HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND,
August 4, 1864.
Major-General STANLEY,
Commanding Fourth Corps:
I wish you to have persons on your lookout stations all along the line to observe closely the movements of the enemy, and hold your troops ready to take advantage of any opportunity to move on their intrenchments. General Sherman thinks his movements this morning will either force them to attack him or place their communications in a critical condition. One of my scouts came in last night. He reports their force opposed to you as weak, its right flank supported by a brigade of cavalry. Martin’s division of cavalry is posted on the south of the railroad, and about half way between Atlanta and Decatur. Garrard had better send out a small scouting party of active and intelligent men to find Martin’s division and reconnoiter this position, with a view of attacking him if the ground be favorable. McCook has got back with about 1,200 men.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
P. S.–You had better make your headquarters at the house recently occupied by General Sherman, leaving the telegraph office at Wood’s headquarters.
G. H. T.