Today in History:

500 Series I Volume XXXVIII-IV Serial 75 - The Atlanta Campaign Part IV

Page 500 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. Chapter L.


HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, June 17, 1864 - 9.20 p. m.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding Department:

After you left this evening the strong skirmish line of Gibson's brigade, Wood's division, and Harker's and Kimball's, of Newton's division, charged across the open field, passing the rifle-pits, and holding the edge of the woods beyond. They developed a heavy musketry fire; but I was unable to locate the enemy's lines with any precision, being so late.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.


HDQRS, SECOND DIVISION, TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS,
June 17, 1864 - 2.45 a. m.

Lieutenant Colonel H. W. PERKINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Twentieth Army Corps:

COLONEL: The enemy have left my front, and I occupy their works. A movements of the rebels seems to be making to the left. I have sent word to General Butterfield.

I am, colonel, yours, very respectfully,

JNO. W. GEARY,

Brigadier-General.


HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
June 17, 1864 - 6.45 p. m.

Brigadier-General GEARY,

Commanding Second Division:

GENERAL: The major-general directs that you instruct your pickets to feel the enemy well to-night, so as yo keep thoroughly posted as to the movements of the enemy. If they should leave from their present position please report the fact at once. You had better send an orderly with the bearer to ascertain the locality of corps headquarters.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. PERKINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to Williams, commanding First Division.)

SIGNAL STATION IN FRONT, June 17, 1864.

(Received 7.15 a. m.)

General HOOKER:

Prisoners say they have fallen back two miles.

WM. LEAONARD,

Captain and Acting Signal Officer.


Page 500 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. Chapter L.