HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, June 21, 1864.
General THOMAS,
Commanding Army of the Cumberland:
GENERAL: I saw these papers in the hands of your scout and read them hastily. I am gratified at the good progress of Howard, Wood, and Whitaker. Let them all hold fast to all we get, and be ready as soon as we can move with anything like life. Early to-morrow I will examine McPherson’s new lines, which he thinks well of and is tempted to advance his left, but Kenesaw so splits our lines that I feel much disposed to push your right, supported by Schofield and Stoneman’s cavalry, whilst McPherson engages attention to his front, but keeps ready to march by his right to re-enforce you will all his command, except what is necessary to cover this depot against Kenesaw, which I propose to slight. The enemy is at work about Tilton, having torn up some rails and got a down train off a mile above Tilton, and the wires are again down since noon. The bridge was to have been done at 4 p. m., but I can hear nothing definite. Garrard is across Noonday on the Canton road, and about Bob McAfee’s. He was attacked, he says, by four divisions of cavalry and held his ground. I have an idea that Johnston is holding on to cover the return of his cavalry. I hardly think he will fight us on anything like equal terms with the Chattahoochee behind him. After seeing McPherson’s lines in the morning I will come down to Williams’ and will examine the new positions of Wood, Stanley, and Hooker; but if anything happens, act promptly with your own troops, and advise me and your neighbor, Schofield, who has standing orders to conform to you. Roads terrific.
Yours,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.