From the Journal of the Atlanta Campaign, kept at headquarters of the Fourth Army Corps, by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Fullerton, Assistant Adjutant General.
August 4.-8 a. m., received written instructions from Major-General Thomas to have persons on our lookout stations to-day to watch closely the movements of the enemy, and to hold the troops in readiness to take advantage of any opportunity to move on their intrenchments. General Sherman thinks his movements to-day will either force the enemy to attack him or place their communications in a critical condition. He (Thomas) further says: Martin’s division of rebel cavalry is on the south of the railroad, about half way between Atlanta and Decatur, and Garrard had better send out a small scouting party to discover their whereabouts, with a view of attacking them if the ground be favorable. 8.15 sent Garrard instructions to send out the scouts, &c., in accordance with the above order. Garrard is now commanding a division of cavalry, and is on our left, operating under directions of General Stanley. The Fourth Corps and Garrard’s cavalry division constitute now the left of Sherman’s grand army and of the Army of the Cumberland.