why re-enforcements cannot be sent from Richmond to Lee, one of which is that "General Bragg has been weakened by withdrawing his troops and sending them to Joe Johnston; that he is threatened with attack; has fallen back to his entrenched position at Tullahoma, and called on Buckner for aid."

A three days' battle has been going on near Gettysburg between General Meade and General Lee; thus far successful on our side, with promise of a brilliant victory over Lee.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Estell Springs, July 4, 1863 - 6 a. m.

Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS,

Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: General McCook occupies Cowan, and reports that the last of Bragg's army left there on the cars yesterday. The pursuit is substantially ended. The general commanding directs you to encamp your men in the vicinity of their present position. Send back heavy details, under efficient officers, for working the roads and bringing up supplies.

I am, general, very respectfully, yours,

J. A. GARFIELD,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

P. S. - Permit your divisions to fire a national salute at noon.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Jones' Ford, July 4, 1863 - 9.45 a. m.

Major-General NEGLEY,

Commanding Second Division:

The general commanding directs that you move forward with your command on the Brakefield Point road until you reach the road from Decherd to Pelham, where you will halt for further orders, unless received before you reach that place.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[GEO. E. FLYNT,]

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Pennington's House, July 4, 1863 - 12.15 p. m.

Major-General ROUSSEAU,

Commanding First Division:

Report from department headquarters is that after three days' hard fighting, Lee and his rebel host have been completely routed. General Rosecrans give permission to fire a national salute on the strength of the report, after getting into camp.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

[GEO. E. FLYNT,]

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.