NEAR ATLANTA, August 19, 1864-7 p. m.
(Received 2.20 p. m. 20th.)
General H. W. HALLECK,
Washington:
I have Secretary Stanton’s dispatch announcing the promotion of Colonel Long, a hard-working and worthy cavalry officer. We have had heavy demonstrations all day, especially on our flanks, to hold the enemy while our cavalry is out after the Macon road. I hope this time the works will be better done than before. We control all other railroads. General Dodge received a ball wound in his forehead, but it is pronounced not serious. All well.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
VINING’S, August 19, 1864-1.30 a. m.
Captain CASE,
Chief Signal Officer:
Immense fire south by 15 degrees west, thirteen miles from here.
BRENT,
Signal Officer.
THOMAS’ HEADQUARTERS,
August 19, 1864.
Major-General SHERMAN:
I send following message, Vining’s, &c. Can’t that have been Kilpatrick?
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, August 19, 1864-8.45 a. m.
General THOMAS:
Fairburn is south 15 degrees west of Vining’s. I have no doubt the fire referred to by the signal officer was caused by General Kilpatrick; he probably reached the railroad about that hour; but the distance from Vining’s is greater than thirteen miles, near twenty.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.