HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Atlanta, Ga., October 2, 1864.

Major General O. O. HOWARD,

East Point;

The general commanding directs that you reconnoiter roads, so as not to come in contact with other troops, and also to lay under bridge to use, if occasion requires. General Thomas's bridge is down.

L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
October 2, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

I have word from Ransom. He found large number of enemy's infantry, at least one corps, on this side of Chattahoochee. He will encamp to-night eight miles from here. Further particulars by courier.

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Atlanta, Ga. October 2, 1864.

General HOWARD:

Let Ransom come in slowly, and if the enemy approach sally out and attack him fiercely. General Davis will be in close support. I will throw General Stanley across the Chattahoochee and be prepared to put our whole force in motion to interpose between Hood who may attempt to mash our road about Marietta and his bridges at Campbellton. Be prepared to send in all your troops at Atlanta, and to follow General Stanley. I would attack this corps in position presume it is strongly intrenched.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

EAST POINT, October 2, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN,

Atlanta:

General Ransom will not be in before to-morrow noon. I cannot be prepared to move command till to-morrow afternoon. I would rather not do so until the next morning. All stores and extra baggage will have to be taken to Atlanta and stored. I have not transportation for camp and garrison equipage.

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.

ATLANTA, October 2, 1864-12 m.

General HOWARD,

East Point:

Telegram received. Your movement, if made as you propose, will answer.

L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.