force, but do not engaged seriously if you can avoid it, as I take the other brigade over to Smith's, on the road turning to the right from Kincannon's.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. M. McCOOK,

Colonel, Commanding.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Varnell's Station, Ga., May 8, 1864.

Captain ROBERT LE ROY,
Asst. Adjt. General, First Cavalry Division, D. C.:

CAPTAIN: The enemy has vedettes about two miles from this point, on the southeast side of the railroad (toward Dalton), and perhaps a light battery in position. He appears loth to show his force, and under present instructions I do not feel authorized to compel him. If desirable, I think we could induce him to develop without serious danger to ourselves. Please instruct, and oblige your obedient servant,

O. H. LA GRANGE.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Tunnel Hill, May 8, 1864.

Major General L. H. ROUSSEAU,

Commanding District of Nashville:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding the department has received notification that there will be 5,000 Indiana militia ordered to report to him. He directs that you take command of them upon their arrival within the department, and put one-half of the force at Tullahoma and the other half at Gallatin, for the purpose of affording protection to our communication. There will also soon arrive five regiments of Indiana cavalry. These he directs that you concentrate at Nashville and place under instruction. Please ascertain and report to these headquarters the nature of the garrison at Bridgeport, as to its term of service. If the time of the regiments has nearly expired the major-generals there which have still a long time to serve.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Tunnel Hill, May 8, 1864-10.50 p.m.

Major-General SCHOEFIELD:

General Newton is instructed to attempt to carry the remainder of Rocky Face Ridge to-morrow morning. Please cover his left so far as you are able, consisted with instructions. All of McCook's cavalry has been ordered to protect your left.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General, Commanding.

6 R R-VOL XXXVIII, PT IV