CINCINNATI, June 19, 1863 — 1.15 a.m.

Major-General ROSECRANS:

I propose to move the principal part of Carter’s division, with the three East Tennessee regiments at Carthage, to the neighborhood of Knoxville, with instructions to hold, if possible, that part of the country between the Clinch and Holston Rivers, until he can be re-enforced. Do you think it can be done with that force? What information have you as to the force in East Tennessee now? Our cavalry ought to be on the railroad at or near Loudon Bridge to-night.

A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

**********

CINCINNATI, June 19, 1863.

Brigadier-General WHITE,

Paintsville, Ky., via Catlettsburg:

It will be impossible to send 500 more infantry to Louisa, as you request. You must make the most of the force that you have. Move rapidly, but cautiously. Do not allow yourself to be cut off or to run upon a force too large for you. I fear the delay will give the enemy notice of your movements. Our force from Mount Sterling attacked the command that made the raid upon Maysville at Triplett’s Bridge, completely routing them, capturing a large number of prisoners and horses. There are some vague reports of a considerable rebel force assembling at Abingdon. You have better means of learning that than we.

A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

**********

CINCINNATI, June 19, 1863.

Major-General HARTSUFF, Lexington, Ky.:

Repeat information from Gilbert to Carter, and direct him to make a bold reconnaissance in the direction of Jamestown, Tenn., or even as far as that place, with a view of aiding Sanders and to communicate with Sanders by courier.

A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

**********

CINCINNATI, June 19, 1863.

The following dispatch just received from General Boyle:

A band of rebel cavalry, estimated at from 80 to 200, crossed the Ohio River on Wednesday (17th), at Leavenworth, 60 miles below this city, and, when last heard from, was at Paoli last night, evidently going toward the New Albany Railroad. I will sent 100 men down the river on a boat at once to cut off their retreat. If there are any cavalry at Indianapolis, a small body should be sent at once to look after these scoundrels. They belong to the Fourth Kentucky rebel cavalry.

J.T. BOYLE,

Brigadier-General.

(A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.)

General O.B. WILLCOX, Indianapolis, Ind.

**********

SOMERSET, June 19, 1863. (Received 4.50.)

General STURGIS:

Have received a long telegram from Colonel Gilbert, at London, giving details of his operations in Whitley County. As it was also addressed to you, I presume you have received it. General Hartsuff ordered this a.m. that, if Colonel Gilbert should be found in the vicinity of Boston, he was to halt there, if possible, or even advance, so as to aid Colonel Sanders. Couriers were sent out, but the mounted force of Colonel Gilbert was too far on its return to obey the order of the general. If the general desires it, they can soon return.

CARTER,

Brigadier-General.

**********

SOMERSET, June 19, 1863.

General STURGIUS:

Colonel Reilly, of the One hundred and fourth Ohio, telegraphed from Mount Vernon that some of the men who were with Colonel Gilbert say that he and Colonel Sanders passed through Big Creek Gap at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, and went into Powell’s Valley. They had a slight skirmish 15 miles this side of Jacksborough. I am sending orders.

S.P. CARTER,

Brigadier-General.

**********

KNOXVILLE, June 19, 1863.

The enemy made a demonstration in force against Big Creek Gap, but retired after heavy skirmishing night before last. He now threatens Cumberland Gap and Loudon, telegraph communication to which point is already interrupted. This morning at 5 o’clock 2,000  cavalry were near Loudon. The bridges along the railroad and the mountain gaps are guarded by garrisons deemed strong enough to prevent surprise. While General Buckner, who left here this morning, is concentrating his forces near Clinton, a raid on Knoxville is not improbable. Proper measures for the protection of the place are being taken.

V. SHELIHA,

Chief of Staff.

General S. COOPER.