SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,

HDQRS. LEFT WING, 16TH A. C.,

Numbers 45.
Near Atlanta, Ga., July 24, 1864.
I. General Woods’ division, of the Fifteenth Corps, has been ordered to move into Decatur at 5 o’clock this morning, and to directly return, destroying the line of the railroad for the purpose of keeping the enemy’s cavalry on our left flank, and at the same time securing a diversion while an attack is being made on the flank of General Thomas and protecting the return of General Garrard from his cavalry expedition. The skirmishers of this command will feel well out at daylight this morning. The skirmisher line will be careful to keep its right flank connected with General Blair’s pickets, and will be cautioned against any attempt of the enemy to break through to cut them off from the main line. In case the enemy should attack, General Woods is instructed to fall upon his flank and punish him. Brigadier General J. W. Fuller, commanding Fourth Division, will move two regiments from his right to the left of General Sweeny’s line, to occupy the position of Colonel Williamson’s brigade during its absence from the line.
* * *
By order of Major General G. M. Dodge:
J. M. BARNES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.