HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Raper's Creek, Ga., May 30, 1864.

Major General O. O. HOWARD, Commanding Fourth Corps:

GENERAL: Major-General Stoneman reported last night that the enemy's cavalry appeared to be massing against him, for the purpose, apparently, of gaining possession of the road leading to Burnt Hickory, from our left, and General Palmer asked for more troops in that quarter to prevent the rebels gaining their object. The major-general commanding indorsed upon the back of the communication an order to General Palmer to use General Cruft's brigade for that purpose if it became absolutely necessary. I write this to inform you that such authority was sent to General Palmer by the major-general commanding.

Very respectfully

WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near Brown's Mill Creek, Ga., May 30, 1864.

Major-General STANLEY, First Division, Fourth Corps:

GENERAL: In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 14, current series, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, a copy of which is herewith inclosed,* your lines will remain for the day substantially as they now are. You will, however, keep up a show of activity along the same.

By order of General Howard:

J. S. FULLERTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Generals Newton and Wood.)

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, May 30, 1864-2 p.m.

Brigadier-General WOOD, Commanding Third Division:

You will wheel your line so as to bring it in the same line as your picket-line, endeavoring to make a connection with the Twenty-third Army Corps. This will make your line parallel with the "blazed" line. Bring it up as near as possible to the open field. Barricade your front, carefully selecting positions for your batteries. Please effect this p.m.

By order of Major-General Howard:

J. S. FULLERTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Raper's Creek, Ga., May 30, 1864-7 a.m.

General CRUFT:

The general commanding directs that you move with your brigade to support Major-General Stoneman in the position he occupies. Report to General Palmer and he will designate the position for your to occupy.

I am, your obedient servant,

WM. H. SINCLAIR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*See p.362.

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23 R R-VOL XXXVIII, PT IV