HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Big Shanty, Ga., June 20, 1864.
General GARRARD:
I do not wish to extend the infantry on that flank for good reasons. But the enemy has detached a great part of his cavalry back to our line of railroad where they are doing mischief. Now, if they can cross the Etowah, the Oostanaula, and Connesauga – large streams – it does seem to me you can cross the little Noonday. I therefore order you to cross and advance against the enemy’s cavalry toward the Chattahoochee, keeping as far north of Marietta as you please. Take no artillery or wagons with you, and leave all dismounted and ineffective men, but with the balance attack the enemy’s cavalry and drive it back and interpose between the enemy and their detached cavalry. We will press the enemy at all points. Stoneman’s cavalry is at and beyond Powder Springs.
Yours,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Big Shanty, June 20, 1864.
Brigadier-General GARRARD, Commanding Cavalry Division:
GENERAL: Our troops are occupying the range of hills extending to the eastward of Kenesaw Mountain, which were occupied by the enemy yesterday morning. Stoneman, with his cavalry, is well down on the Sandtown road toward the Chattahoochee. I wish you, if possible, to get across Noonday Creek and drive in on the enemy’s flank, threatening Marietta.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. B. McPHERSON,
Major-General.