Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman                
   

            City Point, Virginia, September 27, 1864 ---- 8:30 A. M.
Major-General SHERMAN:
 
It is evident, from the tone of the Richmond press and from other sources of information, that the enemy intend making a desperate effort to drive you from where you are. I have directed all new troops from the West and from the East too, if necessary, in case none are ready in the West, to be sent to you. If General Burbridge is not too far on his way to Abingdon, I think he had better be recalled and his surplus troops sent into Tennessee.
 
                      U.S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
 
          City Point, Virginia, September 27, 1864 ---- 10:30 A. M.
Major-General SHERMAN:
 
I have directed all recruits and new troops from all the Western States to be sent to Nashville, to receive their further orders from you. I was mistaken about Jeff. Davis being in Richmond on Thursday last. He was then on his way to Macon.
 
                      U.S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.