I want it finished, to bring back from Atlanta to Chattanooga the sick and wounded men and surplus stores.

On the 1st of November I want nothing in front of Chattanooga except what we can use as food and clothing and haul in our wagons.

There is plenty of corn in the country, and we only want forage for the posts.

I allow ten days for all this to be done, by which time I expect to be at or near Atlanta.
I telegraphed also to General Amos Beckwith, chief-commissary in Atlanta, who was acting as chief-quartermaster during the absence of General Easton: Hood will escape me.

I want to prepare for my big raid.