PALMETTO, September 19, 1864 - 4. 30 p. m.

General B. BRAGG,

Richmond:

My present position leaves the road open to Augusta, also to Macon. The enemy has a sufficient force to send a detachment of 15,000 men to either of these places, especially to the former. On account of its great importance it is important that we should be able to assemble independently of this army a sufficient force to drive back such a detachment. If the enemy should move with his main force upon Augusta or Macon this army should be left to come upon his rear. I suggest, in addition to the force the Confederate Government could collect for such an emergency, that the Governors of South Carolina and Georgia be urged to prepare for a like purpose. I shall myself appeal to them. I am pushing forward the fortifications around those two places.

J. B. HOOD,

General.

PALMETTO, September 19, 1864 - 1. 20 p. m.

Brigadier-General TYLER,

West Point:

Order Gholson's cavalry brigade immediately up the WEST side of Chattahoochee River, opposite to Newman, and it will there report to General Jackson. Please come up on the first train to my headquarters.

J. B. HOOD,

General.

PALMETTO, September 19, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

Columbus:

What number of effective men can you place under arms for the defense of Columbus, or to send to Macon in case of necessity?

[J. B. HOOD,

General.]

PALMETTO, September 20, 1864.

General BRAGG:

I respectfully suggest that powder-mills be at once established at Cahaba, Ala., or some other place in that State.

J. B. HOOD,

General.

[First indorsement.]

HDQRS. ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES,
September 22, 1864.

Respectfully submitted to honorable Secretary of War.

In the position of the army on the WEST Point road it may be readily cut off from the east by railroad.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

[Second indorsement.]

To Ordnance Bureau for early attention. You had better confer.

J. A. S.