HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
In the Field, near Chattahoochee River, Ga., July 7, 1864.

Major General G. M. DODGE,

Commanding Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: In order to relieve a portion of Major-General Stoneman's cavalry, so that he can make a scout to the west of Sweet Water Creek, as well as to keep up appearances of trying to find a place to cross the Chattahoochee, you will send one brigade of your command at an early hour to-morrow morning down to the vicinity of Sandtown Ferry, where the Sixty-sixth Illinois is at present, and have them extend their pickets down the river about one mile to a hill just below Lawyer Edge's house.

Yours, respectfully,

JAS. B. McPHERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, July 7, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Brigadier General T. W. Sweeny, commanding Second Division, who will move one brigade of his command at daylight to-morrow morning in compliance with these instructions.

By order of Major General G. M. Dodge:

J. W. BARNES,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Ga., July 7, 1864.

Brigadier General T. W. SWEENY,

Commanding Second Division:

Send one regiment of Infantry (sharpshooters) to the river at Sandtown Ferry. Have the infantry engage the rebel skirmishers on the opposite side of the river and gain the river if possible. Send one section of artillery with the regiment to co-operate with it. Captain Reese, of General McPherson's staff, will accompany them. Make a determined effort as though you were going to cross. Use artillery freely.

By order of Major General G. M. Dodge:

J. W. BARNES,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

NASHVILLE, July 7, 1864-10 a.m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

Your telegram just received. Have had a good deal of trouble in organizing an efficient force. Shall go to Decatur to-morrow, and leave Decatur on the 9th at daylight.

L. H. ROUSSEAU,

Major-General.

6 R R-VOL XXXVIII, PT V