HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Camp at Doctor Lee's House, May 7, 1864.

Colonel J. B. DORR,
Commanding Cavalry Brigade:

COLONEL: Your dispatch from Varnell's at 8.45 a. m. is received. The commanding general desires, if the enemy appears in too large force in your front and you have to retire, that you move either toward this place or Ellildge's Mill, as you may deem safer, so as not to expose your flank.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. M. WHERRY,

Major and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, May 7, 1864-1.20 p. m.

Colonel J. B. DORR,
Commanding Cavalry Brigade, Varnell's Station:

Your dispatch is received. General Howard has taken Tunnel Hill without much opposite. I think the cavalry force in your front cannot be large. I propose to remain here for the present. All I desire is that you cover my left flank, and inform me of any movement of the enemy in that directional. According to the general plan the cavalry is not to do any unnecessary fighting. There is a road leading toward Dalton form Ellidge's Mill, and passing between this place and Varnell's Station. That road should be held. It covers the road from this place to Varnell's, at Kincannon's farm. According to my best map that crossing is the best place for your main force. Please examine and inform me. The other cavalry brigade is still here. What will be its new position is not yet determined. Yours will depend upon it. Meanwhile guard the approaches to Ellidge's Mill and this place.

Respectfully,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Doctor Lee's House, May 7, 1864-5.45 p. m.

Colonel E. M. McCOOK:

The commanding general directs me to inform you that it has just been reported at these headquarters that the enemy are shelling Colonel Dorr's command at or near Varnell's Station.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. A. CAMPBELL,

Major, Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Near Kicannon's, May 7, 1864.

Major-General SCHOFIELD:

The rebel have driven Colonel Dorr from Varnell's, and he is falling back this way on this road. I will take one regiment up to him and endeavor to drive them back. I have left parts of two regiments at the