HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Chattahoochee, July 9, 1864.

General THOMAS:

I hear considerable firing on your front; is it anything more than the usual pickets?

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
July 9, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

It is the execution of your orders last night to push the enemy. I am trying to fit the hill in front of Baird to plant a battery to fire on their bridges, &c.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

SIGNAL STATION, July 9, 1864-10 a.m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

I can see heavy column of the enemy's infantry, with artillery and wagons, moving from behind their forts in my front, going toward Atlanta. Will keep watch and inform you if they turn off and go up river.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

SIGNAL HILL, GA., July 9, 1864-9 a.m.

Major-Generals SHERMAN and THOMAS:

Heavy column of dust rising eight miles east, moving toward Stone Mountain; also column of troops and wagons moving toward our left in open field on river bottom near first heavy work.

A. S. COLE,

Captain and Signal Officer.

SIGNAL STATION, July 9, 1864-10 a.m.

General SHERMAN:

Column of dust eight miles distant east, moving north rapidly Should say it was cavalry.

A. S. COLE,

Captain and Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
In the Field, July 9, 1864-12.45 a.m.

Major General O. O. HOWARD,

Commanding Fourth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that at daylight you move a division for Roswell Factory to support and make sure of