HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
July 17, 1864-8 p. m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

General Hooker has his troops posted on the intermediate road between Pace's and Powers' Ferry roads. General Palmer has Johnson on the Pace's Ferry road, and Davis on a road between that and the railroad bridge. All the troops occupy the ridge overlooking Nancy's Creek, with their skirmishers bordering the creek. Baird is in reserve behind Davis. A rebel battery with its infantry support, which has been firing on McCook's battery, posted in the redoubt to the left of the railroad, cleared out from its position in Peach Tree Creek this p. m. and retired across the creek in direction of Atlanta. Sutermeister has made excellent practice to-day, and will continue to fire at intervals through the night. I shall move my headquarters to-morrow to near Hooker, who will be in the center of my army.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

HOWARD'S HEADQUARTERS,

July 17, 1864-9 p. m.

General THOMAS:

Signal dispatch received. Schofield is on the road from Johnson's by Cross Keys. Palmer had better move straight for Kyle's Bridge, and Hooker from Powers's to the crossing above near Schofield; Howard in reserve.

SHERMAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Powers' Ferry, Ga., July 17, 1864.

Major-General STANLEY,

First Division, Fourth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you have everything in readiness to move at 5 a. m. to-morrow, but not to move until further orders are issued for this purpose.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. FULLERTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Newton and Wood.)

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Near Vining's Station, Ga., July 17, 1864.

Major General J. M. PALMER,

Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you commence the execution of the orders of General Sherman (copies of which were sent you this evening) at daylight to-morrow a. m.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SOUTHARD HOFFMAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to General Howard.)