HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Atlanta, Ga., July 29, 1864.
Lieutenant Colonel J. S. FULLERTON;
COLONEL: Moore, a scout, whom I sent out on the 26th in the forenoon, returned this p. m. and make the following statement: General S. D. Lee arrived about the 25th instant from Mississippi and brought 3,500 troops with him. These were dismounted cavalry, are now used as infantry, and are in the intrenchments. Moore says he went to the depot every time the cars came into Atlanta, and that the trains were loaded with re-enforcements of the Georgia militia. He says many arriving in this way. Moore says he heard Judge Wright and Ridley, citizens, say that there would be enough of the re-enforcements to make a small corps for General Cheatham. Moore says the rebels acknowledge they were defeated yesterday, and he heard officers talking who said they had lost between 8, 0000 and 9,000. Moore says he heard in Atlanta yesterday afternoon that there had been an engagement yesterday at 11 a. m., between our cavalry, under General Garrard, and the rebel cavalry, under Wheeler, in the direction of Yellow River, but he was not able to learn any of the details. Moore says that the understanding prevails in the rebel army that Atlanta is to be defended to the last extremity, but that much dissatisfaction prevails among the common soldierly about the removal of General Johnston and the manner in which General Hood has handled the army since taking command of it. The soldierly were dissatisfied with the attacks that Hood has made. Moore says the supply of forage and subsistence is very short indeed, produced by there being now but one line of railroad. When he was in Atlanta he could get no corn for his horse; hitherto he had got plenty. He says he heard it said that if the rebels were driven out of Atlanta they would try to make their first stand at East Point. Moore says Stewart’s and Lee’s corps made the attack yesterday morning, but were subsequently re-enforced by a part of Hardee’s corps, which had been left in the works. After the fighting ceased a part of the troops were brought back to occupy the intrenchments around the town. Moore says they kept a strong line in their works. Moore says our shells fall into the town and annoy them very much, though they have inflicted no great loss. General Bragg is still in Atlanta. General Johnston is in Macon. General Loring was wounded in the fight yesterday severely. Moore says he heard officers saying that they would get re-enforcements of militia and constricts to make up for their late losses. Moore brings a paper of this date.
Respectfully submitted, with the newspaper, for the information of the corps and department commanders.
TH. J. WOOD,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.