HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Atlanta, September 28, 1864.

General G. H. THOMAS,

Commanding Department of the Cumberland:

GENERAL: It is not worth while to reoccupy Athens, but we ought to attempt to thwart Forrest, and the proper way is to operate from December to Florence. But is there nothing from Nashville or Pulaski? You may the DIVISION to operate according to the information received at Stevenson.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Atlanta, September 28, 1864.

General THOMAS:

I have just returned from Howard's. I think that a movement of all our cavalry not actually on picket should be made rapidly on Carrollton, to interrupt any communication from Hood's army at Palmetto with his cavalry over about the Tennessee. After striking Carrollton it should move boldly up toward Hood's army, and then draw back to Sandtown.

Yours,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

[First indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
September 28, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Elliott, chief of cavalry, who will make the necessary disposition and arrangement to carry out the within order, and will conduct the movement to be made in person. This paper to be returned.

By command of Major-General Thomas:

ROBT. H. RAMSEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Second indorsement.]

General Garrard returned with his DIVISION to Blake's Mill on 29th; reported his horses required shoeing, which would take three days; reported this to General Thomas about starting for Chattanooga; was referred by him to General Sherman; showed latter General G[arrard]'s dispatch, and was authorized by him to give General G[arrard] the time required. Sent order to Major Jennings, Seventh Pennsylvania, commanding First Brigade, Second DIVISION Cavalry, to go from railroad bridge to Sweet Water Creek; courier returned dispatch, saying Major J[ennings] was not at bridge. September 30, sent special courier with dispatch to remain during day and look for Major J[ennings]; returned after dark; could not find him or hear of brigade; special verbal instructions given by General Sherman October 2, 1864.

[September 28, 1864. -For McClurg to Morgan, and Ramsey to Davis, in reference to movement of Second DIVISION, Fourteenth Corps, see Part I, pp. 622, 623.]