HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Atlanta, August 23, 1864-6 p. m.

General THOMAS:

Inasmuch as we have postponed our movement till Thursday night I think it would be well for General Garrard to send out the brigade that did not go with General Kilpatrick out to Stone Mountain to-morrow, and let it break up another five miles of road to make a sure think of that road.

W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Atlanta, August 23, 1864-7.30 p. m.

General THOMAS:

Have your signal corps provided with rockets, and agree upon signals by rockets or signal smoke for a few simple message such as "All well," "Send boats to Campbellton," "Send a brigade, division, or regiment to Campbellton," also "Look out for us at Roswell." These signals may be of use to us when we get beyond safe distance for couriers via Sandtown.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

THOMAS' HEADQUARTERS, August 23, 1864.

General SHERMAN:

My signal officers have rockets, and will arrange a code.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

HOWARD'S HOUSE, August 23, 1864-7.40 a. m.

Captain CASE:

But very few men to be seen in enemy's works this morning. White house, in front of here and just in front of enemy's works, destroyed by fire last night. Very little firing this a. m.

H. H. BURTON,

Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer.

HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Atlanta, 23, 1864.

Brigadier General K. GARRARD,
Commanding Second Division Cavalry:

The general commanding directs that you send out Colonel Miller's brigade very early to-morrow morning, to destroy as much of the Atlanta and August Railroad as possible, and return to-morrow.

I am, general, respectfully,your obedient servant,

DAVID F. HOW,

Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[AUGUST 23, 1864.-For Kilpatrick to Elliott, relative to damage done to railroad, &c., see Part II, p. 855.]