SIGNAL DEPARTMENT, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Howard's House, August 5, 1864--9 a. m.

Captain CASE:

I see no indications of troops moving from my front. Everything is quiet as can be. I can hear no artillery and see no smoke of battle in direction of Palmer and Schofield. Will keep a good lookout and report often. The telegraph has not yet reached here.

Very respectfully,

FORAKER,

Acting Signal Officer.

HOWARD'S HOUSE, August 5, 1864--12.30 p. m.

Captain CASE:

Nothing new on our front. I hear heavy artillery firing in direction of our extreme right. Some of our shells burst over city.

B. FORAKER,

Acting Signal Officer.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
In the Field, August 5, 1864. (Received 7.30 a. m.)

Major General D. S. STANLEY,

Commanding Fourth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The indications are that Major-Generals Schofield and Palmer are engaged with the enemy, as the musketry can be heard. The major-general commanding directs that you observe closely the indications of the battle, and should our troops advance upon the town that you be prepared to take advantage of such movement.

Yours, very respectfully,

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

AUGUST 5, 1864.

Major-General STANLEY,

Commanding Fourth Corps:

How are things going on your front? Do you observe any movements of the enemy?

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 5, 1864--8.40 a. m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE,

Chief of Staff:

The enemy has been skirmishing in front of my left since sunrise; the skirmishing is on the left and rear of the line toward Decatur. I have just ordered General Wood to send two regiments to re-enforce the left, and am now starting for that point.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.