Brigadier-General Garrard’s cavalry is ordered on an expedition by Major-General Sherman which will occupy them at least two days. This will leave Decatur defenseless, and the way open for a small body of the enemy’s cavalry to dash into our rear. You wil
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 20, 1864
GENERAL: I have a dispatch from General Grant. Answer him in my name that Major General Smith has the very orders he suggests, viz, to hang on the Forrest and prevent his coming to Tennessee. I will, however, renew the order. I advanced from the Chattahoo
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – July 20, 1864
We have had some pretty lively skirmishing and have driven the enemy from several pretty strong positions, though I do not think there has been much of anything but cavalry in front of us on the left. But they have had four pieces of artillery and are arm
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 19, 1864
GENERAL: I have this moment received yours of 3.30, and am very glad to hear that Howard has the means to cross over to Schofield in case of need. We have had some skirmishing and abundant evidence that the whole of the rebel army is about Atlanta. The fo
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 19, 1864
In the Field, near Decatur, Ga., July 19, 1864.
The whole army will move on Atlanta by the most direct roads to-morrow, July 20, beginning at 5 a. m., as follows:
I. Major-General Thomas from the direction of Buck Head, his left to connect with Gene
Special Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – July 19, 1864
In order to carry out Special Field Orders, Numbers 39, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, a copy of which is inclosed herewith,* the following movements will take place to-morrow:
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 18, 1864
In the Field, near Cross Keys, Ga., July 18, 1864.
The movement of the army to-morrow, July 19, will be as follows:
I. Major-General Thomas will press down from the north on Atlanta, holding in strength the line of Peach Tree, but crossing and threa
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 18, 1864
I am at Sam. House’s, a brick house well known, and near Old Cross Keys. A sick negro, the only human being left on the premises, says we are eleven miles from Atlanta, five from Buck Head, and a sign board says ten miles to McAfee’s Bridge and eleven to
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 17, 1864
Commanding Army of the Cumberland:
GENERAL: General Schofield has just been here and describes his position as on Nancy’s Creek, his pickets on south side, near Cross Keys, about the lots 304, 315, and 316.
General McPherson is on the road from Rosw
Special Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 17, 1864
Memoranda to Special Field Orders, Numbers 36: The map composed of two parts of the official compilation made at Marietta July 5 and 11, 1864, is the best and will be the standard for orders issued from these headquarters. As a general rule, old road will
Read MoreFrom General Joseph E. Johnston to Jefferson Davis – July 16, 1864
Your dispatch of to-day received. The slight change in the enemy’s dispositions made since my dispatch of the 14th to General Cooper was reported to General Bragg yesterday. It was a report from General Wheeler that Schofield’s corps had advanced eastward
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 16, 1864
GENERAL: I have just heard from General McPherson. He moves in the morning for his position on a Decatur road till abreast of you, his cavalry at or near Buchanan’s. You will therefore move to-morrow to the position described in Special Field Orders, Numb
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – July 16, 1864
VII. In order to carry out the spirit and intention of Special Field Orders, Numbers 35, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, the following movements will take place:
1. The Fifteenth Army Corps, Major General John A. Logan commanding, wi
Special Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 14, 1864
In the Field, near Chattahoochee River, Numbers 35.
July 14, 1864.
Preliminary steps having already begun, the following general plan will be observed and adhered to:
I. Major-General Thomas will prepare to cross his army at Powers’ and Pace’s Fe
From General Joseph E. Johnston to General Samuel Cooper – July 14, 1864
General Wheeler reports Dodge’s corps, with two brigades of cavalry, on this side of the river near Roswell, and Howard’s and Schofield’s corps also on this side, intrenched midway between Roswell and the railroad. A body of Federal cavalry crossed the ri
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Lieutenant General U.S. Grant – July 12, 1864
DEAR GENERAL: I have written you but once since the opening of the campaign, but I report by telegraph to Halleck daily, and he furnishes you copy. My progress was slower than I calculated, from two chief causes, an uninterrupted rain from June 2 to about
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Grenville M. Dodge – July 10, 1864
I have been out all day; am just back. Have received General Garrard’s and your dispatches. I design that General McPherson’s whole army shall come to that flank, and you are to prepare the way. General newton will stay with you till you feel all sate, wh
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 9, 1864
It is reported from Acworth that the road is threatened by a regiment of Texans, 500 strong. As soon as you are strengthened by infantry, increase your force above Roswell at the upper bridge, to interpose between it and the bridge. This is the reason why
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 9, 1864
Dispatch received. One division of Thomas’ moved for Roswell last night by the river road. Two divisions of McPherson, Dodge’s corps, are now moving for Roswell via Marietta. Hold fast all you have made, and fortify until re-enforced.
W. T. SHERMAN,
From Major General George H. Thomas to Major General Oliver O. Howard – July 9, 1864
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that at daylight you move a division for Roswell Factory to support and make sure of everything that may be gained by Garrard. Let it move without wagons and remain until relieved by General McPherson’s troops
Read MoreFrom Captain L. M. Dayton to Major General George H. Thomas – July 9, 1864
GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to say that General Schofield has effected a crossing and lodgment, and has two bridges laid. He captured a gun and did not lose a man. The general commanding directs, also, that you will move one division
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. Steedman – July 9, 1864
I am informed by General Sherman that Colonel Garrard is on the way to the front with a brigade of cavalry. The general directs me to take command of any and all cavalry on the way to the front to enable [me] to clear the country of rebels. I have somethi
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 9, 1864
What news? Have you crossed? You know that Schofield is across.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
JULY 9, 1864-7 a.m.
Major-General SHERMAN:
I have the ridge on the south bank of the river. The infantry should come up at once. I see
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 9, 1864
GENERAL: We now have a good lodgment on the other bank of the river, Schofield at the mouth of Soap Creek and Garrard opposite Roswell. I saw General Dodge to-day en route for Roswell and explained to him the importance of the place, and he understands it
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 8, 1864
I have been to our extreme right and all well. Be active at daylight to-morrow to draw attention as far down the river as possible. The moment I hear you have made a lodgment on the south bank I will send a division up to re-enforce you, and it will be fo
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 8, 1864
General Garrard will effect a lodgment to-morrow morning at Roswell, and General Schofield about the mouth of Soap Creek. The moment I hear that General Garrard is successful I will send one of General McPherson’s corps up, but he is so far off that it ma
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 8, 1864
I will go over to the right to-day. General Schofield will see as to making a lodgment about the mouth of Soap Creek, and General Garrard at Roswell Factory. I want you to stir up the enemy to-day, and this afternoon and to-night to send down rafts to bre
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – July 7, 1864
I have not been able to reconnoiter as far as Roswell to-day. I find a pretty good crossing near mouth of Soap Creek. Half a mile above the creek is a shallow ford where infantry can cross easily, but there is no road leading to it and it would be difficu
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General Oliver O. Howard – July 7, 1864
GENERAL: General Sherman has ordered Schofield to cross the river to-night at Roswell Factory, and secure a lodgment on the south side. To divert the enemy’s attention as much as possible from him I wish you to display a force in front of Pace’s Ferry, ab
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 7, 1864
I have a letter from Garrard; he has possession of the factory at Roswell. I wish you to make an examination thereabouts and secure a foothold, fortified on the other side, anywhere about Roswell or mouth of Soap Creek. I also that Johnston’s cavalry has
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 7, 1864
GENERAL: Your report is received and is most acceptable. I had no idea that the factories at Roswell remained in operation, but supposed the machinery had all been removed. Their utter destruction is right and meets my entire approval, and to make the mat
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 6, 1864
GENERAL: I have just received your note announcing that you have possession of Roswell. This is important; watch well the crossing there, but not in force; keep your main force concealed somewhat. General McCook has just started for some point between Rot
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 5, 1864
GENERAL: I have ordered Schofield over to this road, in rear of the center, preparatory to moving him over to about the mouth of Rottenwood or Roswell Factory according to reports I may receive from General Garrard. I was in hopes you would get control of
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 5, 1864
GENERAL: I have ordered Schofield over to this road, in rear of the center, preparatory to moving him over to about the mouth of Rottenwood or Roswell Factory according to reports I may receive from General Garrard. I was in hopes you would get control of
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George Stoneman – July 5, 1864
DEAR STONEMAN: I have your note, which is very satisfactory. I have heard of your general success from other quarters. I will instruct General Barry to give you a good four-gun battery, if he can get one from some of the commands. Our left is now on the r
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 5, 1864
On the 3rd we pursued the enemy by all the roads south till we found him in an intrenched position which had been prepared in advance, its salient on the main Marietta and Atlanta road about five miles south of Marietta, and the wings behind the Nickajack
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 4, 1864
I have no doubt that the enemy will attempt to molest our rear with his cavalry, and that he has reserved Roswell fortified for that very purpose. To counteract his designs I have ordered Garrard, with his whole cavalry, to proceed to Roswell, take the pl
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 3, 1864
General Thomas is moving directly down the road hence to railroad bridge. Garrard’s cavalry is off to the left between railroad and Chattahoochee. I want you and McPherson to threaten the flank of the enemy from Ruff’s Mill; also in the direction of Turne
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General George Stoneman – July 3, 1864
GENERAL: The enemy abandoned Kenesaw in the night and has fallen back along his entire line how far does not yet appear. General Thomas is following. General McPherson is moving over onto our right, according to yesterday’s orders. If the enemy crosses th
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 3, 1864
Major-General.
(Same to General Schofield.)
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
July 3, 1864.
Major-General SHERMAN:
The enemy has disappeared from my entire front, and my troops have been in pursuit since daylight. Please direc
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 2, 1864
Don’t order back your empty wagons, but have them loaded with bran, rice, hominy, sugar and coffee, and salt, and I will see, if the commissaries have slighted you in distribution of bread rations, that it be made good. I also think it will be safe for yo
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 2, 1864
General McPherson is now moving out. General Garrard will cover the depot; but one of the greatest probabilities is that Wheeler’s cavalry will, the moment the disposition of the infantry is discovered, sweep round the flank of the cavalry and try to capt
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 1, 1864
In the Field, near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. Numbers 31.
July 1, 1864
The object of the contemplated movement is to deprive the enemy of the great advantage he has in Kenesaw as a valuable watchtower from which to observe our every movement; to force hi
From James C. Van Duzer to Major T. T. Eckert – June 27, 1864
At 8.30 a. m. to- day Sherman attacked the enemy’s line at four points, Schofield carrying the position of the enemy on Sandtown road, north of Ollely’s Creek, which he holds, and which is all the real gain of the day. Thomas attacked with four brigades,
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – June 21, 1864
GENERAL: I saw these papers in the hands of your scout and read them hastily. I am gratified at the good progress of Howard, Wood, and Whitaker. Let them all hold fast to all we get, and be ready as soon as we can move with anything like life. Early to-mo
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – June 18, 1864
Your note is just received. I was down with Schofield till near dark – until after he had got bridge and crossing at Noyes’ Creek. I also happened to be near Howard when that firing occurred, and had I not been caught by mud and darkness would have come d
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to General U. S. Grant – June 18, 1864
DEAR GENERAL: I have the doubt you want me to write your occasionally letters not purely official, but which will admit of a little more latitude than such documents possess. I have daily sent to Halleck telegraphs which I asked him to report to you, and
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – June 9, 1864
In the Field, Acworth, Ga., June 9, 1864.
The armies will move forward to-morrow morning.
I. Major-General Thomas the center, on the Burnt Hickory and Marietta road and such other roads as he may choose between it and the Acworth and Marietta road,
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – May 31, 1864
I sent you the orders of movement for to-morrow. I now send you a map which gives the best surveys, and I indicate the best points for your five divisions to cover the right flank. Our heaviest fighting will be still farther east than is given on this map
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – May 31, 1864
GENERAL: You will observe that after full reflection and due observation I have concluded to make the movement by the left. To affect this, so far as you are concerned, I advise you to-night to place one brigade of Dodge’s at the parapet of Jeff. C. Davis
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – May 30, 1864
In the Field, near Dallas, Ga., May 30, 1864.
The movements of the army during May 31 and June 1 will be as follows:
I. May 31, the lines will remain substantially as now, and a general activity will be kept up along the whole front. General McPhers
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – May 19, 1864
GENERAL: I am satisfied that if there be any force in front of you it is a division of Cheatham’s that said here last night. It should not escape. Garrard’s cavalry is now moving for the bridge across Etowah, with orders to hold it. Press down on that for
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – May 18, 1864
GENERAL: Until we know exactly the course taken by Johnston from Kingston I cannot make orders more exact than those already existing. You are now on the plain, well-marked trail of the enemy. You will, early in the morning, renew the pursuit, following t
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – May 17, 1864
GENERAL: It is probable on reaching Adairsville in the early morning we will find the enemy has retreated via Cassville. If such be the case I want you to put your head of column after him as far as Cassville, when I will determine whether to continue the
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – May 16, 1864
Railroad track finished and cars in. Columns are well across Oostanaula, and I will aim to reach Kingston to-morrow, and the Etowah on the third day. I take it for granted Rome will fall as a consequence.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.
RESACA, GA.
From Captain L. M. Dayton to Major General John M. Schofield – May 16, 1864
GENERAL: Your dispatch of midnight is to hand, and the general commanding says it’s very well, and to secure a strong flank on the river, keeping your one division in reserve. General Garrard is in possession of the bridge over Oostanaula, eight miles thi
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – May 15, 1864
GENERAL: I regret exceedingly you did not avail yourself of the chance I gave you to cut the railroad. At the time you reached the bridge, Martin’s cavalry was all that was on that flank, and they widely scattered. Forrest on the 6th was retreating before
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – May 14, 1864
GENERAL: As I wrote you last night I intended to cross the Oostanaula south by our left, but Schofield has swung round so far to the north or left that time will be lost. The pontoons will be in an hour or so at a point on Snake Creek its mouth, with Capt
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – May 13, 1864
I want the pontoon bridge laid at the best point near Ray’s [Lay’s] Ferry, near the mouth of Lick or Snake Creek. I inclose a sketch* made to-day by a seemingly intelligent officer. As soon as I know the pontoons have started down the road I will send all
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – May 12, 1864
May 12, 1864.
The object of the movement for to-morrow is to interpose between the enemy and Resaca, and to break his communications.
I. Major-General McPherson will move his column directly on Resaca occupying in force the hills on this side of Cam
From Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – May 10, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatches of 10 [.30] a. m. to-day. Brigadier-General Williams has reported his division at the west end of the gap, and I have directed him to leave one brigade there to guard the trains and t
Read MoreCircular from Major General James B. McPherson – May 10, 1864
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Numbers 1.
Harris’ House, May 10, 1864.
The commanding general desire to warn the officers of this command against any useless and wasteful expenditure of artillery ammunition, as on account of the limited transportati
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – May 10, 1864
GENERAL: I shall attack Johnston through Snake Creek Gap. I will take your three infantry division along, but for the time will have to leave Stoneman to guard the point now occupied by you and to keep u a delusion as long as possible. I propose to leave
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – May 5, 1864
SIR: The enemy still lies about Dalton, and from all appearances is on the defensive, guarding approaches mostly from the north and west. He occupies in some force the range of hills known as the Tunnel Hill. By to-morrow night our forces will be about as
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