HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
July 7, 1864-4.30 p.m.
Major-General HOWARD,
Commanding Fourth Corps:
GENERAL: General Sherman has ordered Schofield to cross the river to-night at Roswell Factory, and secure a lodgment on the south side. To divert the enemy’s attention as much as possible from him I wish you to display a force in front of Pace’s Ferry, about sundown, as if you were making preparations to cross there. Open with your artillery on their batteries on the opposite side, and after getting the range cease firing until about 8 p.m. At that hour fire rapidly for fifteen minutes or half an hour, with the elevation necessary to reach the enemy’s batteries, and have persons posted near the river, in some secure place, with instructions to give commands as if marching a strong column to the ferry to effect the laying of a bridge; at the same time keeping up a heavy fire from the skirmish line on the river-bank.
Respectfully,
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.