J. J. Reynolds, August 22, 1863

Respectfully forwarded for the information of the general comsnanding the department, with the request that orders may be forwarded to Colonel Wilder for his future guidance. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, Commanding.

Hpgrs. FourtH Div., FOURTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, Jasper, August 22, 1863—7.40 p. m. (Received 2 a. m., 23d.) Lieutenant-Colonel FLynt, Assistant Adjutant-General : CotongL : I have stationed part of King’s brigade at ferry opposite Shellmound, with Harris’ guns in position. Colonel King com. mands in person. Guns command the railroad. He will crossa competent force to-night under cover of darkness and make effort to destroy the railroad bridge near Shellmound. I have reliable information that there is one flat or ferry boat at this ferry. Two deserters, sergeants from a Mississippi regiment,

*See Wilder to Reynolds, August 21, 11 a. m.. p. 100.

arrived this evening, corroborate the information received to-day, that the rebels have withdrawn their river force to Chattanooga, leaving only small pickets. They are from Anderson’s brigade, Hindman’s division, Polk’s corps.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,