MAY 13, 1864-12 m.

Major-General SHERMAN:

I think the rebels mean to avoid a fight at Resaca.

HOWARD.

SIGNAL STATION,

May 13, 1864-3.45 p. m. (Received 7.05 p. m.)

Major-General HOWARD:

Press the retreat of the enemy with cavalry, supported by infantry.

Open signal communication.

SHERMAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Near junction of Sugar Valley and Mountain Roads, at

Edwin E. Chapman's House, May 13, 1864-8.15 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding Army of the Cumberland, or

Major-General SHERMAN,

Commanding Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: My right rests within three miles of your left. My front is perpendicular to the projected railroad toward Resaca. McCook's cavalry is at the junction of the Sugar Valley and Resaca roads. We have constantly pressed the enemy's rear guard, skirmishing and taking some prisoners from Dalton to this point. I went into camp at dark. Stoneman covers the roads to my left. He has pursued your directions literally.

Respectfully,

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.

P. S.- Woods too thick to see much here.

O. O. H.,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Tunnel Hill, May 13, 1864-3.30 a. m.

Major-General STANLEY, Commanding First Division:

You will satisfy yourself as to whether the enemy is in your front at daylight and let the commanding know.

By order of Major-General Howard:

J. S. FULLERTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Similar instructions to Generals Stoneman and Newton.)

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Dalton, Ga., May 13, 1864-11. 15 a. m.

Major-General STANLEY, Commanding First Division:

Push forward slowly until the cavalry comes up on the Sugar Valley road, watching well your right.

By order of Major-General Howard:

J. S. FULLERTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.