With the Seventh Illinois [Infantry] and First Alabama Cavalry I drove him back. He used two pieces of artillery. To-day the enemy is between me and Cedartown and Cave Springs.

WM. VANDEVER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Atlanta, Ga., September 17, 1864.

General VANDEVER,

Rome, Ga.:

GENERAL: Your two regiments that General Steedman called away have been ordered back at once. The general thinks Clanton is feeling to see if we are not moving toward Mobile. Meet him boldly, but don't go far off.

L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH,
Chattanooga, September 17, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

I will assist Major-General Rousseau to open road to Nashville with 4,000 men. I started cavalry yesterday morning by way of Sequatchie Valley, and leave this morning with infantry by rail to Decherd.

J. B. STEEDMAN,

Major-General.

TULLAHOMA, September 17, 1864-4. 35 p. m.

Major B. H. POLK,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The following telegram received from Major-General Steedman:

Please order the Eighteenth Wisconsin and FIFTY-ninth Indiana regiments to return at once.

JAS. B. STEEDMAN,

Major-General.

The Twelfth Indiana Cavalry is not sufficient to relieve both these regiments. Shall I obey General Steedman's order? Answer.

R. H. MILROY,

Major-General.

TULLAHOMA, September 17, 1864.

Major B. H. POLK,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

I will receive the Eighteenth Wisconsin and FIFTY-ninth Indiana as ordered, but will have to abandon a portion of the block-houses and stations in doing so.

R. H. MILROY,

Major-General.