WARTRACE, October 9, 1863-10 p.m.

General RUGER,

Commanding Third Brigade:

There are at Wartrace Thirteenth New Jersey, four companies Second Massachusetts, 100 of One hundred and fiftieth New York. They are to be relieved by two regiments of Candy's brigade to-morrow night. You will find rations at the bridge 1 mile below this-twenty thousand. Take three or four days' for your command.

I shall probably go on to Decherd to-night, but will try to be in Tullahoma to-morrow night. Send three regiments of your troops to Elk River, and three at Tullahoma. Guard all the bridges, culverts, and water-tanks between Tullahoma and Elk River. Send up the battery of artillery to Decherd. You have guns at Tullahoma and Elk River. Elk River should be first and carefully guarded. Intrench everywhere.

A. S. WILLIAMS,

Brigadier-General.

TULLAHOMA, October 9, 1863-2.30 p.m.

H. W. PERKINS,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, General Butterfield's Staff:

Have just arrived here with six companies.

J. H. KETCHAM,

Colonel One hundred and fiftieth New York Volunteers.

OCTOBER 9, 1863.

Major E. W. GUINDON,

Aide-de-Camp:

You can inform the general that the telegraph line is again cut at or near tunnel, south of Cowan Station a short of Cowan Station a short distance, and that the pickets are driven in at Cowan. They are expecting an attack to-night.

Respectfully,

J. M. HUMPHREY,

Superintendent Military Telegraph.

WARTRACE, October 9, 1863-10.45 p.m.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Decherd:

The bridge below Decherd must be held at any sacrifice, even to the last man. Trains with troops are on the way down. The enemy's cavalry may attempt to destroy them. Hold them at all hazards.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,

Major-General.