NEAR ATLANTA, GA., August 6, 1864–9 p. m.
(Received 5.30 p. m. 7th.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:
We have now developed our line along with the enemy from the Augusta railroad, on our left, to Utoy Post-Office, on our right, and the enemy faces us in force at all points with equal force and superior works. General Schofield tried to break through at a point near our right with a brigade (General Reilly’s), but his men were caught in the entanglement and lost probably 500. We have skirmished heavily along the whole line, using artillery freely, but have made no impression. I will continue to work to the right to find the extreme flank and threaten the railroad, if possible, to draw him out of Atlanta or force him to attack us; but our line is already too extended and weak. By means of his militia (of which he has the whole population of Georgia) he is enabled to use his three regular corps as reserves. Our loss to-day will foot up 1,000. I will soon need re-enforcements, and if you can replace General A. J. Smith at Memphis with negro or fresh troops I would order him here via Decatur. He must now be en route for Columbus, Miss. I have called forward a brigade from Decatur. I am now convinced that General Stoneman surrendered near Macon with 700 of his men, ordering two small brigades to break out and get in. One (Colonel Adams’), with 900 men, is in, but their time is out and they will be discharged. The other brigade (Capron’s) I fear was scattered and picked up in detail. His entire loss will be about 1,300. General McCook’s loss is 500. Damage done road, cars, and bridges was very large, but the enemy run cars into Atlanta from Macon.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.