July 5, 1864.

--4 a.m., General Stanley reported that the enemy has left his front, and that he occupies his works. At once reported the fact to General Thomas. 4.15, General Newton sends report, dated 3.30 a.m., stating that he occupies the enemy's works. 4.25 a.m., directed division commanders to make preparation to follow the enemy as soon as possible, General Wood's division to lead, Newton's to follow, then Stanley's. 5 a.m. started on the march. The enemy's works proved robe very formidable. In our front were two lines of breast-works in addition to the usual line of skirmish rifle-pits. 8 a.m., it is reported that the enemy's wagon train, or a small part of it, is moving to the southeast toward the river, on our left. Sent word back to General Newton to send a brigade of infantry after it, but to move parallel to the railroad, down which our column is marching, and not far from it. Palmer's corps is moving down the main road on our right, running near to the railroad in some places and in others from one to two miles. 8.30 a.m., skirmishing quite heavy.

Hazen's brigade in advance. 10 a.m., head of column arrived at Vining's Station, about two and a half miles from the river at the railroad crossing, five miles from camp, and one mile from the river on a direct road running to Pace's Ferry. Here we captured the station-master, who says that the enemy has been crossing the river since 2 this a.m. on a pontoon bridge at Pace's Ferry, and that they had torn up part of the track beyond Vining's Station. Sent this word to General Thomas, and he sent a reply to push the enemy, moving down the Pace's Ferry road and also toward the railroad bridge, or, rather, feeling in that direction, as General Palmer is moving to that point. 11 a.m., started down the Pace's Ferry road, and near the depot heavy skirmishing commenced. 11.15 a.m., the enemy charged our skirmish line and was repulsed handsomely. 11.40 a.m., our skirmish line, which has been strengthened, drove the enemy from his rail barricades. 11.50 a.m., sent word to General Thomas of this fact and asked him to have the guns from the hill in our rear cease firing as the shells were exploding over our skirmish, line. These guns are two rifled guns belonging to General Palmers corps, which have been placed on the high hill which lies between Vining's Station and the main road. From this hill we have had our first view of Atlanta.

12.30 p.m., Hazen's brigade, Wood's division, drove the enemy across the Chattahoochee, and so hard was he pressed that he could not burn the pontoon bridge over which he crossed, but cut it loose on one side so that it swung across and now lies on the other side of the river. The enemy now have heavy works on the other side of the river, and they line the bank with their skirmishers and sharpshooters, so that we cannot well cross the river now without sustaining a very heavy loss. The enemy has also opened artillery upon us from the other side, and our pontoon train is not yet up. 2 p.m., General Wood goes into position on a ridge running very near parallel with the river and about half a mile from it. Newton's division goes in in his rear and left, and Stanley's on Newton's left. We have a strong picket-line extending along our entire front, on or very near to the river-bank. Baird, commanding one of Palmer's divisions, connects with us on our right, and McCook's cavalry is moving up to connect our left with Garrard's cavalry. He will be up by 5 or 6 p.m. 3 p.m., General Thomas requested General Howard to try and get over the river in the morning. 3.30, reconnoitered for the purpose of finding ground to place our artillery on so it may assist us in crossing in the morning. 6.30, published order for the day for July 6, 1864. General Wood to try at 5 a.m., to effect a crossing at Pace's Ferry, where the enemy crossed on the pontoon bridge to-day, and if he could not cross there to cross at such point as he may select, on a pontoon bridge to be furnished him; the artillery of the first and Second Divisions to co-operate with his in this movement. 9.20, reported to General Thomas the transactions of the day, and requested him to send the pontoon train to these headquarters by 5 a.m. to-morrow. Day excessively hot. For the result of operations our casualties very small. Took 126 enlisted men prisoners.

July 6, 1864.

--5 a.m., Colonel Buell, with pontoon train, reported at these headquarters; sent him to General Wood. 5.15 a.m., General Wood commenced to open his guns on the enemy on the opposite side of the river. The enemy replies with artillery. After demonstrating for some time, and carefully reconnoitering the ground, it was found that we could not attempt to cross the river without great loss of life. Major-Generals Sherman, Thomas, and Howard examined the position, and it was decided by them not to attempt to cross. The artillery and musketry fire was kept up by ourselves and the enemy across the river until about 7.30 a.m. 11.30 a.m., received instructions from Major-General Thomas to attempt only to hold our present position by a strong skirmish line and to put the troops in camp where they can have shade and water and enjoy rest for a few days, and to prepare roads so that the troops can easily and quickly debouch on the main roads leading through the country; these directions carried out. Day very hot. Casualties of the day in killed and wounded about 25.

July 7, 1864.

--1 a.m., the first train arrives on the railroad from the north; construction train. 7 a.m., received a note from General Wood stating that General Baird, of the Fourteenth Corps, the pickets of whose division connected with this corps on our right last night, had withdrawn his pickets, and so disposed his division as to leave a gap of about one mile between us and the Fourteenth Corps, and that he could not fill the space with his troops. 7.30 a.m., sent word that if he could not connect with General Baird to cover his right flank with one of his brigades, placing it in the most advantageous position for this purpose. 8 a.m., the general sent Colonel Sherman to reconnoiter the ground between Generals Wood and Baird, and in so doing he was captured by the enemy. 9 a.m., General Wood reports that he has sent a brigade to cover the space between General Baird and himself. 5.30 p.m., received note from General Thomas, stating that General Schofield would cross the river to-night at Roswell Factory, about fourteen miles to our left, and secure a lodgment on the south side, and to direct the enemy's attention from him as much as possible. General Howard will display a force in front of Pace's Ferry about sundown, as if he were making preparations to cross there; to open all of our artillery on the enemy's batteries on the other side until we get the range, and then to cease firing until 8 p.m.; then to fire rapidly for about fifteen minutes or half an hour, with sufficient elevation to reach the enemy's batteries, and to have persons posted on the river-bank, in secure places, with instructions to give commands as if giving instructions to a strong column marching to cross the ferry; at same time to keep up a heavy fire from our skirmish line on the riverbank. These instructions were carried out as directed.

7.30 p.m., instructed General Wood to keep his right brigade under arms during the artillery fire to-night, for fear the enemy might attempt to cross and get between him and General Baird. 11.25 p.m., received instructions from Major-General Thomas to "send a regiment along up the river to connect with General Schofield, the bridge over Rottenwood Creek having been completed." 11.30, instructed General Newton to send a regiment to Rottenwood Creek bridge at 4 a.m. to-morrow, to repair the bridge if necessary, and to cross it and make connection with Schofield. At same time the general sent back General Thomas' communication, stating that he did not understand it, as said bridge is uninjured, and Roswell Factory, the place for Schofield to cross, is between fifteen and twenty miles from here; also the hour of sending his dispatch not mentioned, but he had ordered General Newton to send the regiment, as directed, at daylight to-morrow. Day very hot. Skirmishing and picket-firing along the bank of the river through the day. Loss to-day in killed and wounded about 15.

July 8, 1864.

--2 a.m., received reply from General Thomas to General Howard's indorsement on his note, returned at 11.30 p.m., which was merely a copy of Major-General Sherman's note to him (General T[homas]), as follows:

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, July 7, 1864.

By direction of the major-general commanding, please order your pontoon train party, with bridge, to report to Schofield, near the mouth of Soap Creek, as early to-morrow as possible; also direct General Howard to send a regiment along the river to connect with General Schofield, the bridge over Rottenwood Creek having been finished.

6 a.m., a regiment was sent as directed, and General Howard went with it. During the artillery fire and our demonstration last night the enemy, supposing that we were about to cross, cut his pontoon bridge (which was fastened on the other side of the river) loose, expecting it to float down the river into their own lines, but the current was such that it floated over to our side of the river, and it was secured by Hazen's pickets and made fast to the shore. The bridge over Rottenwood Creek was strengthened according to instructions. The regiment, which started out at 6 a.m., marched to the vicinity of the mouth of Soap Creek. The distance from the left of this corps to Schofield's right is about five miles in a direct-line and seven by practicable roads. General Schofield commenced to put down his pontoon bridge at 3.30 p.m. He crossed four regiments over and made a lodgment on the other side about an hour before sundown.

8.30 p.m., received instructions from department head-quarters stating that General Garrard "is to effect a lodgment at Roswell Factory to-morrow morning," and as soon as he reports himself successful General Sherman is to send a corps of the Army of the Tennessee to that point. It may be necessary to send the nearest division of this corps to that point before Mc-Pherson's troops can get there, as they are so far off. Such division will therefore be held in readiness to move. Also, the troops of this corps will make a display at daybreak to-morrow, to cover the movements up the river. In accordance with these instructions, General Newton was ordered to hold his division in readiness to move, and Generals Newton and Wood ordered to make the demonstration. But 7 or 8 men wounded to-day; 1 killed. Usual picket-firing at the river. Day very hot.

July 9, 1864.

--2 am., received instructions from department headquarters to move the division to Roswell Factory at daylight, and to move without wagons. 2 a.m., directed General Newton to move his division to Roswell Factory at daylight (4. 30) this morning, for the purpose of supporting General Garrard, and "making sure of anything that may be gained by him;" to take one battery, but no wagons; McPherson s troops to relieve this division as soon as they arrive at the Factory. 4 a.m., received note from department headquarters stating that it is General Sherman's opinion that inasmuch as General McPherson (?) has made a lodgment that Johnston will be forced in strategy to attack us or General McPherson, or withdraw. It is therefore directed that we take advantage of the situation by feeling the enemy's skirmishers at daylight, if we have any in our front not across the river, &c. It is now about daylight, but General Wood has just been instructed to keep up his picket-firing across the river, the only place that the enemy is in range. 5 a.m., received note from General Newton inquiring whether he was to cross the river with General Garrard or remain at the Factory, or if he crossed was he to go with Garrard, or merely see him safe on his way. At once replied:

Cross, if necessary to support General Garrard if he crosses, and the enemy does not retreat from or leave his' front. Do whatever is best to give him assistance and enable him to hold any position he may gain.

8 a.m., directed General Stanley that as General Newton's division has moved, he will picket the roads well to his left, especially the one leading over Rottenwood Creek, and establish a post at the bridge at said crossing. 9 a.m., sent a note to General Newton, on the march, directing him to construct a bridge-head on the other side of the river, provided he gets across, as soon as General Garrard gives him space to do so. 11 a.m., the enemy again opened upon us with artillery. 11.10 a.m., sent note to General Stanley stating that the enemy may be making a reconnaissance to discover our weak point; to keep a strict watch, and if you (Stanley) think he is doing so, to push a regiment of infantry to Powers' Ferry and bring it back this evening (not near enough to be exposed to artillery fire). 8 p.m., Captain Kirlin arrived from General Newton, and stated that he arrived at Roswell Ferry, and crossed over the river with two brigades at 2 p.m.; that General Garrard crossed at 6 a.m., meeting with but little opposition. 9 p.m., reported to General Thomas that two regiments of Wood's division were placed opposite General Baird's left just before dark, in support of a battery which General B[aird] will send up on the ridge; this done in accordance with instructions from department headquarters. Considerable artillery firing and the usual picket-firing on both sides to-day. Our loss in killed and wounded about 15. Day very hot.

July 10, 1864.

--Received report from signal officer at daybreak that the railroad bridge over the Chattahoochee River was burning. 5 a.m., it was reported that the enemy had left the north side of the river and had retreated across it during the night, giving up their works on this side. 8 a.m., received instructions from General Thomas to move the two divisions now in camp near Pace's Ferry to within supporting distance of General Schofield, to assist him in case the enemy attempts to dislodge him. "Let them move to-day." Stanley's division started at 9 a.m. and Wood's at 10 a.m., moving by the most direct roads to Soap Creek Ferry, the point at which General Schofield crossed, and where he has his pontoon bridge over the Chattahoochee. The greater part of General Schofield's command is now in camp on the ridges on the other side of the Chattahoochee. Stanley's and Wood's divisions arrived within half a mile of the ferry (Stanley's at 2 p.m., Wood's at 3 p.m.), and went into camp, Wood on the right and Stanley on the left of the road leading to the pontoon bridge at the ferry. 4 p.m., sent note to General Newton, informing him that we had arrived and gone into camp near Soap Creek, and directed him, as soon as relieved, to move down and take position on the right of General Wood, which would place him about one mile this side of his old camp, telling him that he would probably be relieved by to-morrow evening or next morning. First part of day warm; from 8 to 2 p.m. very hot; 2 p.m. until sundown rain. 8 p.m., reported to General Thomas that the First and Third Divisions had arrived at this place (near Schofield's headquarters) and had gone into camp.

July 11, 1864.

--8 a.m., received note from General Newton, dated July 11, stating that last evening General Dodge arrived and relieved his troops, and that they now remain in reserve on the south side of the river; also, that he fortified his position on the other side of the river, and he wished it so arranged that he could return to his old camp and get the shelter-tents and camp equipage of his men that he left behind. 8 a.m., sent note to Major-General Thomas asking to have General Newton returned by to-morrow if possible, as he marched without wagons or shelter-tents, and has left his pickets behind him, &c., and he was given to understand that he would return immediately, hence his want of preparation. 9 a.m., received note from General Newton, stating that he had been ordered by General Sherman to remain at Roswell Ferry until further orders; requesting to be relieved as soon as possible; also to have the pickets at his old camp relieved; and if he was to stay where he is to have them sent to him. 9 a.m., replied in note to General Newton, saying that a strong application had been made to General Thomas to have him relieved by to-morrow, &c. 9 a.m., sent word to the officer in command of General Newton's picket-line (at the old camp)to withdraw it and place it as a guard over his tents, camp equipage, &c., and word to have his regimental wagons sent to his supply train. 11.45 a.m., received Special Field Orders, No. 32, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, dated July 10, 1864, as follows :

12.45 p.m., received note from General Newton saying General Dodge had relieved him, and offered to order him back; that he had withdrawn to the north bank of the river. 1 p.m., directed Newton to join this corps as soon as Dodge has completed his bridge and works, and to take position at the point mentioned in the note of 4 p.m. yesterday, sent to him from these headquarters. 4 p.m., received note from General Thomas, stating that orders had been given for General Newton to return as soon as relieved by General Dodge, and that he (General T[homas]) thinks he will return today. 4.30 p.m., received orders from General Thomas (verbal, per Brigadier-General Whipple, assistant adjutant-general) to secure the hill at Powers' Ferry, on south side, just below the crossing, and to lay a pontoon bridge over the river at that point. 5 p.m., in accordance with instructions from General Thomas, Colonel Buell, commanding pontoon train, reported to General Howard for orders, and he was instructed to lay one of the pontoon bridges now used by General Schofield over the river at Powers' Ferry early to-mor-row, July 12. 6 p.m., directed General Stanley to march his division over the river, crossing on one of General Schofield's pontoon bridges early in the morning, and to move down and take possession of the hill near the crossing at Powers' Ferry, to hold the same, and to strengthen this position when he gained it. No skirmishing or picket-firing to-day. Day very hot.

July 12, 1864.

--3 a.m., received instructions from Major-General Thomas to move the whole corps to the south of the river. 3 a.m., sent a note to General Newton, at Roswell Ferry, directing him to return to his old camp and make preparations to cross the river at Powers' Ferry. 5 a.m., Stanley started with his division across the river, moving over the pontoon bridge at Phillips' Ferry. From the south side of the river, at this point, he is to move down and occupy the ridge near Powers' Ferry. 7 a.m., directed General Wood to cross over the pontoon bridge, which Colonel Buell was to throw over the river at Powers' Ferry, at 10 a.m. to-day. General Wood left camp at 11 a.m., and reached the ferry at 11.30 a.m., but was not able to cross until after 12 m., the time when the pontoon bridge was completed. 1 p.m., received note from department headquarters, stating that if Colonel Buell had a bridge down at Powers' Ferry to relieve it as soon as the trestle is completed at Phillips' Ferry, and to order Colonel Buell to bridge the river at Pace's Ferry; also, Captain Kossak, who is at the saw-mill at Rottenwood Creek, will put his bridge down at Powers' when Buell's is taken up. The necessary orders in this matter were at once given. 4.10 p.m., reported to General Thomas that the two divisions (Stanley's and Wood's) have crossed the river and gone into position. Wood is on the left and Stanley on the right. The ridge they occupy is a short distance from the river, and running nearly parallel thereto, and being in advance of the one occupied by General Schofield, almost masking his troops. 7.45 p.m., General Newton reports that he has returned to his old camp. 8 p.m., directed General Newton to issue clothing to his troops, and to be prepared to move over the river in the morning; that orders would be sent to him directing him when to march. No skirmishing or picket-firing to-day. The enemy on the south side of the river (a few cavalry) fled at our approach. Day very hot; a slight shower at 3.30 p.m.

July 13, 1864.

--5 a.m., directed General Wood to move his division to the ridge in his front as early as practicable this morning, and to occupy as wide a front thereon as he can, and that General Newton will go into position on his left. 5 a.m., directed General Newton to cross the Chattahoochee this morning over the pontoon bridge at Powers' Ferry, and to occupy a position on the second ridge on the south side thereof, on the left of General Wood's division. 9 a.m., General Newton crossing the river. 12 m., was verbally directed by General Thomas to move a division to Pace's Ferry and cover the laying of a pontoon bridge at that place (over which the Fourteenth Corps are to cross) in the morning. 6 p.m., received note from General Schofield, stating that he will advance his right and connect with our left to-night. 7.20 p.m., directed General Newton to double his picket-line and advance it, in conjunction with General Wood, at 5 a.m. to-morrow, to the corn-field in his front, where the enemy's pickets were this afternoon. Also directed him to send two regiments, and, if possible, all his pioneers, early in the morning, to assist General Stanley in building the trestle bridge over the river at Powers' Ferry; General Newton to build that part of the bridge from the south bank to the island, and Stanley that part from the island to the north bank. Stanley was directed this afternoon to build the bridge, and he thinks, with the assistance of General Newton, that he can construct it in one day, by to-morrow evening, provided he can get spikes, &c. 8 p.m., General Howard reported to General Thomas that he had reconnoitered a mile to our front and right; that there are cavalry pickets, but no infantry pickets on the bluff just across Island Creek, &c. 8.30 p.m., directed General Wood to move the élite of his division at 5 a.m. to-morrow down the south side of the river to Pace's Ferry, for the purpose of covering the laying of a pontoon bridge at that point; to take one-half of his ambulances; leave the other half, his trains, &c., behind; not to relieve his picket-line, but advance it at 5 a.m. to-morrow in conjunction with General Newton's; after the bridge has been thrown over the river, and as soon as General Baird commences to cross his division, to return to his present camp. 9 p.m., informed General Newton that some of the enemy's scouts were trying to pass out of our lines; to watch well to his left to-night for them; informed him that General Schofield will come up on his left in the morning. 12.20 p.m., received dispatch from General Thomas, stating that as General Sherman wished to wait until he hears from Stoneman before crossing the Fourteenth Corps, the movement will be delayed until further orders. Day very hot. No skirmishing, but considerable picket-firing since dark.

July 14, 1864.

--12.30 a.m., directed General Wood not to move in the morning as directed, nor until further orders; also directed him and General Newton not to advance their pickets this morning. Generals Stanley and Newton working at the trestle bridge at Powers' Ferry. Nothing of importance occurred. Waiting on General Stoneman. As soon as General Sherman hears from him, or he returns from his expedition, we will advance. Day very hot. Heavy fall of rain, commencing at dark and lasting two hours. But little picket-firing.

July 15, 1864.

--Nothing of importance occurred to-day. We remained in camp waiting orders to advance. Day very hot. No skirmishing or picket-firing of any consequence.

July 16, 1864.

--10 a.m., received a note from Major-General Thomas, directing that one division of this corps move at daylight to-morrow morning down the river to Pace's Ferry and cover the laying of the bridge and the crossing of one division of the Fourteenth Corps, after which the division to return to its camp. I p.m., received Special Field Orders, No. 35, from headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi (General Sherman), dated July 14, 1864, as follows:(*) 3 p.m., sent directions to General Wood to move the élite of his division, starting at 4.30 a.m. to-morrow, down the south side of the Chattahoochee to Pace s Ferry, for the purpose of covering the laying of a pontoon bridge at that point; as soon as said bridge has been laid and one division of the Fourteenth Corps has crossed over to return to his present camp; leave his picketline on, but take no train (but one-half of ambulance train) or camp or garrison equipage and but one battery. At same hour informed Generals Stanley and Newton of the movement that is to be made in the morning. General Stanley finished the trestle bridge to-day at Powers' Ferry. Nothing of importance occurred during the day. Very hot. But little picket-firing.

July 17, 1864.

--4.30 a.m., General Wood started with his division to Pace's Ferry. 12.30 p.m., received a note from General Newton, stating that the rebel picket-line is advancing in his front. At once sent word to General Stanley to push out a brigade to General Wood's lines, but not to disturb his camp, and to remain there until Wood returns. 12.35, informed General Newton that Stanley had been ordered to push out a brigade to Wood's lines, and requested him to state whether the enemy's pickets were infantry or cavalry. 1 p.m., General Newton reported that the enemy advanced on General Kimball's front on a run. There was sharp firing, which has now receded. He is of the opinion that the enemy are after Schofield's train. The enemy are dismounted, but he does not know whether they were infantry or cavalry. At once sent word to General Newton to send out two regiments to reconnoiter and see what the enemy meant or were after. 1.20 p.m., received a note from General Wood, who was at Pace's Ferry, stating that he arrived there without serious opposition; took a few prisoners; that the pontoon bridge had been laid and part of one division of the Fourteenth Corps has crossed over, but as General Thomas has directed him to wait until two divisions cross over he cannot get back to his old camp until night-fall. 4 p.m., General Newton reported that he had sent out two regiments on a reconnaissance, and that they had gone about two miles to his front and met nothing but General Schofield's skirmishers; that the enemy's pickets and skirmishers had fallen back from his front, and that said two regiments had just returned. 5.30 p.m., General Wood's division returned from Pace's Ferry. 8 p.m., directed Generals Stanley and Wood each to detail one small regiment as guard for the general supply train of the corps, to be commanded by the senior officer of the two regiments; for them to report at the train to-morrow morning, and for the commanding officer of the same to leave two companies at the trestle bridge at Powers' Ferry as a guard for the same; to encamp on the island. 8.30 p.m., sent circulars to division commanders, directing them that when the troops left their present camp to take the ambulance, ammunition, division, and brigade headquarters trains with them; that all other trains, save corps headquarters train would be left in the rear on the north side of the river. 8.30 p.m., directed division commanders to be ready to move at 5 a.m. to-morrow. 11.30 p.m., received Special Field Orders, No. 36, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi (General Sherman), dated July 17, 1864, as follows:

Memorandum to the foregoing Special Field Orders, received at the same hour-- 11.30 p.m., sent signal dispatch to Major-General Thomas, asking whether the corps is to move in the morning. No orders have been received at corps headquarters save General Sherman's Special Field Orders, No. 36.

July 18, 1864

--12.30 a.m., the following order received from Major-General Thomas by General Howard: "You will commence the execution of the orders of General Sherman, copies of which were sent you this evening, at daylight to-morrow a.m." 1 a.m., received answer to signal dispatch to General Thomas saying, "Prepare to move at daylight; will send orders by courier." 1 a.m., sent to the division commanders orders of the day for the Fourth Army Corps for July 18, 1864, as follows:

5 a.m., received from headquarters Department of the Cumberland (General Thomas) the orders of the day for July 18, 1864, as follows:

Accompanying this order was a copy of a letter of instructions, dated headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, July 17, 1864, and written to General Thomas by Major-General Sherman. The following is a copy:

4.30 a.m., the corps left camp, Newton leading, followed by Stanley, and then Wood; about two miles out from camp met the enemy's skirmishers--dismounted cavalry or infantry; soon drove them back, skirmishing all of the way to Nancy's Creek. 7 a.m., arrived at Nancy's Creek and drove the enemy's skirmishers across it. Here he made quite a stubborn stand for the force he had. He opened upon us two guns from the high ridge on the opposite side. The bridge over the creek had been destroyed by the enemy, and the road had been blockaded. 9 a.m., two regiments from Hooker's corps, out on a reconnaissance to find the Fourth Corps, came up on our right. They did not go farther than Nancy's Creek, and afterward returned to their corps. 9.40, having opened upon the enemy with artillery, and pressed our skirmishers across the creek, we drove him back. We were obliged to halt here until we could rebuild the bridge for the passage of troops and artillery. 11 a.m., again started forward. 11.45 a.m., after having proceeded one-fourth of a mile again caught up with the enemy. After considerable skirmishing and little artillery firing, again drove him. 12.30 p.m., Newton's head of column, with General Howard and staff, arrived at Buck Head, and found that General Hooker's column had not yet come up, and sent Captain Pearson, commissary of musters, to inform him that the Fourth Corps had arrived, and to tell him of the disposition that would be made of the troops; all on the left of the road down which we marched, and just beyond and covering the Turner's Ferry and Buck Head road. General Newton went into camp, his division in two lines, the right resting on the Roswell Factory and Atlanta road (the road on which he marched), and in front of and covering the Turner's Ferry and Buck Head (or Roswell Factory) road. 2 p.m., General Stanley's division arrived and went into position in two lines on the left of General Newton's division, covering the same road. 3 p.m., Brigadier-General Knipe, of the Twentieth Corps, arrived at Buck Head, and stated that the Twentieth Corps had not yet left camp, but he supposed General Hooker intended to march as soon as he built some bridges over Nancy's Creek. 3 p.m., General Wood's division arrived. As General Hooker has not yet arrived, and as there is no prospect of his arriving before night, General Wood, by direction, placed Hazen's brigade on the right of Roswell Factory and Atlanta road, his left connecting with Newton's right, and placed his two remaining brigades in camp about half a mile in the rear of Newton's division as a reserve, and also to look out for the ammunition trains. 3.15 p.m., messenger arrived from General Schofield, and said his (Schofield's) right is now about one mile from our left. General Stanley was at once directed to keep open communication with General Schofield by patrols; to keep them going often; and sent word to Major-General Schofield that communication would so be kept up with him. 3.30 p.m., directed General Wood to attempt to communicate with General Hooker by patrols from our right. 5 p.m., General Thomas sent word to General Howard by Captain Pearson, who had taken him a message from Buck Head, that unless he (Thomas) got further orders from General Sherman (and in case he did he would send the same to General Howard to-night) that he wished General Howard, with Hooker and Palmer, to push the enemy toward Peach Tree Creek in the morning with a strong skirmish line. 6 p.m., General Hooker's command arrived; head of column at Buck Head. 7 p.m., reported to General Thomas the situation. 9 p.m., published to division commanders orders of the day for the Fourth Army Corps for to-morrow, as follows:

The cavalry force that has been opposing us to-day is Williams' (Kentucky) brigade. The road which we moved on was a road leading from Powers' Ferry to the Roswell Factory and Atlanta road and then down said Roswell Factory and Atlanta road. The roads are good and broader than any roads that we have yet moved on in Georgia. We have had only 6 wounded to-day. A lieutenant-colonel of the enemy was killed and a captain wounded, both of whom fell into our hands. The day very warm.