NEAR ATLANTA, GA., August 1, 1864-10 p. m.
(Received 1 p. m. 2d.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Washington, D. C.:
Colonel Brownlow is here and reports that General McCook proceeded according to his orders, and reached the Macon railroad and destroyed twelve miles and a bridge over a branch of White Water, which he says, is as long as that over Chattahoochee. He also destroyed 500 wagons, among them the headquarters wagons of Hood and Hardee. Unfortunately, instead of completing the circuit by the east and north, he then turned back and commenced breaking up the West Point road, about Newnan, when he was attacked by infantry and cavalry in overwhelming force, and Brownlow says all were killed or captured, except such as cut their way out. Nearly 500 are now back in Marietta, and he thinks more will get in. Colonel Brownlow’s account is not yet satisfactory to me, but is the best I can get.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 1, 1864.
General WEBSTER,
Nashville:
I am afraid that General McCook’s command of cavalry, 3,000 strong, has been caught and captured at Newnan, after having broken the railroad and burned 300 wagons of the enemy; so Colonel Brownlow reports by telegraph from Marietta, he having escaped. Order General Burbridge, in Kentucky, and General Rousseau, to send me all the cavalry that can possibly be spared, as the enemy will surely be on our railroad very soon.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.