move farther to the front than is necessary to connect, and only those on the extreme left.

By command of Major-General Thomas:

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

NOVEMBER 23, 1863.

General GRANGER:

Hold and strengthen your position. General Howard's corps is taking position on your left.

By order of Major-General Thomas:

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 23, 1863.

Major-General GRANGER,
Commanding Fourth Army Corps:

The general commanding department directs that you throw one division of the Fourth Corps forward in the direction of Orchard Knob, and hold a second division in supporting distance, to disclose the position of the enemy, if he still remain in the vicinity of his old camp. Howard's and Baird's commands will be ready to co-operate if needed.

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Major-General, Chief of Staff.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, November 23, 1863-9 p.m.

Major-General THOMAS,
Commanding:

GENERAL: They signaled from Lookout Mountain that both our pontoons were broken. This was only the latter portion of the message; all that could be caught. All quiet except a few shots on Sheridan's right. From the exclamations, I think probably some deserters coming in.

Respectfully,

J. C. McKIBBIN,

Colonel.