HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
August 14, 1864.
General GARRARD, General Stanley’s Headquarters:
You will with your entire cavalry force to-morrow early, and by easy marches, test the strength of the enemy’s cavalry on our left flank without risking too much. Give him a hard fight if the opportunity offers. There is no doubt that Wheeler is about Dalton with a large force, variously reported at from 3,000 to 6,000. If the opportunity offers to reach the Macon road without too much risk, don’t fail to avail yourself of it.
W. L. ELLIOTT,
Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry.