that is about one mile beyond where Mr. Stevens lived. He says the rebs are thick from there as far as he went. They asked him a great many questions, and they told him that Hood was going to try to retake Atlanta. They say they will have it or die. They told him they moved up some every day, but he could not find our where their breast-works were to-day. They told him Hood's entire army was along.

Yours, respectfully,

E. R. ALDRIDGE.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Atlanta, Ga., September 21, 1864-1. 30 a. m.

Brigadier General K. GARRARD,

Commanding Second DIVISION Cavalry:

You will immediately order the effective force of two of the brigades of your DIVISION, before the receipt of the order dismounting the Second Brigade, to proceed to Patterson's Cross- Roads and report to Brigadier-General Kilpatrick. As this force may remain some days, they will take supplies with them.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
Blake's Mill, September 21, 1864-5 a. m.

[Major WILLIAM H. JENNINGS:]

MAJOR: The general commanding directs me to say that since the reception of the last letter inclosed * (September 20, 1864) he has received orders to move with two brigades on the other side of Atlanta to Kilpatrick's assistance. You will, therefore, be left to take care of yourself. The general thinks you had better keep the way open to Atlanta by Vining's Station, or otherwise, so that your communications will be all right. He desires also that you comply with the inclosed letter and send a reconnaissance, say, of 100 or 200 men, or more, down the right bank of the Chattahoochee in the direction of Franklin.

Respectfully, &c.,

LEVI T. GRIFFIN,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

In making the reconnaissance the general says you had better take a wagon or more, and not pack-mules that is, the party that makes the reconnaissance.

Respectfully,

L. T. G.

HDQRS. THIRD CAV. DIV., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Camp Creek, Ga., September 21, 1864.

Captain J. E. JACOBS,

Asst. Adjt. General to Chief of Cavalry, Dept of the Cumberland:

CAPTAIN: Mr. Aldridge has just come in. He brings information that the enemy moved to a point two miles below Fairburn night before last, Stewart's and Hardee's corps, and are now intrenching. His first

28 R R-VOL XXXIX, PT II