HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
August 17, 1864.
Major-General SHERMAN:
Your dispatch directing the movement of the cavalry has been received, and the necessary orders given Garrard; also orders to keep the enemy fully occupied to- morrow and next day.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General/

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
August 17, 1864.
Major- General SHERMAN:
General Kimball report that the enemy appears to be massing in front of his Second Brigade. I have directed him to be on the alert and endeavor to detect what movement is attempted as soon as possible. Should he mass on my left it will offer a favorable opportunity to Kilpatrick.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, August 17, 1864.
General THOMAS:
I would be glad to know the enemy is massing against General Kimball, but your signal officer at the Howard hose reports 10 a. m. that but few troops appear on the line there; that the front line seems almost abandoned, and but few people can be seen in the city; but let us watch them close until all is ready. I expect General Kilpatrick here this p. m. when I will make distinct and final orders. If General Kilpatrick starts from General Schofield’s right, General Garrard’s two brigades could move by the road this way, saving six or eight miles by moving by moonlight.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Near Atlanta, August 178, 1864.
General THOMAS:
General Kilpatrick is here and gives me a description of his position at Sandtown that convinces me he can, in connection with Schofield, so effectually destroy the Macon railroad that it cannot be used in two weeks, and that too without risking his cavalry. You will, therefore, order General Garrard to send to Sandtown, via Pace’s Ferry and the west bank, the two brigades of cavalry, heretofore notified, with a battery of artillery, to move to- night and report on arrival to General Kilpatrick at Sandtown. The horses should be well fed, and could take some wagons of shelled corn as far as Sandtown, when the wagons may return. Men provided with full ammunition and five days’ bread, sugar, coffee, and plenty of salt. General Kilpatrick will keep his command concealed all day to- morrow and move to – morrow night, cross the West Point road above Fairburn, reach the Macon road near Jonesborough, face toward East Point, and break road to the south. The dispatch from Cartersville I send you an hour since is conclusive that Wheeler is away, and but little cavalry is left here. Kilpatrick will want a diversion day after to- morrow, and I will see that Schofield makes a considerable one, and I wish you to have Garrard’s remaining brigade and Stanley’s division give full occupation to that flank; I will risk the other. Instruct Garrard to be sure to send the pioneers along with the cavalry, provided with the tools to break up railroad. Kilpatrick represents forage abundant down there. Kilpatrick ranks Garrard, and the latter may go along if you prefer.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.
NOTE.- Instead of moving via Pace’s Ferry the two brigades will move to- night on this (east) side of the river to Sandtown.
By order of Brigadier- General Elliott:
DAVID F. HOW,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.