HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864.

General SCHOFIELD:

Keep me well advised to-day, that I may co-operate from all points. I want to know when you are in secure possession of the big Sandtown road, and then of the railroad.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

Your dispatch is received. I have a division covering the Sandtown road, where it debouches from the enemy's line, and hard at work intrenching. All my troops are well in hand to meet an attack. Hood can't hit me without crossing the main Utoy south of the road and passing around some distance through a forest. I think very likely he will try it, and rather hope he will. If he does not, I propose to try to break the salient of his lines between the forks of Utoy, and then work toward East Point, with my right resting on the main creek.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

I have got a force across the main road, and have made a vigorous assault upon what appears to be the enemy's main line, but without success. Our loss is quite severe. I am about to try it again farther to the right.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, August 6, 1864.

General SCHOFIELD:

Your dispatch is received. Go on and do the best the case admits of. I am sure both Generals Thomas and Howard will give full employment to all the forces on their front. If we can reach a point on the right, where our shot will command the railroad, then we can afford to rest.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

In my movement this morning I made a circuit to the right far enough to strike beyond what appeared to be, and probably was, yes-