James S. Negley to James A. Lowrie, August 19, 1863

Major-General ROSECRANS. Commanding Department:

I have the honor to report the First Division of my corps at Anderson Station ; the Second Division between Anderson and Stevenson; Fourth Division at Battle Creek, 5 miles from Jasper, and the Third Division within supporting distance of Reynolds.

General Reynolds represents the roads so bad and _ hilly via Sweeden’s Cove to Tracy City that I respectfully ask that rations be furnished the Third and Fourth Divisions from Stevenson.

GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

STEVENSON, August 19, 1863 ~10.10 p. m.

GENERAL: Your dispatch received. The general commanding thinks General Reynolds had better occupy Jasper, at least with a brigade. He desires that he take such a position as to prevent the enemy from establishing batteries to command the mouth of Battle nolds. Let them send their trains this way for subsistence.

By order: C. GODDARD, Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Operator will send this to Anderson Station to be forwarded at once. )

Hpgrs. SECOND Division, FouRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cave Spring, Ala., August 19, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel FLYNT, Chief of Staff, Fourteenth Army Corps:

Sir: I have the honor to report my division in camp. Division headquarters, train, and Eleventh Michigan at Cave Spring, 2 miles from Stevenson. The First Brigade at spring close to and west of railroad, 34 miles from Stevenson. The third and second regiments

Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers and Nineteenth Illinois) of the Second

rigade, at a spring close to and east of the railroad and creek, 33 miles from Stevenson. Thereis barely sufficient spring water to supply the troops at these points. I respectfully inclose an order and circular issued to-day.

The disobedience and inefficiency of Lieutenant-Colonel Ward, Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, is peculiarly aggravating. Stragglers from his regiment were Seanieh 10 milesin advance of the division. Upward of 30 were absent from the regiment for two days. I know of no pres salutary remedy for such neglect than summary dismissal. If this punishment could be inflicted in this case, it would relieve the service of avery inefficient officer, and relieve this officer of a responsibility which is entirely too weighty for his capacity. Charges have been preferred against him of course.*

Yours, very truly, JAMES 8S. NEGLEY, Major-General.

CIRCULAR.] Hpb@rRs. Szeconp Division, 14TH ARMY CORPS, Cave Spring, Ala., August 19, 1863. Our present halt will be of very short duration. Use the opportunity to ascertain the exact condition of your arms, ammunition, clothing, and transportation ; make immediate requisitions for all deficiencies, and hasten their completion. Brigade, regimental, and company officers will give personal attention to all the requirements of their respective commands.

By command of Major-General Negley: