William Boynton, Sherman's Historical Raid

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September 14th.—There are reasons why you should reenforce General Rosecrans with all possible dispatch. It is believed that the enemy will concentrate to give him battle. You must be there to help him.

Sptember 15th.—From information received here to-day it is very probable that three divisions of Lee's army have been sent to reenforce Bragg. It is important that all the troops in your department be brought to the front with all possible dispatch, so as to help General Rosecrans.

September 18th.—* * * * A part, at least, of Longstreet's corps is going to Atlanta. It is believed that Bragg, Johnston, and Hardee, with the exchanged prisoners from Vicksburg and Port Hudson are concentrating against Rosecrans. You must give him all the aid in your power.

September 9th,
Major-General Burnside, Knoxville.

General Rosecrans is on the Chickamauga River, twenty miles south of Chattanooga. He is expecting a battle, and wants you to sustain his left. Every possible effort must be made to assist him.

September 19th.—General Meade is very confident that another part of Ewell's corps has gone to East Tennessee. The forces said to be collecting at Jonesboro are probably those that were at Wytheville, Newbern, etc., under Sam. Jones and Jackson.

September 20th.—General Rosecrans had a severe battle yesterday, and expects another to-day. It is of vital importance that you move to his left flank.

September 21st.—General Rosecrans telegraphed, at 9 o'clock this morning, that, if your troops do not join him immediately, they will be obliged to move down the north side of the Tennesse River. As the enemy has driven General Rosecrans back to near Chattanooga, Bragg may throw a force off into East Tennessee between you and General Rosecrans. The extent of the defeat and loss is not known here.

General Rosecrans will require all the assistance you can give him to hold Chattanooga.

September 22d.—Yours of yesterday is received. I must again urge you to move immediately to Rosecrans' relief. I fear your delay has already prompted Bragg to prevent your communication. Do not allow your troops to be caught by the enemy south of the Tennessee River. To all appearances your only safety is to move down on the north side. Sam. Jones is not likely to move from Danville unless reenforced. If the enemy should cross the Tennessee above Chattanooga you will be separated from Rosecrans, who may not be able to hold out on the south side.

Washington, September 27th, headquarters of the Army.

Your orders before leaving Kentucky, and frequently repeated telegrams after, were to connect your left on General Rosecrans' right, so that, if the