HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
Sandtown, Ga., August 23, 1864.
GENERAL: I learn from Lieutenant-Colonel Klein, and from prisoners, taken by him, that the impression at headquarters that he had done but little damage to the railroad is erroneous. He informs me that he effectually destroyed 3 miles of the road below Bear Creek Station; that he tore up the track, burned the ties, and bent the rails, that he captured a locomotive with 9 cars loaded with supplies and car wheels. He ran the train into a deep, long cut, and there burned it. He is of the opinion that the damage done to the road by his command cannot be repaired in less than four or five days. Between Bear Creek Station and Jonesborough sections of track were torn up in many places, Colonel Klein also captured a train of 20 wagons, brought home the animals, and destroyed the wagons. He brought in 17 prisoners; they will be forwarded to you this evening.
I omitted to mention in my report of this morning that one gun belonging to the Chicago Board of Trade Battery exploded in the engagement near McDonough; that a gun-carriage of another gun became disabled and the gun thrown into Cotton Indian Creek.
I will forwarded the report of division and brigade commanders as soon as received.
J. KILPATRICK,
Brigadier-General.
Brigadier-General ELLIOTT,
Chief of Cavalry, Dept. of the Cumberland.