HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Hardshell Church, October 5, 1864-3 p. m.

General SHERMAN:

GENERAL: I have scouted all the roads in my front, right and left. The Allatoona road appeared to be open; I sent the Fourth U. S. [Cavalry] to go as far as possible toward Allatoona. Captain McIntyre reports having corssed the creek beyond (I think Kemp's Mill), drove pickets back to their camp, fresh earth breast-works, and felled trees; appearance of large camps in the direction of Lost Mountain, and the tracks of wagons and footmen, showing that a large force passed this morning toward Allatoona. I find parties of the enemy occupying our old line of works and on every road.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General, &c.

I will cover the Dallas road toward Pine Hill., unless othewise ordered.

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General.

Have just rececived ordered for General Garrard to go to Allatoona, and have him ready, but await for you to get report; he will have to pass to the right of Pine Hill, according to the information we get from my present front.

W. L. ELLIOTT,

Brigadier-General, &c.,

OCTOBER 5, 1864.

General ELLIOTT:

Send General Garrard immediately to Allatoona, by the right, to ascertain the state of affairs there. Answer.

SHERMAN.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPi,
In the Field, near Marietta, October 5, 1864.

General ELLIOTT:

I have heard from Allatoona. All right. Corse is there, but wounded. You need not send all of Garrard's cavalry, but send a squadron. Let them make a circuit and they will find nothing there.

Yours,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Marietta, October 5, 1864.

General ELLIOTT:

DEAR GENERAL: I have been up on Kenesaw all day watching the attack. Since it ceased we have a signal O. K. Corse wounded. Our infantry can now present a strong front, and if fight we must, so be it. I want to establish communication with Allatoona, and have