William S. Rosecrans to Ulysses S. Grant, July 27, 1862

General GRANT: Sheridan’s cavalry will attack Ripley from three directions to-morrow morning. If the attack from the south, which have the longest road, is a little late it will make no difference, as the rebels will fall back in their road. ROSEORANS’, July 27, 1862. General GRANT: Colonel Sheridan sends to-night one regiment cavalry to Hatchie Crossing to dash into Ripley at daylight and then strike the Ripley and Fulton road, 12 miles south of Ripley. The Third, with the battery and two companies infantry, goes to Blackland, and the cavalry advance on the rebel pickets toward Carrollville and Ellistown, while Ord’s cavalry goes via Kossuth and Ruckersville, on the Ripley and Pocahontas road, and attacks Ripley from the north. The whole Ripley force then moves south and joins Sheridan at Blackland. Nothing especial from Morgan, except a terribly grumbling letter at the misbehavior of Thomas’ troops at Courtland. Three companies of our cavalry had a skirmish with rebel cavalry southwest of Courtland, in which we lost 23 killed, wounded, and missing. No further particulars, except all safe.

W. S. ROSECRANS,