For some days our communication with Nashville was interrupted by the destruction of the telegraph-lines, as well as railroad.

I at once ordered strong reconnoissances forward from our flanks on the left by Garrard, and on the right by Kilpatrick.

The former moved with so much caution that I was displeased; but Kilpatrick, on the contrary, displayed so much zeal and activity that I was attracted to him at once.

He reached Fairburn Station, on the West Point road, and tore it up, returning safely to his position on our right flank.

I summoned him to me, and was so pleased with his spirit and confidence, that I concluded to suspend the general movement of the main army, and to send him with his small division of cavalry to break up the Macon road about Jonesboro, in the hopes that it would force Hood to evacuate Atlanta, and that I should thereby not only secure possession of the city itself, but probably could catch Hood in the confusion of retreat; and, further to increase the chances of success.
I ordered General Thomas to detach two brigades of Garrard's division of cavalry from the left to the right rear, to act as a reserve in support of General Kilpatrick.