HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, June 22, 1864.
Major-General McPHERSON,
Commanding Army of the Tennessee:
GENERAL: I am starting for what I deem the point of most activity to-day, though the state of the roads won’t admit of much activity. Yet we may gain possession of ground useful. I wish you to keep Garrard moving about, without breaking connection with you entirely, so as to keep the enemy on his right flank; the same of Blair’s corps, operating on a circle of smaller radius. The Fifteenth Corps might wheel a little to the right, gaining ground and increasing the pressure on the enemy, holding fast all it makes, whilst Dodge’s two divisions should be disposed so as best to cover Big Shanty, as against a sally from Kenesaw on the road at its base. Keep the skirmish line in motion all the time, but hold the rear masses ready to re-enforce Thomas, should he become heavily engaged. Thomas will keep pressing up to Marietta, his right on the Powder Springs road and his left on the Burnt Hickory, contracting his lines as he advances.
Yours, truly,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.