Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas	Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman

	Kingston, November 11,1864— 12 midnight.
Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas:      Dispatch of to-night received. All right. I can hardly believe that Beau-regard would attempt to work against Nashville from Corinth as a base at this stage of the war, but all information seems to point that way. If he does you will whip him out of his boots, but I rather think you will find commotion in his camp in a day or two. Last night we burned Rome, and in two or more days will burn Atlanta, and he must discover that I am not retreating, but on the contrary fighting for the very heart of Georgia. About a division of cavalry made its appearance this morning south of the Coosa, opposite Rome, and fired on the rear guard as it withdrew. Also, two days ago some of Iverson's cavalry, about 800, approached Atlanta from the direction of Decatur with section of guns, and swept around toward White Hall, and disappeared in the direction of Rough and Ready. These also seem to indicate that Beauregard expects me to retreat. I hear of about 1,500 infantry down at Carrollton, and also some infantry at Jonesborough, but what number i cannot estimate. Those are all the enemy I know to be in this neighborhood, though a rumor is that Breckinridge has arrived with some from Western Virginia. To-morrow I begin the move-merit laid down in my Special Field Orders, No. 115, and shall keep things moving thereafter. By to-morrow morning all trains will be at or north of Kingston, and you can have the exclusive use of all the roll-ing-stock. By using detachments of recruits and dismounted cavalry in your fortifications you will have Generals Schofield and Stanley and General A. J. Smith, strengthened by eight or ten new regiments and all of Wilson's cavalry. You' could safely invite Beauregard across the Tennessee River and prevent his ever returning. I still believe, however, that public clamor will force him to turn and follow me, in which event you should cross at Decatur and move directly toward Selma as far as you can transport supplies. The probabilities are that the wires will be broken to-morrow and that all communication will cease between us, but I have directed the main wire to be left, and will use it if possible, and wish you to do the same. You may act, however, on the certainty that I sally from Atlanta on the i6th instant with about 60,000, well provisioned, but expecting to live chiefly on the country.
W. T. Sherman,
Major-General.