HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Villanow, Ga., May 8, 1864-2 p .m.
Major General W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: Sweeny’s division, of Dodge’s command, has passed here for Snake Creek Gap, which I hope to have possession of this evening. Veatch is closed up on Sweeny; but divisions came through Ship’s Gap road. Osterhaus’ division is here, having come through Gordon’s
Gap; the remained of Logan’s command, is following as rapidly as possible. No news from Garrard yet. Unless he comes up soon, I am a little apprehensive about the safety of our trains remaining back to [at?] Chattanooga.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. B. McPHERSON,
Major-General, Commanding.
CAMP ON CHICKAMAUGA RIVER, Davis’ Cross-Roads, May 8, 1864.
General SHERMAN:
GENERAL: We arrived here about 5 p. m., and the general [Garrard] proposes stopping here for the night and then going through Catlett’s Gap to-morrow, and assuming position somewhere on the La Fayette and Rock Spring road. I will go with a regiment to La Fayette to-morrow early, and make a reconnaissance, returning toward Rock Spring, and thence to you. The general hesitates going to La Fayette, fearing he may not be able to cope with a large force, and get to McPherson safe. We cannot learn that a solitary being is in or this side of La Fayette. General G[arrard] desires me to add that he has only three days’ rations for the men, and is out of forage to-night, and that the grass is not high enough to subsist his horses without grain.
JNO. M. CORSE,
Brigadier-General.
[Indorsement.]
Write to General Garrard at all events to keep up with infantry; tell him there is not and has not been an enemy at La Fayette; it has been patrolled by 400 men; for him to hurry to McPherson.
SHERMAN,
Major-General.