ALLEY'S SPRING, September 17, 1863-12.45 p.m.

Major-General McCOOK:

GENERAL: Alley's is not more than 1 1/2 miles down Chickamauga Creek form Pond Spring and on the road toward Chattanooga. I would suggest that you place one division where General Brannan was yesterday and one division near where General Negley was yesterday.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Crawfish Spring, September 17, 1863.

Major-General McCOOK:

The general commanding directs me to say that dust has been seen in the direction of Blue Bird Gap on the Valley road, and he desires that you send out the Thirty-ninth Indian in that direction to ascertain what is going on.

Very respectfully,

FRANK S. BOND,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

SIGNAL STATION,

Stevens' Gap, September 17, 1863-1 p.m.

Major-General McCOOK:

That body of rebels is rapidly moving back toward Dug Gap.

FULLER,

Lieutenant.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Crawfish Spring, September 17, 1863.

Major-General McCOOK:

The general commanding suggests that it would be better for you to hold Colonel Post's brigade at Valley Head until General Lytle reaches that place.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
September 17, 1863-2.30 p.m.

General GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: On yesterday I was ordered to mass my troops between Pond Spring and Gower's. I find General Thomas' troops now on the road. I am at General Crittenden's headquarters at Alley's, and will await your order. I cannot mass my troops between Pond Spring and Gower's and at the same time protect Catlett's, Dug, and Blue Bird Gaps. My line will be long. I think me demonstration in front is cavalry. Please answer immediately.

A. McD. McCOOK,

Major-General.