Read the official orders, communications and reports that were issued regarding Garrard’s cavalry, Minty’s brigade, and the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Online here are the pertinent records found in The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 38. Click the Archives listing at right to select a Month, or use the Search Tags or Search box to find a particular subject.
From Major General John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick – August 18, 1864
GENERAL: General Sherman directs me by telegraph to inform you that everything is most favorable for your work, and he wishes you to do it well; to break as much of the Macon road as you possibly can, and, as you swing back, to rest on the West Point road
read moreJournal of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Fullerton, 4th Army Corps – August 18, 1864
For the purpose of aiding General Kilpatrick in his operations on the Macon railroad as much as possible, I desire you to concentrate on your left flank as large a force as you can, without weakening your lines too much (by daylight to-morrow morning, 19t
read moreFrom Lieutenant David F. How to Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick – August 18, 1864
I am directed by the general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communication* of 10 a. m., and to say that our cavalry on our left is on Augusta railroad, near and east of Atlanta. Decatur is occupied alternately by scouts from both armies. Sh
read moreFrom Colonel Abram O. Miller to Captain Robert P. Kennedy – August 18, 1864
CAPTAIN: The patrol from Decatur has returned. They went into town, found no rebels there. None have been there since our reconnaissance on Monday except small scouting parties of eight or ten. Eleven or twelve were in town this morning. They captured two
read moreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 18, 1864
General Kilpatrick reports that his command will make to-night for the direction of Jonesborough, on the Macon railroad. The general commanding directs that you endeavor to attract the attention of the enemy this evening and early to-morrow morning, with
read moreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 18, 1864
Hood may attempt to pass round our left flank to our, rear following the cavalry movement, in which even I will move General Schofield, and if need be General Howard, in that direction. Therefore ascertain as soon as possible if any infantry has passed ou
read moreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 17, 1864
I am directed by the general commanding to say that you will have one of your brigades ready to make a demonstration, without risking battle, on our left. You will also have the effective force of two brigades, under command of Colonel Long, ready to move
read moreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 17, 1864
The report of General Kimball that the enemy seemed to be massing on his left, as if with the intention of attacking him, does not seem to be well founded. General Stanley reports that he cannot perceive any evidence of the enemy, though he observes more
read moreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – August 17, 1864
Make preparations, but merely postpone. If the cavalry can do what we want, there is no need of moving the whole army.
read moreFrom Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick to Major General John M. Schofield – August 17, 1864
GENERAL: I send you the report of my operations of yesterday by one of my aides to make certain that you get it.* I am satisfied that with two of General Garrard’s brigades and my own division I can break the Macon road effectually at any point the major-
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