HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Ga., July 5, 1864.

Colonel E. W. CRITTENDEN,

Commanding Dismounted Cavalry Brigade:

COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to say that this division will move ut upon the Sandtown road immediately, and he desires that your command move forward in the rear of the other brigades, and that you report to him in person upon the road when your command overtakes the others.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THEO. COX,

Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

JULY 5, 1864.

Colonel CAPRON:

The infantry is close upon you; try to drive everything across the river, and then move your brigade down the bank to Baker's Ferry. Butler will go on your right at Sandtown. On your arrival at Baker's Ferry you can forage your horses and send for rations for your men, if you are in want of them.

STONEMAN,

General.

JULY 5, 1864-7.30 a.m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

Dodge reports that enemy has evacuated main line of works in his front. His skirmishers are pushing forward.

McPHERSON,

Major-General.

JULY 5, 1864-11.30 a.m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

A large portion of Dodge's command is across the Nickajack at Ruff's Mill, and has run against Stevenson's division, and possibly some other portion of Hood's corps, out about one mile; some little skirmishing.

McPHERSON,

Major-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Gordon's, on Turner's Ferry Road, Ga.,

July 5, 1864-9 p.m.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: I send you herewith sketch* of the position of the Army of the Tennessee to-night. Early this forenoon Gresham's division, of Blair's command, charged and carried a line of rebel rifle-pits on the Turner's Ferry road, and then pressed forward until about 6 p.m. they gained a position on Nickajack Creek, within about 500 yards of rebel

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*Not found with this communication; but see McPherson to Schofield, following.

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