HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Atlanta, Ga., September 25, 1864.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Commanding Military DIVISION of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: I have ascertained through Colonel Beckwith, who called at my headquarters this a. m., that the railroad can furnish transportation for about 2,500 men at 12 m. to-day. The DIVISION which has been ordered to Chattanooga, General Newton's, numbers about 3,500 men. I can send those not taken up to-day in the morning of to-morrow.

I am, general, very respectfully, yours, &c.,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Atlanta, Ga., September 25, 1864.

Major General D. S. STANLEY,

Commanding Fourth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send one DIVISION of your corps to Chattanooga, without delay, for temporary duty at that place. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation by railroad.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. H. RAMSEY,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Atlanta, Ga., September 25, 1864.

Brigadier General John NEWTON,

Commanding Second DIVISION Fourth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires you to accompany your DIVISION to Chattanooga, and, after consultation with Major- General Steedman, so post it as to make it most available for the defense of Chattanooga, Running Water Bridge, and Bridgeport particularly, and for the defense of the railroad between those points. After the arrival of your troops at these points, Major- General Steedman can use all his available force to assist General Rousseau and General Granger in driving the rebel raiders from the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and the Nashville and North Alabama Railroad. After your troops are properly posted you will please furnish a copy of this communication to Major-General Steedman and to Brigadier-General Granger, and then proceed to your new command in compliance with the orders from the War Department and received through headquarters Military DIVISION of the Mississippi, a copy of which has already been furnished you. The major-general commanding also desires that you will furnish him a report, either by telegraph or letter, of your actions after you have posted your troops in accordance with the within instructions.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. RAMSEY,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

30 R R-VOL XXXIX, PT II