HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Widow Forsyth’s, Ga., August 27, 1864.
Major General W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: I have complied with your directions. General Garrard was on his way some little time ago to Utoy and probably are this has reported to you. For the safety of our rear against small squads of the enemy and to keep us informed about larger bodies I hope you will see General Garrard, for I do not think he now has a correct notion of the position of the different corps, though he may.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
O. O. HOWARD,
Major-General.
P. S. – Quite heavy cannonading was heard by one of my staff officers between 12 and 1 o’clock to-day in the direction of the railroad bridge.
O. O. H.,
Major-General.