BACON'S HOUSE, August 20, 1864.

Major-General Cleburne:

In the absence of Captain McDowell I report that a scout is just in. He reports that he saw four Federal scouts about three miles below here on the railroad, and heard that the enemy's infantry and cavalry are on the railroad (both sides), about four miles below here. I have just sent out a reliable scout to find out by actual sight the truth of the matter. Since writing the above two accounts have come in who report a pretty heavy force on infantry at trimble's Mill. I send this by one of the last-named scouts, so that you can question him yourself. He is a reliable scout.

Respectfully,

J. A. ANDERSON,

Captain, Commanding Camp of Detach. of Cav. from Armstrong's Brigadier

ATLANTA, August 20, 1864.

Major General E. C. WALTHALL,

East Point:

Put your brigade on the cars and move here at once.

J. B. HOOD,

GenerAL.

August 20, 1864-8.30 p. m.

Brigadier-General MORGAN,

Commanding Cavalry, &c.:

The raiders were dispersed at Lovejoy's (reported by scouts) this evening. Our cavalry said to be in their front and rear. Keep a sharp lookout and report often.

[F. A. SHOUP,

Chief of Staff.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
August 20, 1864.

Captain McDowell is hereby authorized to collect and take command of all men of Ross' and Armstrong's brigades, Jackson's division, not on duty, who may be found tit for service.

By command of General Hood:

F. H. WIGFALL,

Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS,
In front of Widow Trimble's, August 20, 1864-p. m.

[Captain BUCK:]

CAPTAIN: I have dismounted a picket and pushed them forward to the edge of this is rear of the church, and find the enemy's skirmish line about 300 yards this side of Camp Creek Church in the middle of the field just side of the church.

Very respectfully,

W. W. McDOWELL,

Captain, Commanding.