Aug 7 1862.  I have been receiving reports that the rebels are moving towards Chattanooga.  Gen. Sherman has captured some rebel communications that would seem to confirm this.  I wrote Gen. Lorenzo Thomas, Adjt. Genl. of the Army, in Washington.

“News from the front continues to indicate movement of the rebels toward Chattanooga. My opinion is that the best troops are being sent to Richmond, and conscripts, with a little leaven from the more disciplined, are left to hold the Western army in check.

“U. S. GRANT,

“Major-General”

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 5, p 268

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, 155