strength, &c., of the enemy will be done. Last night I advised Colonel Watkins, at Calhoun, to send a cavalry force to Jasper to ascertain whether the enemy was moving down in that direction. He might send a part of his force via this place to Holly Creek.

GREEN B. RAUM,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

RESACA, August 23, 1864.

Captain L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp:

I have no further information this morning. I sent a squadron of cavalry toward Holly Creek Mill at daylight.

G. B. RAUM,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

RESACA, August 23, 1864-1 p. m. (Received 3 p.m .)

Captain L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp:

Lieutenant Hunter, who had command of the advance guard of the squadron sent toward Holly Creek Mill, is just in. He reports that one mile and a half this side of the mill Captain Robinson, commanding the column, was attacked in the rear by a force estimated at 500. Lieutenant Hunter went to the mill, crossed the creek, turned west and reached Tilton with the advance guard. Captain Robinson and his men have not reported. Citizens estimate the force variously at from 500 to 2,000.

G. B. RAUM,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Atlanta, August 23, 1864-4 p. m.

Colonel RAUM:

Have you not force enough to go out to Holly Creek by night and bounce that party? It is there to cover a courier line back to Hood. I suppose General Steedman to be now up about Charleston and Columbus, and that Wheeler must go north or on into North Carolina.

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

RESACA, August 23, 1864.

Captain L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp:

Captain Robinson has just got in without loss. He reports the enemy about 300 strong near Holly Creek Mill, and that 400 camped last night on Holly Creek where the Federal road crosses. No further news of the force reported passing down the Westfield pike.

G. B. RAUM,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.