I have just recd. Gen. Stonemans letter with your Endorsement. We have seen enough today to convince us that all of Stonemans information is incorrect. Some thing more than Militia remains at Atlanta and they are not demoralized. They have fought hard and persistently all day and this heavy musket fire still continues with Howard and Schofield. I do not hear McPhersons guns now; I will send him your letter but fear his answer will be that he has all the Rebels on his flank. I think he is already impressed with the importance of pushing hard on that flank.
        If we cannot break in, we must move by the Right flank and interpose between the River and Atlanta, and operate against the Roads south.
        If you can advance your whole Line say to within three miles of Atlanta can throw a {force} around your Rear to East Point. If you see a good Chance to strike in that quarter you may call for Stonemans & McCooks men and let them come across by (illegible) and march down this Bank.
        My own opinion is that in the morning you will find the forts on the Chattahoochee abandoned, and think you will have no difficulty in pushing your Line up close to Atlanta. At all Events try it. I will send yours & Stonemans letters to McPherson but think the opportunity of operating on that flank if it did exist is now past. Yours truly,

W. T. Sherman Maj. Genl.