has been making demonstrations to cross the mountains for several days. Some circumstances however justify the suspicion that he is moving up the valley, with the object of going into Kentucky. the wires are cut almost as soon as they can be repaired, and may any moment be interrupted entirely. One of Grant's divisions has arrived, but not the other. I expect it in a few days, though I have no certain knowledge when it crossed the river. I hear that it only commenced about the 26th, and it would take several days.

D. C. BUELL,

Major-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, September 2,* 1862.

General BUELL, Murfreesborough:

I will start to-morrow. I have heard again that the enemy intends advancing on this place by the Therman, Dunlap, and Sparta roads. By concentrating at Murfreesborough we shall be within striking distance of this place. By convenient roads our main force can be thrown upon the enemy between this and Decherd or Hillsborough, overcome him, and drive him toward Sparta, his longest line of retreat. A large force of cavalry and light infantry can be pushed across the mountains to Dunlap by the Dunlap and Therman road, attack him in rear, and completely rout his whole force. I have studied the roads, and am now convinced that this is our best plan of attack.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers.

CINCINNATI, OHIO, September 2, 1862 0 8.30 a. m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK:

I suggest that you send from the army of Grant of Curtis 30,000 disciplined troops into Kentucky. Generals Wallace and Nelson approve it. A committee will go from here to Washington to urge it.

GARRETT DAVIS.

LOUISVILLE, KY., September 2, 1862 0 12.40 p. m.

Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

The reverse met with at Richmond shows that the newly raised troops are not reliable, even with largely superior numbers, and I desire to

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* Copy appended to record of Buell Commission, dated September 4.

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