KINGSTON, May 23, 1864.
Colonel LONG:
Commanding Brigade Cavalry:

General Blair is moving from Huntsville and Decatur on Rome. March to Decatur and overtake General Blair and report to him and accompany him to Rome, where orders will await you. Cavalry with a train is worse than useless. Let your train fall in with the infantry when your cavalry can act effectively on the south flank of General Blair’s column. By side expeditions you can make your force felt at Gadsden and Talladega, but I don’t want you to operate far from the infantry, and keep your horses in good order. When you reach Rome, Garrard will be over on the Chattahoochee.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- General.