SMYRNA CAMP-GROUND, October 4, 1864-11 p. m.

(Received 11. 50 p. m.)

General ELLIOTT,

Chief of Cavalry:

(Care General Vandever.)

Dont's risk the safety of your cavalry until I get up with my whole force, but make bold reconnaissance, and in connection with General Stanley.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

My chief object is to prevent the enemy making an attack on Allatoona to-morrow.

W. T. SHERMAN.

NEAR KENESAW, October 4, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

Just received the following:

MARIETTA AND DALLAS ROAD,

October 4, 1864.

General VANDEVER:

I found the enemy occupying our line of works to the railroad in more force than dismounted cavalry dislodge them from. I cover the Dallas road. All my information leads me to believe that there is a large force of infantry with cavalry. Please communicate this to Generals Stanley and Sherman.

W. L. ELLIOTT.

WM. VANDEVER,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Marietta and Dallas Road, October 4, 1864.

Brigadier General WILLIAM VANDEVER,

Commanding District of Marietta:

I have prisoners from Stewart's corps captured yesterday. The corps is now supposed to be the one on the railroad above. I have prisoners from Lee's corps, taken to-day. Lee is now campel on the Dallas road, and three miles off. these prisoners say Hardee's corps is in their rear. I have ordered my command to be ready to march at dayLight, and will go in the direction of Lost Mountain to Allatoona, although, if Hardee should be where he is represent to be, I will not be able to make much progress in that direction. Please communicate this to General Sherman; I have done so to General Stanley.

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

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Cavalry.

(Forwarded to General Sherman by General Vandever.)