Ith.wwood to Major-General CRITTENDEN, August 24, 1863

Major-General CRITTENDEN, Dunlap, Tenn. :

The general commanding directs me to say that Colonel Minty’s command is under your direct orders. That the object of your expedition will be attained by holding your present position, taking care of Van Cleve. Burnside will close in on your left.

The general commanding desires you to ration pponrnelt up as far as you can, sending a portion of your train to McMinnville and a

ortion to Bridgeport. A small train guard will be sufficient. ations will be sent to McMinnville at once. J. P. DROUILLARD, Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

Van Duzer will please put this through.

Hpagrs. First Division, TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS, August 24, 1863. (Via Tracy City, 1 p. m., 25th.)

Brig. Gen. J. A. GARFIELD, Chief of Staff:

Sir: The following information was received from Peter Marselles, quartermaster-sergeant First Louisiana Regiment Infantry ; he was taken prisoner Friday, 21st, by Colonel Wilder’s forces ; states he left Chattanooga Friday morning. The rebels are not over 20,000 strong— that is, men for duty. No a ile on hand in Chattanooga. Fortifications not finished. They have four heavy guns, two 4 and two ain and Huntsville to pick up deserters. Saw the ration return for last month was for 40,000 men. This prisoner was sent to me by Colonel Wilder. He is quite intelligent and seems to know what he is talking about, but lown I am unable to believe this statement of there being but 20,000 men in Bragg’s army for duty, the consolidated ration return for last corr being 40,000. If the statements are true, the question is, what has become of the difference? He is very positive in regard to the force for duty in army. Previous to his ene on Friday last, he says he heard officers discussing the matter. He says, moreover, that our movement took the rebels completely by surprise.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,