RICHMOND, July 17, 1864.
General J. E. JOHNSTON:
Lieut. Gen. J. B. Hood has been commissioned to the temporary rank of general under the late law of Congress. I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform you that as you have failed to arrest the advance of the enemy to the vicinity of Atlanta, far in the interior of Georgia, and express no confidence that you can defeat or repel him. You are hereby relieved from the command of the Army and Department of Tennessee, which you will immediately turn over to General Hood.
S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
