Your dispatch received. Make all dispatch to reach Paducah to report to General Thomas at Nashville. Your services here will be short and the probabilities are you will return again to the Mississippi. Still, I will order you detached men to you. I will b
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General John M. Schofield to – September 7, 1864
I. The troops will march to Decatur to-morrow, General Cox’s division in advance. The trains will move between the two divisions. The cavalry will cover the movement. The march will begin at 5 a.m. General Cox will take position a short distance out of to
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 4, 1864
GENERAL: The rebel pickets were withdrawn from all roads to the east of this, except on the McDonough road, by 4 p.m. yesterday and their army may now be regarded as south of us. On the McDonough road the cavalry of the Army of the Ohio was skirmishing ye
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – September 3, 1864
Major General H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:
As already reported, the army drew from about Atlanta, and on the 30th had made a good break of the West Point road and reached a good position from which to strike the Macon railroad, the right (General
From Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – September 2, 1864
GENERAL: After a long and most tedious march over all sorts of roads, I was barely able to get one division in position on Stanley’s left some time after dark. My artillery and trains are not even yet off the road. I found the country roads, by which I wa
Read MoreFrom George W. Schofield to Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox – September 2, 1864
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say to you that he had the following instructions from General Sherman, viz: “If Stewart’s corps has passed down from Atlanta and joined Hood at Jonesborough, you may order Garrard up to act with you aro
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – September 2, 1864
At 2 a.m. I heard heavy firing and saw a large fire in the direction of Atlanta. I have just heard more firing seemingly nearer. Garrard is to our rear, with orders to cover us from all approach from that quarter. I have not yet clearly ascertained if Ste
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 2, 1864
I have your dispatch of 7.15 last evening, since which time you have a letter from me. I heard explosions and firing about Atlanta at 2 o’clock and at this moment I hear more seemingly nearer us, but due north; it must be Garrard, but what force he engage
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – September 2, 1864
Until we hear from Atlanta the exact truth, I do not care about your pushing your men against breast-works. Destroy the railroad well up to your lines; keep skirmishers well up, and hold your troops in hand for anything that may turn up. As soon as I know
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant Colonel H. W. Perkins to Colonel Robert H. G. Minty – September 2, 1864
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that our large reconnoitering parties sent out this morning report that Atlanta is evacuated and that our people are now in there. He directs once. The general is just leaving for that point.<
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General John M. Schofield – September 2, 1864
COLONEL: Yesterday every one said (prisoners and citizens) that Stewart’s corps and militia were in Atlanta and East Point; also that Armstrong’s brigade cavalry [was] near East Point; also that a large train of wagons passed down toward Jonesborough unde
Read MoreReport of Major General John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio – September 1, 1864
General Cox followed as soon as General Garrard arrived with his cavalry division, to cover our rear and trains against any sudden attack from the north
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 1, 1864
GENERAL: From reports of my staff I think enough of the railroad has been broken until we have conquered the army now lying at Jonesborough. We had pretty hard fighting with them this afternoon, and I think had all our force been engaged we would have bea
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 1, 1864
I have yours announcing the destruction up, including Rough and Ready. I want all your troops down on Stanley’s left, and the cavalry very far to Atlanta. Slocum is ordered to watch Atlanta from the bridge. If there be anything more at Jonesborough than H
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
As the question of rank will come up, I will decide it now, and beg you to acquiesce whatever your present opinion may be. Whenever two or more officers happen together on a common duty calling for a common head, even for a minute, the officer highest in
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Milo S. Hascall – August 31, 1864
GENERAL: Cox got the railroad at 3 o’clock and Stanley joined him about 4. We are well intrenched and have the road secured. To-morrow promises to be a day of hard work, and I hope profitable, perhaps decisive. I want you to move down with two brigades an
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
Your information corresponds with that of our information here. Baird is on the road leading straight down from Rough and Ready to Jonesborough, about five miles north of Jonesborough. Howard found a strong and threatening force in his front, but is stron
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 31, 1864
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
August 31, 1864-8.15 a. m.
General SHERMAN:
Captain Audenried has just handed me your dispatch of this morning and explained your wishes. My troops are now massing n
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – August 31, 1864
I have yours of 3 a. m. I am satisfied you have as many men as can operate at that point now. Let Kilpatrick reach well to the right, break the telegraph and take up a few rails, but I want you to get possession and fortify some one point of the road itse
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – August 31, 1864
Your dispatch is received. Of course, now an attack by you on Jonesborough is out of the question, but you can make that position impregnable, and we can operate beyond. Baird is now moving toward the road four miles north of you, and Schofield about the
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
I have your dispatch and am rejoiced. I think we have now a good game. Break road down toward Jonesborough. The bulk of the enemy’s good troops are there; they attacked Howard twice and were repulsed. Put Garrard’s cavalry at your back; work down the road
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
I wrote you in the night and the couriers are back with a receipt, so I suppose you are moving toward Mrs. Long’s or Morrow’s Mill. I was at Morrow’s yesterday and it seemed a good point, but examine well. I do not think the enemy will attack now, because
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Colonel Israel Garrard – August 30, 1864
COLONEL: The commanding general desires you, if possible, to move from your present position, via Mims’ and Trimble’s Mill, down to the point at the intersection of the Jonesborough and East Point road, where you will meet the infantry, instead of followi
Read MoreFrom Major William M. Wherry to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 30, 1864
GENERAL: The commanding general desires you to occupy, substantially, the present position occupied by his infantry, crossing the railroad and all roads to the left of it. Colonel Garrard will cover all roads between you and the infantry. The infantry wil
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – August 30, 1864
GENERAL: On leaving Decatur I was directed to send daily report to department headquarters under the impression that this was to notify the chief of cavalry of my station daily. The only day one of his staff officers has not been in my camp I reported by
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General John M. Schofield to Major John A. Campbell – August 30, 1864
I. The troops will move promptly at 4.30 a. m. to-morrow — early daylight — by the right flank, in their present order, on the road to Shoal Creek Church. The skirmish line will be kept out well to the left and will move parallel to the column. At Mrs
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General John M. Schofield – August 29, 1864
GENERAL: My headquarters are at Wait’s house, on the south side of Camp Creek, and my two brigades lie to the left, along the creek. I cover all the roads and ground from Mims’ around to the Sandtown road, a mile west of Patterson’s, and also picket to my
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General John M. Schofield to – August 29, 1864
I. The plan of operations for to-morrow is as follows: The Army of the Tennessee to move from Fairburn to Renfroe Place (near Jonesborough); the Army of the Cumberland, from Red Oak, via Shoal Creek Church, to Couch’s; the Army of the Ohio, via Red Oak an
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 28, 1864
GENERAL: You had better move your trains by the middle road of the three in front of Mount Gilead Church. It will come out at Red Oak where there are cleared fields on corn – this is the same by which General Thomas moved his trains, and they report it ve
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 28, 1864
GENERAL: I send you a map showing my present position, and from which you can see what my probably movement till be to-morrow. General Thomas is now on the railroad about Red Oak, and General Howard has crossed it, between Red Oak and Fairburn. To-morrow
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 28, 1864
GENERAL: I occupy the works vacated by General Stanley, with my left resting at Mrs. Holbrook’s. The enemy made a demonstration upon Cox’s right about noon, but got back into his works as quickly as possible upon finding that we were in force. We then wit
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 27, 1864
I am directed by the general commanding to say that General Stanley will march to vicinity of Mount Gilead Church to-day, and that you will then act on the left flank and rear of General Schofield’s corps. His headquarters are in the vicinity of W. Holbro
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 23, 1864
I think the rebels have already repaired the Macon road. How soon can you be ready to execute our former plan?
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 22, 1864
Nothing of importance has occurred on this flank. A negro who came in last night reports that Ross’ brigade and battery were captured by Kilpatrick on the 20th; says he saw the captain of the battery yesterday and heard him make the statement.
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 22, 1864
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 22, 1864.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS, U. S. Volunteers,
Commanding:
I wish to see General Kilpatrick soon as possible.
W. T.
From Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 21, 1864
Prisoners captured by General Cox last evening report that Kilpatrick struck the railroad at Jonesborough the morning after he started. Very distant artillery firing was heard in the direction of Macon from our extreme right last evening. I have learned n
Read MoreFrom Major General Oliver O. Howard to Major General John M. Schofield – August 20, 1864
The following just received from signal officer:
A train of fifteen freight cars just left Atlanta, loaded with troops inside and outside; tops of cars were crowded.
From Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 20, 1864
General Stanley reports that the brigade started out on his left, drove back the enemy’s skirmishers one mile, and found the right of his infantry line, took 8 prisoners form Strahl’s brigade, who report that Ferguson’s brigade of cavalry left their right
Read MoreFrom Major General David S. Stanley to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – August 20, 1864
GENERAL: The inclosed papers,* taken from a rebel scout killed near Decatur by Colonel Miller’s command this morning, show Hood is anxious to know the exact location of the left. Whether for curiosity, or because he thinks of an enterprise, it is hard to
Read MoreFrom Major General Jefferson C. Davis to Major General John M. Schofield – August 20, 1864
GENERAL: A part of my troops have reached Red Oak and are tearing up the track at this time. I have ordered Morgan to return. They met but little resistance. All the rebel cavalry have gone to the rear in pursuit of Kilpatrick.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 19, 1864
According to the doctrine of chances, on the supposition that Kilpatrick breaks the road, of which, I think, there is no doubt, the enemy should try to break our center. Therefore, let orders be made that in case of any indications of such an event the wi
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 19, 1864
The large battery which we struck in the first move is, I believe, about the northeast corner of let 190, where two roads come into the Newman road. From that point the enemy’s lines seem to run southeast to the West Point railroad, striking it near Bacon
Read MoreFrom Major General Oliver O. Howard to Major General John M. Schofield – August 19, 1864
A long train of cars, loaded on top with troops, just moved down to the barracks, where it took on more troops and then moved south.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 19, 1864
Your dispatch is received. General Stanley, on the other flank, is operating in like manner. General Garrard, with his remaining brigade, was to be in Decatur at daylight to move toward Flat Rock and engaged a brigade of cavalry on that flank, and move of
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 19, 1864
Considerable artillery firing was heard from our right this morning, commencing at daylight and lasting about two hours. It first appeared to be near Fairburn, and moved continually toward Jonesborough. The enemy is very quiet in our front this morning an
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 18, 1864
Our telegraph now works to Chattanooga. The conclusion my mind has arrived at is that Hood sent Wheeler’s cavalry to occupy our road at Dalton; that he had re-enforced East Point with a division of his old corps, which last night was brought back on the s
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 18, 1864
I wanted to come down to the extreme right to-day, and may still, but I must watch matters to our rear. Hood no doubt supposes he has put Wheeler on our line, and is demonstrating accordingly; he has small parties to cut our wires nightly. We cannot now g
Read MoreFrom 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 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 Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 17, 1864
I have a message from General Kilpatrick, inclosing a copy of his report to General Elliott.* He thinks it not only possible but comparatively easy to break the railroad to Macon effectually. I do not want to move this vast army and its paraphernalia roun
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 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-
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 17, 1864
The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that he is in receipt of a report from Major-General Stanley of a movement on the part of the enemy on our left. He desires you to keep a strict lookout, and watch any movement that may be made by him,
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 17, 1864
Information from all scouts seems to confirm the report that Wheeler has taken off the greater part of his cavalry. I therefore think this will be as good a time as could be taken to make another raid on the Macon railroad, but if you send Kilpatrick I wo
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 17, 1864
Your dispatch directing the movement of the cavalry has been received, and the necessary orders given Garrard; also orders to keep the enemy fully occupied to- morrow and next day.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 16, 1864
Have you an idea where Mount Gilead Church is! Ascertain if possible from General Kilpatrick if he does not think with two of General Garrard’s brigades in addition to his own he could break the Macon road effectually. I do not think General Garrard will
Read MoreFrom Colonel Israel Garrard to Major John A. Campbell – August 16, 1864
Major J. A. CAMPBELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Ohio:
MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of Major- General Schofield, and to inform him that I communicated to Brigadier- General Kilpatrick his message to h
From Major General John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox – August 16, 1864
GENERAL: I am informed that General Kilpatrick is about moving out to attack the rebel cavalry near Mount Gilead Church. At 12 m. he was on the Campbellton road at the cross- road leading to the church, and I believe about a mile and a half from your righ
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Generals Schofield and Howard – August 16, 1864
General Garrard is back; went seven miles; saw some horsemen and came back. General John E, Smith is at Resaca, and the enemy is at Spring Place. I think Generals Smith and Steedman can so manage that Wheeler will be driven north. Has General Schofield he
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant Colonel George W. Schofield to Brigadier General Milo S. Hascall – August 16, 1864
GENERAL: I am directed by the major- general commanding to inform you that Kilpatrick has reached Fairburn, burned the depot, torn up track, &c. At 9 p. m. last night he was this side of Camp Creek, hoping that Jackson would come out and fight him. He als
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
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick – August 16, 1864
The general commanding directs that you occupy Sandtown with your command, and scout as far as Camp Creek.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID F. HOW,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
HE
Read MoreSpecial 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 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 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 John M. Schofield – August 14, 1864
There is no doubt wheeler is up about Dalton with a large cavalry force. I want our cavalry now to feel the enemy’s flanks strong, and will order General Kilpatrick to cross at Sandtown and make a bold push for Fairburn, and General Garrard in like manner
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General John E. Smith to Major General William T. Sherman – August 14, 1864
A drove of cattle was this a. m. captured together with escort. Have sent out all available cavalry and 300 infantry. Commanding officer at Adairsville telegraphs 6 p. m.-
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 14, 1864
COLONEL: General Sherman is informed that a large body of the enemy’s cavalry is now north of the Chattahoochee, making a raid upon our rear, and he desires to take advantage of their absence to operate on the enemy’s flanks. General Kilpatrick’s will cro
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 14, 1864
GENERAL: In accordance with the desire expressed by you yesterday to General Thomas, General Howard, and myself, I have the honor to submit the following plan of operations, having for its object to compel the enemy to abandon his works about Atlanta and
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 14, 1864
Your dispatch is received, and I will order Colonel Garrard to move accordingly early in the morning and report to General Kilpatrick at Sandtown.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 14, 1864
The telegraph has just announced the capture, by the rebel cavalry, of a drove of 1,000 cattle about Adairsville. Let General McCook have a determined pursuit and General Garrard a brigade ready to push across to and beyond Canton, to prevent the driving
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant David F. How to Brigadier General Edward M. McCook – August 14, 1864
Ascertain if possible the route which the rebels have taken. A brigade of cavalry is ready to move in any direction and cut off their retreat.
By order, &c.:
DAVID F. HOW,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. CH
Read MoreJournal of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Fullerton, 4th Army Corps – August 11, 1864
2 p. m., received a note from General Sherman directing General Stanley to inquire of General Garrard whether the enemy are working on the Augusta railroad. Such fact is reported by prisoners. 3 p. m., General Garrard reports that some of the offi
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General William D. Whipple to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 9, 1864
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that at as early an hour as possible this morning you send a brigade out to and beyond Decatur on our left to make a demonstration against the enemy. General Kilpatrick’s division is ordered to threaten a cros
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant David F. How to Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick – August 8, 1864
The enemy’s cavalry on the south side of the Chattahoochee threatens General Schofield’s right flank on or near the Sandtown and Atlanta road. The general commanding directs that you make a demonstration opposite to and below Sandtown as if you intended t
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 8, 1864
I will order Kilpatrick’s cavalry down on the other bank of the Chattahoochee to being as crossing at Sandtown. As soon as I learn where Kilpatrick is I will tell you where its effect may be felt. It seems to me a part of the Fourteenth Corps could be spa
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 8, 1864
The enemy’s cavalry manifests activity on our right, threatening to cross Utoy Creek to General Schofield’s rear. He has little or no cavalry. I want him to-morrow to develop well the enemy’s flank, which I believe is along the south fork of Utoy Creek, c
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 6, 1864
We have now developed our line along with the enemy from the Augusta railroad, on our left, to Utoy Post-Office, on our right, and the enemy faces us in force at all points with equal force and superior works. General Schofield tried to break through at a
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 2, 1864
I am quite unwell to-day. General Schofield is marching for and will take up position on the right. I think well of General Stanley’s keeping a mere line of display were General Schofield was for a few days, and if you can occupy General Palmer’s place in
Read MoreFrom James C. Van Duzer to Major T. T. Eckert – August 1, 1864
Our cavalry, under General McCook, reached the Macon road, burned a brigade, and destroyed railroad for twelve miles at thoroughly as possible. Burned several trains of wagons-500 in all-including 300 loads of clothing, and Hood’s headquarters train, but
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick – August 1, 1864
Protect with your division to Chattahoochee River, taking the Sand town road. Should you find any stragglers from First Division, bring them up with you. We hear the division inflicted considerable damage on the enemy, but was afterward overpowered by cav
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 1, 1864
You had better order General Kilpatrick to march at once down by Marietta to our right flank, and to gather up the fragments of General McCook’s cavalry and put it in shop[e, for enemy will surely cross over to that flank. Also, if you have regiment of ca
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General John M. Schofield to – August 1, 1864
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 1, 1864.
* * * * * * *
VI. The troops will withdraw from their present position and move toward the right this evening. The movement will commence at dark and will be made by brigade from the left. Each brigade will remai
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 31, 1864
I have news from General Garrard. He camped eighteen miles from here last night, on the Peach Tree road, and is coming toward Buck Head now; had a small fight first day; since, nothing. I think I understood the man, and that General Stoneman has gone on t
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 31, 1864
I have your dispatch, which is most satisfactory. I think General Schofield, supported by General Davis and Ward, will reach the railroad. At all events, it is our true move. General Garrard’s cavalry can occupy General Schofield’s lines, and General Stan
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – July 31, 1864
General Garrard did not destroy any of the railroad. He was posted at Flat Rock by General Stoneman to occupy the attention of the enemy’s cavalry, which he (Stoneman) pressed to his rear and south. All we know to the Macon road is from a Colonel Garrard,
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Generals Thomas and Howard – July 31, 1864
A cavalryman, just in, says General Garrard is coming in by the Peach Tree road; had a small fight first day, none since. Says General Stoneman has gone on, so that branch of the raid seems to be doing well. I now want news of General McCook. As soon as G
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – July 30, 1864
The enemy has shown more force than usual in his main works in my front to-day, and has been erecting a battery a short distance in front of his old works on the railroad brigade, where I pressed him closely on the 28th. Colonel Garrard reports no movemen
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 30, 1864
No change since my last. Weather has been intensely hot, and to-day it is raining hard. General Garrard’s cavalry is back. General Stoneman placed it at Flat Rock to cover his movement south. General Garrard reports the enemy’s cavalry all round him for t
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – July 30, 1864
A rebel scouting party which came into Decatur this morning informed the citizens that the railroad had been cut by our cavalry at a place called Jonesborough, as it was understood by Colonel Garrard, who brought the report.
Read MoreReport from Major General William T. Sherman about Stoneman’s Cavalry Raid – July 29, 1864
Having, therefore, sufficiently crippled the Augusta road, and rendered it useless to the enemy, I then addressed myself to the task of reaching the Macon road, over which of necessity came the stores and ammunition that alone maintained the
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – July 29, 1864
I have sent a brigade of infantry with Colonel Garrard’s cavalry to make a detour to the left and threaten the enemy’s extreme right, reconnoitering all the roads to the east and south. I will also keep up activity along my front.
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 25, 1864
The several armies and bodies of cavalry will watch the enemy closely to their respective fronts, and in case the enemy retreats toward the southeast General Schofield will follow directly through Atlanta, General Thomas by roads on his right,
Read MoreFrom Major General John A. Logan to Major General William T. Sherman – July 24, 1864
I have the honor to state the brigade of cavalry from General Stoneman’s command, which, by information from you of last evening, was to report to me this morning, has not yet reported. It is necessary that trains with forage and rations should be brought
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 23, 1864
GENERAL: We find the enemy in force inside of Atlanta, doubtless in the entrenchments as represented in the blue map as a circle of one mile and a quarter radius. We can see the building of town plain. The enemy fires a good deal of artillery, which passe
Read MoreReport from Major General William T. Sherman about Garrard’s Raid on Covington – July 23, 1864
In the mean time Wheeler’s cavalry, unopposed (for General Garrard was absent at Covington by my order), had reached Decatur and attempted to capture the wagon trains, but Colonel (now General) Sprague covered them with great s
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 21, 1864
GENERAL: Yesterday at 4 p. m. the enemy sallied from his entrenchments and fell suddenly and heavily on our line in the direction of Buck Head. The blow fell upon General Newton’s division, of General Howard’s corps, and on General Ward’s, Geary’s, and Wi
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