ATLANTA, July 18, 1864.

General SAMUEL COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

I have assumed command of the Army and Department of Tennessee.

J. B. HOOD.

(Same to President Davis.)

NEAR ATLANTA, July 18, 1864.

(Received 19th.)

Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR:

The enemy advanced to-day on all the roads leading from Isham's Ford and Roswell, and established his line on Peach Tree Creek, his right resting on the Chattahoochee in the vicinity of the railroad, his left at Buck Head; our army about four miles from Atlanta, the creek intervening between the armies.

J. B. HOOD,

General.

JULY 18, 1864-1 a. m.

General J. E. JOHNSTON:

GENERAL: Much to my surprise I received the appointment you refer to. I accept your congratulations and without its concomitant it would have been more agreeable. I desire to have a conversation with you, and for that purpose will be over early in the morning.

Respectfully,

J. B. HOOD.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
In the Field, July 18, 1864.

SOLDIERS: In obedience to orders from the War Department I assume command of this army and department. I feel the weight of the responsibility so suddenly and unexpectedly devolved upon me by this position, and shall bend all my energies and employ all my skill to meet its requirements. I look with confidence to your patriotism to stand by me, and rely upon your prowess to wrest your country from the grasp of the invader, entitling yourselves to the proud distinction of being called the deliverers of an oppressed people.

Respectfully,

J. B. HOOD,

General.

JULY 18, 1864-11.45 o'clock.

Major-General WHEELER,

Commanding Cavalry Corps:

The commanding general informs you that the infantry at each bridge on Peach Tree Creek has been ordered to prepare it for burning, and he wishes you if forced back to require a body of cavalry to cross at each