HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, July 4, 1864.
Major-General THOMAS:
I have no doubt that the enemy will attempt to molest our rear with his cavalry, and that he has reserved Roswell fortified for that very purpose. To counteract his designs I have ordered Garrard, with his whole cavalry, to proceed to Roswell, take the place if he can, otherwise hang near it, watching the river, opposing such a movement all he can and giving us and all points of the railroad timely notice. I wish you would so hold McCook as promptly to re-enforce Garrard, if need be. As soon as I understand the exact situation on the right, as to Turner’s Ferry, and what progress McPherson has made, I will order Schofield round where Garrard now is.
I will go to-morrow, and in the mean time I wish you to hold strong the points now at Howard’s and Palmer’s head of column and merely picket light the road by which Garrard moved, as I feel sure the enemy will not attempt a sally there. Hooker need not hold the line from Palmer round to McPherson but draw in to his left, save by a line of vedettes. I want you with your whole army to press steadily down on the enemy while McPherson cuts in on his flank. Schofield is to be held to re-enforce either part. Stoneman will threaten to cross the Chattahoochee and break the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, especially if the enemy send cavalry against our line of road. Instead of occupying Acworth, Big Shanty, and Marietta, I think we had better concentrate about the base of Kenesaw, near that water station, a point that could be defended against cavalry with great ease.
I am, &c.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.