STANLEY'S HEADQUARTERS, August 14, 1864.

General SHERMAN:

Garrard's cavalry occupies the reserve side of the old rebel works; they extend about half a mile from the Howard house.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 14, 1864-2.35 a.m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff:

General Kimball has just sent a dispatch to these headquarters stating that Colonel Kirby, in a note dated midnight, reports as follows:

My brigade officer of the day reports that by the aid of a fire in front of the enemy's works he saw five regiments passing to our left, and then the fire was put out. He also says he could hear loud cries from women and children, as if praying, &c. There is now quite a fire in the town.*

I will make preparations to meet every attack that may be made upon our left at daylight.

Very respectfully,

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

STANLEY'S HEADQUARTERS, August 14, 1864.

Brigadier General W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General:

The moving of Garrard will render it impossible for me to hold the same picket-line on the left. I can, however, modify it, so as not to make much change.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
August 14, 1864-11 p.m.

Brigadier-General KIMBALL,

Commanding First Division, Fourth Army Corps:

All of Garrard's cavalry are to be drawn off. Relieve his pickets at daylight in the morning. You will have to reduce your pickets to the number necessary to keep up appearances.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
August 14, 1864.

Brigadier-General KIMBALL:

Colonel Miller's brigade is ordered to be withdrawn to go in pursuit of rebel raiders who have captured a drove of 1,000 beef-cattle near Adairsville. You will be obliged to relieve his pickets as soon as it can be done, and in the morning Minty's pickets will take place upon your left.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

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*For full text of this dispatch, see Kirby to Sinclair, p. 484.

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