CONFEDERATE COMMUNICATION
IN THE FIELD, June 12, 1864.
General G. W. SMITH,
Commanding Georgia State Troops:
General Johnston informs you that the enemy are pushing parties down on our right and threatening raids beyond the Chattahoochee, and he therefore wishes you to use your entire force in watching and guarding the passages of the river as high up as Roswell Factory. He also requests a report of your strength and position when your arrangements are made. Yesterday I sent to you an order to burn the bridge near Roswell Factory; having ascertained that there was a guard of our troops at the bridge the general no longer insists on its immediate destruction, but that arrangements be made so that it can be destroyed when it can no longer be defended.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. W. MACKALL,
Chief of Staff.
P. S.-There is a shallow ford half a mile below the bridge on the Marietta road, not guarded. Colonel Lee is reported to have a force of 400 or 500 men and four pieces of artillery at the bridge.
W. W. MACKALL,
Chief of Staff.