ing on the road as early as 3 a. m. by all means. He has sent a staff officer to clear the road to be used exclusively by you. Johnston is marching and will make his twenty miles before we can make ten.

I am, general, yours, respectfully,

L. M. DAYTON.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Sugar Valley, Ga., May 12-1864-1 a. m.

Brigadier-General KILPATRICK,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

Major-General Sherman telegraphs that the indications are that the enemy is evacuating Dalton. Push your cavalry out on the Resaca road, feeling as far up on the cross-roads toward Dalton as practicable, to ascertain if possible the real intention of the enemy.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. B. McPHERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Sugar Valley, May 12, 1864-4 a. m.

Major-General HOOKER,

Commanding Twentieth Corps:

GENERAL: Major-General Sherman signals that the indications are that the enemy is evacuating Dalton. I have ordered General Kilpatrick, with his cavalry, to push out on the Resaca road, and as far up as the cross-roads leading toward Dalton as possible, to discover the real intentions of the enemy. Have ordered my whole command to move out and attack him in flank, and follow him should he really be retreating. Would like if we move forward to have your command within supporting distance.

Yours, respectfully,

JAS. B. McPHERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Camp Sugar Valley, May 12, 1864-4 a. m.

(Received 7.30 a. m.)

Brigadier General K. GARRARD,

Commanding Cavalry Division, Villanow:

GENERAL: The indications are that the enemy is evacuating Dalton. If this should prove to be really the case, I desire you to push a strong column down forward Rome to threaten that flank. Hold your command in readiness to move at a moment's notice. Instructions will be sent you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. B. McPHERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.