O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]

UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#2

ACWORTH, July 2, 1864.

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,

MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI:

A company, undoubtedly fifty strong, of rebel guerrilla cavalry, approached this post from northwest, two roads, to within two miles of this place, and three-quarters of a mile of the first railroad bridge northerly, capturing about 5 stragglers from the dismounted cavalry, left here by Colonel Dorr's brigade, and, as is said, a major of Tennessee cavalry. One of Mr. Rossell's construction corps was captured and robbed. He afterward escaped when our men approached and drove off the rebels. I sent three companies in pursuit, but being dismounted accomplished only the driving them off and examining the road and bridge. I have sent one company to the bridge to remain until further orders. The railroad is undisturbed. I have frequently before heard of rebel cavalry having been seen and heard of from three to eight miles northwest from here.

SAMUEL ROSS,

Colonel Twentieth Connecticut Vol. Infantry, Comdg. Post.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

In the Field, July 2, 1864.

Col. SAMUEL ROSS,

Acworth:

Your dispatch to assistant adjutant-general, headquarters military division, received and referred here where it should have been sent. Occurrences like that you report are to be expected. You must guard your post and see that they do not destroy the railroad in your vicinity. If those guerrillas ever fall into your hands take no prisoners.

WM. D. WHIPPLE,

Chief of Staff.