is easily bridged. Baird has bridges, and so will Davis. Howard has four, the upper or northern one being about one mile and a half above Jonesborough road. Press steadily down with Stanley, and the moment you can reach me with your orders and form a part of the main army, that anomalous character of detachment ceases and you are then the Army of the Ohio.

I am, yours,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, September 1, 1864.

Major-General SCHOFIELD:

GENERAL: From reports of my staff I think enough of the railroad has been broken until we have conquered the army now lying at Jonesborough. We had pretty hard fighting with them this afternoon, and I think had all our force been engaged we would have beaten them, but now Stewart's corps will effect its junction and the enemy will fortify. Yet he may underrate our strength, and I wish you to-morrow early to get over to the northeast of Jonesborough and approach from that quarter, and should the enemy retreat follow him with energy, hanging on his left flank; follow roads east of the railroad as far as Griffin. Thomas will follow the railroad substantially and Howard will keep to the right. I don't see any reasons why the enemy should elect to hold Jonesborough defensively, as we have broken his road, so if you find him intrenched don't assault, but feel below the town. Howard has Blair's corps, with Kilpatrick cavalry, across Flint River, feeling out for the around by the east from Atlanta and joined Hood at Jonesborough you may order Garrard up to act with you around to the south of Jonesborough, but if there be anything to our rear keep him holding all roads by which Hardee or Hood-both are now represented as present-can receive re-enforcements from the rear. At all events call Garrard close up that he may be within reach if needed, which will be the case if the enemy retreats to-morrow. His movements are so slow that you had better send to him to-night specific orders. Now that the army is united you are of course subject to no one's orders but mine. But if fighting occurs, or you have a chance to attack, the orders are always to attack. We don't care about Jonesborough, but we want to destroy our enemy.

Yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
September 1, 1864-7.15 p.m.

Major-General SHERMAN,

Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: My troops are massed in rear of Stanley's left. I found it impossible to deploy them before dark. I have found a country road leading around not far from Stanley's left and striking the McDonough road about two miles from Jonesborough by which I can get in to-morrow, if that be in accordance with your plans. I have heard nothing