must be done in force. The situation seems very similar to that at Olley's Creek. but I presume a single division will not be permitted to do what one did there. What means the unusual silence along the lines to-day?

Respectfully,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HDQRS. MILIARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 2, 1864.

(Received 8.45 p. m.)

General SCHOFIELD:

Your dispatch is received. I cannot account for the silence to-day, unless the enemy awaits our initiative.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
August 2, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

Our lines face a branch of Utoy. This branch seems to be nearly parallel with the East Point and Atlanta wagons road. Schofield's right is about one mile and a half to the southeast of lot 213. I believe he has one division in position, probably well intrenched, before this time. The branch of the Utoy is said to be fordable. The general will certainly cross the creek if it is possible to do so, and if the rebel works change direction where I thinks they do, he can cross without difficulty. His right is on a high ridge, that should be intrenched to debouch from.

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.

HDQRS. MILIARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 2, 1864.

General HOWARD:

General Ransom is assigned to you. He is an excellent division commander.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
August 2, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

I assisted General Schofield in reconnoitering the ground on my right flank this a. m., and at 3 p. m. moved forward my command to occupy my new line. General Schofield extends that line over a mile to the southwest. We both face the western branch of Utoy Creek. The rebel works are parallel with mine on the other side of that creek and in plain view and apparently extend about half a mile beyond my right flank, where they seem to refuse. I could see no works in front of Gen-