DIVISION retire under cover of a good line of skirmishers, checking the enemy in every possible way, but act in the main as if ready to pursue Hood if he retreats. The reconnaissance will start as soon as possible. Do not hasten the return unless obliges to do so.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. O. HOWARD,

Major - General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
In the Field, October 7, 1864.

Brigadier General T. E. G. RANSOM,

Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major - general commanding directs me to say that the infantry sent out for reconnaissance this morning not having returned the preparations, is so far as they relate to the harnessing of the artillery and teams for moving at daylight in the morning, need not be made until further orders. All other necessary proparations to move at short notice will be made.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAML. L. TAGGART,

Assistant Adjutant - General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Kolb's Farm, Ga., October 7, 1864.

Brigadier General T. E. G. RANSOM,

Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major - general commanding directs that you hold your entire command under arms in readiness for any orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servent,

SAML. L. TAGGART,

Assistant Adjutant - General.

WIDOW HULL'S OFFICE, October 7, 1864.

Major - General SHERMAN,

Commanding, &c.:

Orders received. The brigade will start at daylight and your other directions will be followed.

J. D. COX,

Brigadier - General.

PINE HILL, October 7, 1864. - 1. 30 p. m.

General COX,

Commanding Army of the Ohio, on the march:

From the appearance of things, as seen since it has cleared away, I am satisfied the enemy is gone south. Please push ahead rapidly and observe the tracks on the Dallas and Acworth road. Burn a house or brush pile every now and then, when I can tel where your head of