BIG SHANTY, GA., June 14, 1864 - 7.30 p. m.

Colonel J. H. HOWE,

Commanding Brigade, Sixteenth Army Corps:

You will remain at Decatur with your brigade until further orders in consequence of the repulse of our troops in Norther Mississippi by Forrest, even though some of Major-General Thomas' force have reached Decatur to relieve you.

JAS. B. McPHERSON,

Major-General.

NASHVILLE, June 14, 1864.

Brigadier General J. E. SMITH:

General Granger has instructions to relieve all the troops of your division.

L. H. ROUSSEAU,

Major-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Big Shanty, Ga., June 14, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICERS,

Allatoona, Etowah, and Resaca:

Be on the lookout for cavalry that will attempt to burn the bridges. Intrench well close to the bridges and guard them with incessant care and watchfulness. I have intercepted orders to Jackson's cavalry that satisfy me the attempt will be made. An additional regiment should watch the Etowah bridge.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

GENERAL THOMAS' HEADQUARTERS,

Big Shanty, June 14, 1864 - 9 p. m.

Majors ECKERT and BECKWITH:

Weather cleared up, cool winds drying roads fast. Some advance to-day, and Thomas has gained ground and has one rebel brigade nearly surrounded. Our signal officers read the enemy's flags, and in this way we learn that the rebel general Polk was killed to-day and his remains sent to Marietta. The messages were from Hood. The fact is carefully concealed that we can do so, lest becoming known the rebel signal officers change code. Three officers and twenty-seven men came into Logan's lines to-day. They state that Johnston has not the confidence of his army and that desertions would be very frequent if officers left certain of amnesty. They were Alabamians.

J. C. VAN DUZER,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. MIL DIV. OF THE MISS., Numbers 25.
In the Field, Big Shanty, June 14, 1864.

The movements to-morrow will be as follows:

I. During the early part of the day the batteries in position will maintain a pretty brisk fire on the enemy's camps or groups of men and horses, especially at north base of Kenesaw, at Pine Hill, and on