CONFEDERATE COMMUNICATION
HEADQUARTERS,
On the Bell’s Ferry Road, June 23, 1864-6 p.m.
Major-General LORING,
Commanding, &c.:
The enemy are advancing in force on the Bell’s Ferry road. They are on both sides of the road, but principally west of it. This is the report of Major Standifer, who went to the front with two companies of the Twelfth Louisiana to reconnoiter. They are now near our picket-line and shelling our line here. The cavalry on our right is very thin in the trenches, not enough, I think, to do much good.
Very respectfully,
W. S. FEATHERSON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
General Johnston refers this paper to you [Wheeler]. Your attention is asked to the statement that you line is very thin in the intrenchments. You know best how you can hold. It is only important that you should hold.
Respectfully,
W. W. MACKALL.

HEADQUARTERS LORING’S DIVISION,
June 23, 1864-6.05 p.m.
Lieutenant-Colonel JACK,
Chief of Staff:
General Scott has this moment reported by a staff officer that the enemy are advancing down the Bell’s Ferry road in heavy column; now fixing a new battery down the road.
Respectfully,
W. S. FEATHERSON,
Brigadier-General.