Alex. A. Rick to FUNKHOUSER, Ninety-eighth Illinois, August 22, 1863

Major-General PALMER, General HAZEN, or Colonel FUNKHOUSER, Ninety-eighth Illinois :

I am directed by Colonel Wilder to say to you that we opened fire on Chattanooga at 10.30 a. m. yesterday, and shelled the enemy’s works at intervals until 5 p. m., they replying with nineteen guns, all small, except one 32-pounder rifled. They did not use them all at any one time, however. The place is well fortified ; not many troops to be seen in the town or vicinity ; best information puts them below here. Prisoners say it is well understood that this is only a feint, and that the real point of attack is down the river. An intelligent contraband who hives at the foot of Lookout Mountain, on this side of the river, reports troops passing all night ; thinks they were cavalry. No force this side the river, except a few bushwhackers in the mountains. Weare scouting the country and watching the river to-day. All quiet in town this morning.

Colonel Funkhouser will watch the river closely at Harrison’s Landing, and be careful that Dibrell’s brigade, of Forrest’s division, does not come in on him from above. He is reported this side the river.

Should the brigade at Poe’s Tavern fall back, please advise us en it does and to what point it goes. We will remain here for orders,

I am, generals and colonel,

very respectfully, your obedient