HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 4, 1864--7.40 p. m.

Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff:

The following just received:

Colonel POST:

My lookout reports that rebel troops appear to be moving in two columns, but cannot tell in what direction on account of the dust.

BENNETT,

Colonel Seventy-fifth Illinois.

Colonel Post's lookout reports the rebels moving from our left toward town. I spent the afternoon at the angle; nothing observed but the movements of two small rebel regiments, one to the right and one to the left.

D. S. STANLEY,

Major-General.

SCHOFIELD'S HEADQUARTERS,

August 4, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS:

I have no orders to-day from any quarter. The orders of the day imply co-operation with General Schofield. General S[chofield] has shown me copy.

J. M. PALMER,

Major-General.

[Indorsement.]

Major-General PALMER:

Carry out the instructions contained in the order.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

SCHOFIELD'S HEADQUARTERS,

August 4, 1864.

Major General G. H. THOMAS,

Commanding Department of the Cumberland:

The orders seem to be intended to give General Schofield control over my troops. Shall I turn them over to him?

J. M. PALMER,

Major-General.

[Indorsement.]

Major-General PALMER:

Numbers Inform General Schofield that you are ready to co-operate with him. General Sherman does not intend to place you under General Schofield's orders.

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 4, 1864.

General PALMER:

You will during the movement against the railroad report to and receive orders from General Schofield. General Thomas will person-