JULY 27, 1864.

General THOMAS:

Send me the papers about Hooker to-night, and make specific recommendations to fill the vacancies. Make Hooker resign his post as commander of the Twentieth Corps, that he cannon claim it and occasion delay in filling the vacancy.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
In the Field, July 27, 1864.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: Inclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit a copy of a communication this day received from Major-General Hooker, with my order in the case. Major-General Howard having been placed in command of the Department and Army of the Tennessee, I would recommend that Major General D. S. Stanley, commanding First Division of the Fourth Army Corps, be placed in command of the corps. Major-General Hooker having, at his own request, been relieved from the command of the Twentieth Army Corps, I would recommend that Major General H. W. Slocum be placed in command of that corps.

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

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

HDQRS. 20TH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Near Atlanta, Ga., July 27, 1864.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE:

SIR: I have just learned that Major-General Howard, my junior, has been assigned to the command of the Army of the Tennessee. If this is that case I request that I may be relieved from duty with this army. Justice and self-respect alike require my removal from an army in which rank and service are ignored. I should like to have my personal staff relieved with me.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Numbers 205.
Near Atlanta, Ga., July 27, 1864.

* * * * * *

VII. At his own request, Major General J. Hooker, commanding the Twentieth Army Corps, is relieved from duty with the Army and Department of the Cumberland. He will repair to Washington, D. C., and report to the Adjutant-General for orders. Major-General Hooker's personal staff is also relieved from duty with this army that they may accompany the general. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation. Brigadier General A. S. Williams,

18 R R - VOL XXXVIII, PT V