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.
Special Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – August 16, 1864
In the Field, near Atlanta, August 16, 1864.
The movement of the army against the Macon railroad will begin Thursday night, August 18, and will be continued on the following general plan:
I. All army commanders will send across the Chattahoochee Riv
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 16, 1864
The operator at Cartersville began a message, saying six regiments were approaching Cartersville. I think all the enemy’s cavalry must be up there, and it may be necessary to send ours after it. They may do so much damage to the railroad that it will take
read moreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 16, 1864
If you think a cavalry raid can destroy the Macon road sufficiently to force Hood to retreat, I think now would be a good time to send against it.
read moreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 16, 1864
I understand Mount Gilead Church to be near Camp Creek, and about due south from Utoy Post Office. I will ascertain more accurately from Colonel Garrard. My messenger has already started for Kilpatrick to get his report. I will send another with the quest
read moreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – August 16, 1864
Major- General SHERMAN:
The following received from Kilpatrick, dated August 15, 9 p. m., near Camp Creek, in route from Fairburn
From Major General David S. Stanley to Major General William T. Sherman – August 16, 1864
General Garrard came back last night. He had some fighting with the rebels. He found them in force, about seven regiments. They fell back behind breast- works. Some rebel cavalry passed our flank about Cross Keys yesterday. They killed one man on picket.
read moreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 16, 1864
We will commence the movement against the railroad about Jonesborough Thursday night unless something occurs in the mean time to mar the plan. I will make my orders, and the preliminary preparations may be begun. If Wheeler interrupts our supplies, we can
read moreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 16, 1864
I have seen Colonel Warner and am willing to leave that cavalry for the present as it is, but if we ever have to use it offensively it will need a more active leader. I have made a special recommendation in Colonel Long’s case, and hope he will be promote
read moreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 16, 1864
GENERAL: I respectfully suggest the following details in the execution of the plan proposed by you on the 13th instant:
First day. Twentieth Corps to take its position on the Chattahoochee and the Fourth Corps in rear of the Fourteenth, the trains whic
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 16, 1864
General Schofield reports that General Kilpatrick did not find the enemy’s cavalry at his old camp at Mount Gilead Church; but I don’t know where that church is. It is manifest that all the efficient cavalry of the enemy is to our rear. They will tear up
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