HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 16, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel R. R. TOWNES,

Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual occurred in my front to- day. The enemy seems to have had a new set of men on his skirmish line to- day, who were inclined to fire more than yesterday, and were less careful about exposing themselves.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. J. LIGHTBURN,

Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 16, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM T. CLARK,

Asst. Adjt. General, Department and Army of the Tennessee:

COLONEL: General Corse reports the enemy unusually quiet in his front. The 4 1\2 inch Rodman will be finished and in position by 9 p. m., when it will open. The picket officer reports that troops have been seen moving toward the enemy's right (our left). This movement was visible from his front for about forty- five minutes.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. M. DODGE,

Major- General, Commanding.

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 16, 1864.

Colonel R. LN. ADAMS,

Commanding Second Brigade:

COLONEL: You will immediately and thoroughly obstruct the road in front of your works by an abatis. The same will also be at once constructed in front of the works of the Sixty- sixth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, making it in both cases as perfect an obstruction as possible.

By order of Brigadier General J. M. Corse:

LOUIS H. EVERTS,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

RESACA, August 16, 1864- 6 a. m.

General W. T. SHERMAN:

I am her with Colonel Watkins and 210 cavalry, all his available force. Can I go on with them and General Smith, or do you desire me to return to Cartersville personally! Your dispatch was received at Calhoun last night. Please answer immediately.

E. M. McCOOK,

Brigadier- General.