expectation of driving us out, and then unite against Sherman. The will fail if they attempt this programme. My greatest fear is of the sending troops to Johnston first. Sherman ought to be notified of th possibility of a corps going from here, and should be prepared to tak up a good defensive position in case one is sent-one which he coul hold against such increase. If Hunter cannot get to Gordonsville an Charlottesville to cut the railroad, he should make all the valley sout of the Baltimore and Ohio road a desert as high up as possible. I d not mean that houses should be burned, but all provisions and stoc should be removed, and the people notified to move out. U. S. GRANT, HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, General THOMAS: A man came in last night from Columbus, Ga., with provost-mar shal's pass of July 4, who had escaped from Anderson[ville], and was one who was captured the time I went to Meridian. He gives but little news, and says the guard at Columbus and West Point are not over 500 each. Heard nothing from Mobile or Montgomery on his way up A scout in from Atlanta with dates to 3 p. m. 13th says Bragg and staff had arrived, and Kirby Smith, with 20,000, was expected from Meridian. All bosh of course. All newspapers have quit Atlanta except the Memphis Appeal. That, I suppose, is tired of moving, and wants to be let alone. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, General THOMAS: I have a letter from Major-General Stoneman, dated 13th, at Moore's Bridge, on the Chattahoochee. He had captured the scouts and drove off the bridge guard before he could burn it. This bridge is twenty-five miles below Campbellton, on the road from Carrollton to Newnan. General Stoneman said, at daylight next morning, viz, yesterday, he could make a demonstration on the railroad ten miles out. He captured a courier to the bridge guard, saying that a Yankee force was coming, but the bridge must be held at all hazards till the re-enforcements arrived.. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, General THOMAS: I have heard from General Stoneman. He attempted to cross at Moore's Bridge, but encountered too much artillery, and thought it imprudent to attempt, lest he might not get back. He is now near at the bridge on this side, and 16 or 17 of them pickets and scouts in th vicinity of the bridge. I am unable to say how much force is opposi to us, but from what can be seen and I can hear, I am convinced it is inconsiderable one. GEORGE STONEMAN, HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Chattahoochee River, July 15, 1864. General STONEMAN, Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: I have just received your note of 15th and wish you hasten to your old position to relieve General Blair. I want you cover and watch Turner's Ferry and mouth of Nickajack whilst we cros above and move out. You will have plenty of time to shoe and fix u General Blair has your orders. I am, sir, very respectfully, &c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi: GENERAL: I send you a map of the country which I reconnoitere yesterday. Sandy Spring Camp-Ground is an important center of roads It is situated just at the head of Island Creek. The main road from tha point appears to lead toward Pinckneyville at McAfee's Bridge. No doubt the road to Cross Keys leaves it only a short distance beyond the camp-ground. There are no people left in the country except a few ig norant women and children. Hence, it is impossible to get accurate in formation except by actual reconnaissance. As soon as I receive infor mation that the general movement is to commence as directed in your Field Orders, No. 35, I propose to move my command to the camp-ground and then reconnoiter toward Pinckneyville, Cross Keys, and Buck Head until I find the ground you desire me to occupy, and its relation to that to be occupied by Generals Thomas and McPherson. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. SCHOFIELD, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Chattahoochee River, July 15, 1864. General MCPHERSON, Roswell: One of our Meridian men came in last night, an escape from the prison at Andersonville]. He brings a provost-marshal's pass from Columbus, of July 4. He came by way of La Grange and Franklin; saw but few of the enemy. Says West Point and Columbus are defended chiefly by *To appear in the Atlas. |