JULY 20, 1864-6.30 p. m.

General WHEELER:

General Cheatham has been ordered to send you a brigade. Hold on as long as you can, but if forced back you must go into the fortifications with General Smith, who is now behind you, and hold them, says General Hood.

Respectfully,

W. W. MACKALL,

Brigadier-General.

IN THE FIELD, [July 20,] 1864.

Major-General FRENCH, Commanding Division:

If your left is not threatened, General Stewart wishes you to move forward and attack the enemy, looking well to your left.

Respectfully,

THOMAS M. JACK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

IN THE FIELD, July 20, 1864-7 p. m.

Major-General FRENCH:

GENERAL: Lieutenant-General Stewart directs, that after securing any wounded you may have on the field and burying your dead, that you withdraw your troops back to the trenches, taking position on the left and connect with Walthall, leaving pickets on the skirmish line. General Ector has instructions in regard to locating the pickets, and has had an understanding with General Walthall.

Respectfully,

D. WEST,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

JULY 20, 1864.

General WHEELER:

General Brown has been ordered to extend to the railroad. You will please keep in communication with him and support him. I am now on the left of my line, which is a long one. If you should find the enemy moving to my left you will please inform me. My skirmishers on my left are now heavily engaged.

B. F. CHEATHAM,

Major-General.

JULY 20, 1864-5.30 p. m.

Major-General WHEELER, Commanding Cavalry:

GENERAL: I have 1,000 yards in my center, with the troops deployed in single line, and have been compelled to take a brigade from my left, which is now not protected. I need 2,000 men to fill my line. General G. W. Smith is near you; call on him.

B. F. CHEATHAM,

Major-General.

Hold until night if possible and keep me posted.

B. F. CHEATHAM,

Major-General.