the engineer officer. The general directed General Wheeler to cover your column at the point at which the roads come near together till 5 o'clock, the hour at which you stated in note to commander of rear guard you would pass.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

[THOMAS M. JACK,]

Assistant Adjutant-General.

BRIGADEPORT, July 4, 1863-5 p. m.

Lieutenant-General POLK:

Cross all your troops, with the exception of one of Cheatham's brigades. Let those that are sufficiently rested (of those that cross) move out to the railroad on the road to Chattanooga.

Respectfully,

W. W. MACKALL,

Chief of Staff.

EN ROUTE, FOUR MILES FROM JASPER, July 4, 1863-7 p. m.

Captain JACK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CAPTAIN: I have received your note. I did not design, by my remarks to General Polk's staff officers, to convey the idea that General Polk's troops were to guard the bridge. I did not think any guard necessary. I asked that the bridge might be held-not destroyed. I have notified the engineers that I would not require the bridge.

Very respectfully,

W. J. HARDEE,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS POLK'S CORPS, July 5, 1863-5 a.m .

Brigadier-General MACKALL:

GENERAL: Your order of yesterday (5 p. m.) did not reach me in time to leave a brigade on the other side of the river. My troops are now awaiting orders. Most of them bivouacked near the railroad. I respectfully request orders, and, as I am camping with Withers' division, 6 miles in advance of Cheatham, I shall thank you to send my orders for Cheatham though him, in order to save time. Withers is at Shellmound; Cheatham between Shelmound and Bridgeport.

Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
L. POLK,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS POLK'S CORPS, July 5, 1863-5 a. m.

Major-General CHEATHAM:

GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you halt your troops near the railroad, and await further orders.

Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

[THOMAS M. JACK,]

Assistant Adjutant-General.