The outposts were already engaged, and as soon as daylight came he drew back the men from the village to the ridge on which the redoubts were built.
The enemy was composed of French's division of three brigades, variously reported from four to five thousand strong.

This force gradually surrounded the place by 8 a.m., when General French sent in by flag of truce this note: AROUND ALLATOONA, October 5, 1884.
Commanding Officer, United States Forces, Allatoona: I have placed the forces under my command in such positions that you are surrounded, and to avoid a needless effusion of blood I call on you to surrender your forces at once, and unconditionally.
Five minutes will be allowed you to decide.

Should you accede to this, you will be treated in the most honorable manner as prisoners of war.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully yours, S.G.

FRENCH, Major-General commanding forces Confederate States.
General Corse answered immediately: HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH CORPS ALLATOONA, GEORGIA, October 5, 1864.
Major-General S.G.FRENCH, Confederate States, etc: Your communication demanding surrender of my command I acknowledge receipt of, and respectfully reply that we are prepared for the "needless effusion of blood" whenever it is agreeable to you.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M.CORSE, Brigadier-General commanding forces United States.
Of course the attack began at once, coming from front, flank, and rear.

There were two small redoubts, with slight parapets and ditches, one on each side of the deep railroad-cut.