite your supplies, and to forward them via Hillsborough. The general's instructions up to the present moment order him to Pelham, and General Wood has gone there. Since your dispatch the general is disposed to remain here to anticipate further orders, especially as his two divisions are now at a relative distance a Part from here. The general cannot give you any orders, as your last were received from department headquarters. He knows nothing of the plan of operations of the general commanding the department. Are you in communication with General Thomas or with any one communicating with department headquarters? Have you found any where a line of couriers?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. P. OLDERSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[23.]

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS,
July 3, 1863-9.30 p. m.

Major-General PALMER,

Commanding Second Division, Twenty-first Army Corps:

GENERAL: Your dispatch of 5.25 p. m., by Captain Howland, is received. General Wood has arrived at Pelham, and reports (by deserters) Bragg's army crossing the mountains. The inclosed dispatch (open for your information) forward to department headquarters at once. If you send through General Thomas, let him also read it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. P. OLDERSHAW,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.