HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,
July 7, 1864-5 p.m.
Major-General SHERMAN,
Commanding Army:
GENERAL: I have nothing special to report. All day to-day I have been inspecting the country near here and find I can take position to advantage north of Roswell and about two miles from the town, and command all the roads between that place and the Etowah, which lead toward the railroad, leaving McCook’s division to look after the part from the paper-mills to Pace’s Ferry. I think I will move early to-morrow. I have [not] seen nor heard of any of the enemy this side of McAfee’s Bridge, eighth miles up the river. The only good ford I can hear of is just at this point. The Island Ford, three miles above, is good for footmen, but no roads lead to it or from it, and on the other side it is thick woods and very hilly and two miles over to the Atlanta road. This ford could be used to secure the lower one, but not for artillery, cavalry, or wagons until we hold the other bank and make a road. I can hear of no practicable fords except these within fifteen miles of this place. McAfee’s Bridge is not burnt and the rebels hold it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier General Kenner Garrard,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.