HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 26, 1864.
Colonel MINTY,
Commanding Cavalry Brigade:
COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to inform you that scouts sent from these headquarters toward Roswell Factory report a force of the enemy’s cavalry, 400 strong, on this side of the river at Roswell, located there (as the citizens say) for the purpose of making demonstrations on our trains. The general desires that you make such disposition of your troops (those that are to remain up the river from here) as will prevent the enemy from molesting in any way the wagon trains now posted on the north side of the river in this vicinity. He has directed his escort to picket for to-night the road along the railroad and the one which passes by signal hill. All other roads and approaches between the latter and the river he wishes you to place guards and vedettes on. Please answer.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. PERKINS,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.