HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, White House, Lookout Mountain, November 25, 1863.

Major-General REYNOLDS,
Chief of Staff, Chattanooga:

I have the honor to report that we have possession of the peak of Lookout Mountain. Present indications point to the enemy's having abandoned our front; prisoners think they have abandoned the valley entirely. Have ordered a reconnaissance to get some information, and will know more presently.

Very respectfully,

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General, Commanding.

NOVEMBER 25, [1863]-7 a.m.

Major-General HOOKER:

The general commanding desires that you immediately move forward, in accordance with instructions of last evening.

J. J. REYNOLDS,

Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

[Captain WILLARD,

Aide-de-Camp:]

CAPTAIN: We have no communication with General Hooker. The two officers were ordered to join General Hooker on the mountain, and are on their way there now. Will have communication very soon, I think. I will send message as soon as open.

Respectfully,

JESSE MERRILLINOIS

WHITE HOUSE, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, November 25, 1863-8.15 a.m.

Major-General REYNOLDS:

Column of troops passing along Mission Ridge to our left; been

moving for some little time.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, November 25, 1863-8.45 a.m. [Received 9.45 a.m.]

Major-General HOWARD:

The general commanding department directs that you move your force toward General Sherman's, looking well to your right flank

8 R R-VOL XXXI, PT II