HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, June 17, 1864.

General THOMAS,

Present:

Get down to your command as soon as you can this morning, and if you can put your whole army between the two wings of the enemy, do it; or if he show a force on Kenesaw, push his center and try to get on the Marietta and Vining's Bridge road - that is, to the rear of Marietta. I do believe that if he has given up that ridge he has given up the position of Kenesaw or Lost Mountain, and let him choose either. We can get between him and his base without uncovering ours. I will visit McPherson's front to watch the effects, and want you in case Johnston maneuvers outside of intrenched lines to press him close up, whilst I cause McPherson and Schofield to strike him in some exposed point.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

PINE HILL, [June 17, 1864] - 12.40 p. m.

General THOMAS:

Our battery shelling enemy at field south of here. Rebels running.

S. BACHTELL,

Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer.

PINE HILL, June 17, 1864.

General THOMAS:

Our skirmishers just crossed open field south and four miles from here. Rebel battery firing on them.

S. BACHTELL,

Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Near Big Shanty, Ga., June 17, 1864.

Major-General HOOKER,

Commanding Twentieth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you get your troops well together in readiness to march at a moment's notice. The order for you to move will be given as soon as all the troops are ready.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY STONE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to General Howard.)

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
June 17, 1864 - 4.20 a. m.

Brigadier-General WOOD,

Commanding Third Division:

The enemy have gone from our front. Prepare to move as soon as possible.

By order of Major-General Howard:

J. S. FULLERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.