HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

La Fayette, October 17, 1864.

General SHERMAN:

GENERAL: There is no doubt but what General Hood is making for Alpine with all dispatch. I came up with his rear guard this morning five miles from here on the Summerville road, but not knowing your exact position I concluded to return to La Fayette and await orders. I will camp to-night in the vicinity of Trion Factory and push on early in the morning and try and communicate with General Garrard.

Very respectfully,

L. D. WATKINS,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

P. S. - Please request the ladies in my name not to leave Resaca at present.

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY,
Shirp's Gap, October 17, 1864.

Brigadier General K. GARRARD,

Commanding Second Cavalry DIVISION, near Resaca:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you at once proceed with your command, leaving your wagons to join the train of the Army of the Cumberland, and move down the Oostenaula from the east of Snake Creek Gap to about the Armuchee and turn toward Dirt Town, making a bold reconnaissance toward Summerville, reporting to General Sherman, via the "back track" and Villanow, any movement of the enemy, its direction and import, s far as possible. You will, if possible, strike the enemy in flank.

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

J. E. JACOBS,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Numbers 139
Near Villanow, Ga., October 17, 1864.

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II. This army will move forward to La Fayette in the following order, viz:

the Fifteenth Corps will follow the Fifteenth Corps.

A staff officer will indicate the position for the troops upon their arrival at La Fayette.

The supply train will remain in its present position until further orders.

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NEAR LA FAYETTE, GA., October 17, 1864.

V. This army will move on Summerville to-morrow morning in the following order:

the Fifteenth Corps will have the advance and will move promptly at 8 a. m.