JULY 2, 1864
General SCHOFIELD:
Don’t order back your empty wagons, but have them loaded with bran, rice, hominy, sugar and coffee, and salt, and I will see, if the commissaries have slighted you in distribution of bread rations, that it be made good. I also think it will be safe for your wagons to remain at Big Shanty throughout to-morrow, as Garrard’s cavalry (Thomas’ left) rear McPherson’s column, will cover the place all day. At all events, your teams will have plenty notice in case danger. Can soon gain the cover of Thomas’ troops, which remain in position. The enemy evidently detected our movement, and therefore we must act quick. Johnston will either attack in the morning or draw his extreme right “back” to the Chattahoochee. I want his movements watched close to-night, and early in the morning, and could form better opinion if I could hear from Stoneman. Do you know whether McCook is with Stoneman? McCook has artillery; Stoneman, none.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.