CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, I have the honor to hand you the following report of the operations of this brigade during the campaign ending in the occupation of Atlanta.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – September 13, 1864
After the battle of Chickamauga and pursuit of Wheeler and Roddey, in their attacks upon our trains and lines of communication in the months of September and October, and the battle of Mission Ridge, in November, 1863, the cavalry of the department, consi
Read MoreReport of Colonel Beroth B. Eggleston, First Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade – September 11, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward the following report of the operations of this command during the past campaign.
The brigade
Report from Lieutenant George I. Robinson to Lieutenant E. P. Sturges, Chicago Board of Trade Battery – September 5, 1864
On the 30th April I left Columbia, Tenn., marching with the Second Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland, to which my command is attached, to rejoin the army then in front of Chattanooga, arriving at Shellmound on the 7th Mat, where, by order of
Read MoreReport from Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 4, 1864
About the middle of April my division was very much scattered over the department, and, with the view of reorganization, was ordered to Columbia, Tenn. Before, however, Long’s brigade was mounted, I was ordered to join the army before Dalton on the 30th A
Read MoreFrom William McNabb (citizen) to OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL – August 14, 1864
Says he is a citizen of Dalton, Ga.; has been in the employ of the Confederate Government on the Western and Atlantic Railroad for three years; has been at Griswold Station with rolling-stock of the road. Came through Atlanta and Decatur day before yester
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 Colonel Eli Long to Captain Robert P. Kennedy – August 8, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the brigadier-general commanding, that I sent a scouting party of one battalion of McAfee’s Bridge at an early hour this morning. Lieutenant-Colonel Patten, First Ohio Cavalry, was in charge of t
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 7, 1864
GENERAL: In order that you may have a proper understanding of the recent cavalry operations form this army that terminated somewhat unsuccessfully, I will explain. On the 25th of July I had driven the enemy to his inner intrenchments of Atlanta, and had b
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 General U. S. Grant to Major General William T. Sherman – August 4, 1864
Richmond papers of yesterday announce the capture of General Stoneman and 500 of his party near Macon. Ga. The capture took place the 31st of July. Have you heard anything of this?
Read MoreFrom General U. S. Grant to Major General William T. Sherman – August 4, 1864
Our cavalry under General Iverson attacked the enemy yesterday near Clinton. The Yankees, commanded by General Stoneman, were routed, and about 500 prisoners, with 2 pieces of artillery, surrendered, and have just reached the city. The rest of the Yankee
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 4, 1864
Will you let General Elliott get a return of all the cavalry not of General Garrard’s proper command, including Generals McCook’s, Kilpatrick’s, and Stoneman’s, and Colonel Hamilton’s commands, and propose an organization that will make all efficient? Col
Read MoreFrom Major General David S. Stanley to Major General William T. Sherman – August 3, 1864
I have the honor to report, in answer to your inquiry, that I carried the picket-line on the whole corps front, excepting Gibson’s [brigade], of Wood’s division. Newton’s men went within 100 yards of the star fort. The rebels opened from at least twenty p
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 3, 1864
Richmond Dispatch to-day contains the following:
MACON, August 1, 1864-6 p. m.
Our cavalry under General Iverson attacked the enemy yesterday near Clinton. The Yankees, commanded by General Stoneman, routed, and Stoneman, 25 officers, about 500 pris
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Gordon Granger – August 3, 1864
I want that brigade. Stephen D. Lee is here from Mississippi with 3,500 cavalry, dismounted. Deserters say also that Forrest is here, but, if so, only for consultation. Get General Lorenzo Thomas to give you some negro regiments to hold the railroad stati
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 Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 1, 1864
Colonel Brownlow reports from Marietta that he has just reached there, having escaped from a disaster that overtook General McCook’s cavalry expedition at Newnan. He reports the expedition reached the railroad and destroyed more road than the rebels can r
Read MoreFrom L. P. Dodge to Isaac Scott – August 1, 1864
General Shoup desires me to ask your attention to a matter of great importance. Great suffering and loss of life is occasioned by the delay of trains in transporting the wounded to the rear. Instances have been reported where the trains have been seventy
Read MoreFrom L. P. Dodge to Brigadier General John H. Kelly – August 1, 1864
The general directs me to say that there is no news of importance here. Wheeler dispatches from Newnan that he has completed the killing, capturing, and breaking up of the raiding party under McCook. Yours of 9.40 received.
L. P. DODGE,
Aide-de-Camp
From Lieutenant David F. How to General Samuel Cooper – August 1, 1864
Adjutant and Inspector General:
General Stoneman, with a cavalry force estimated at 2,800, with artillery, was met two miles from this city by our forces, composed of Georgia reserves, citizens, local companies and the militia, which Governor Brown is
From General John B. Hood to James A. Seddon – August 1, 1864
The following dispatch is just received from Brigadier-General Iverson, through Major-General Cobb, at Macon, concerning the part of raiders who struck the Macon and Savannah road:
General Stoneman, after having his force routed, yesterday surrendered
From Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – July 31, 1864
I do not know of a better cavalry commander in my army than Garrard. He is an excellent administrative officer, and I have no doubt you will find on inquiry that his ordered from Stoneman were indefinite. Garrard is much more judicious than Kilpatrick, wh
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 Colonel Israel Garrard to Major John A. Campbell – July 31, 1864
I have the honor to report that the most through and careful investigation of all the news and reports among the citizens of Decatur has satisfied me that there was a fight of no great importance with the rear of Stoneman’s column near Flat Rock, but furt
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 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 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 John A. Campbell to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 30, 1864
COLONEL: The commanding general desires you to feel into Decatur with your regiment to-morrow morning, and, if possible, pick up some information about the movements of our cavalry. Do not appear to be anxious to obtain the information or intimate that we
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 MoreReport from Confederate Major-General Joseph Wheeler’s Cavalry – July 29, 1864
I took my place on the right of the army, skirmishing with the enemy until the 27th. At daylight on that morning, pursuant to orders, I relieved General Hardee’s entire line with my cavalry. While doing so I discovered that the enemy had abandoned their s
Read MoreFrom Major General George Stoneman to Major General William T. Sherman – July 26, 1864
In case we succeed in carrying out your wishes will it meet your approbation, should I see a good opening, if I should with a portion of the command make dash on Macon and by vigorous stroke release the prisoners (officers) now at that point, and afterwar
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George Stoneman – July 26, 1864
GENERAL: I have received your letter of July 26, asking permission after breaking good the railroad below McDonough to push on [to Macon], release the officers there, and afterward to go to Anderson[ville] and release the men confined there. I see many di
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 William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 25, 1864
GENERAL; Yours of to-day is received. I beg you will convey to Colonels Minty, Long, and Miller the assurances that I fully appreciate the services recently rendered. I would like to give all the time you ask for rest, reshoeing, &c., but am advised by Ge
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 Henry W. Halleck – July 23, 1864
General Rousseau reports from Marietta yesterday his safe return from Opelika, having destroyed that depot 30 miles of railroad toward Montgomery, 3 miles toward Columbus, and 2 toward West Point. His entire loss 12 killed and 30 wounded. He brings in 400
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 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 William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 15, 1864
I have heard from General Stoneman. He did not break the lower railroad, but burned a bridge over the Chattahoochee near Newnan. He will be in to-night, and I have ordered General Blair to move for Roswell to-morrow. You may, therefore, make all preparati
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 14, 1864
General Blair reports a movement of cavalry down the river on the other side all last night, drawn there doubtless by Stoneman’s and Rousseau’s movement. Let General Garrard feel out strong and disturb those that are left.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-Gener
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 Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 12, 1864
GENERAL: I have received your dispatches of last night. You may put in motion at once the Fifteenth Corps and trains for Roswell, leaving General Blair with such artillery and wagons as he may need to await the return of General Stoneman, and to make in t
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 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 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 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 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 Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 2, 1864
Report by letter or a staff officer the disposition of your command under the orders of last night to General Thomas, who is to remain where he now is. I will go to Cheney’s or Wade’s, down the Sandtown road. General Stoneman has been down to the Sweet Wa
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 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 Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 20, 1864
I do not wish to extend the infantry on that flank for good reasons. But the enemy has detached a great part of his cavalry back to our line of railroad where they are doing mischief. Now, if they can cross the Etowah, the Oostanaula, and Connesauga – lar
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 Frank P. Blair, Jr. – June 6, 1864
Instead of marching via Euharlee and Stilesborough march straight for this place via Cartersville and Allatoona. There is a pontoon bridge at the railroad crossing; leave a regiment at that bridge and relieve Garrard’s cavalry, and the balance of a brigad
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to J. C. Van Duzer – June 3, 1864
Both armies remain as at last advices by telegraph. Blair not at Rome yet. Stoneman and Garrard with cavalry occupy Allatoona Mountain, and trains and telegraph will reach Carter’s Station to-morrow. Who is General Grant?
Read MoreFrom Captain L. M. Dayton to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 2, 1864
GENERAL: Your note of this morning to the general commanding just to hand and he directs me to answer. He wishes you to picket at the west end of Allatoona Pass. Report to General Stoneman and re-enforce him to the full extent of your command (save the pi
Read MoreFrom 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 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 James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – May 18, 1864
GENERAL: We reached here at 6.30 p.m. found General Garrard here in accordance with instructions given him this morning. I inclose herewith his report, which will give you an idea of what his command has done to-day.* The report indicates that the enemy i
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 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 Henry W. Halleck – May 14, 1864
We have had hard fighting all day. Johnston purely on the defensive. The place has small detached redoubts, and in immense amount of rifle trenches. We have close the enemy well in, gaining ground slowly but securely all day. The country is very rough and
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 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 MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – May 10, 1864
GENERAL: I have yours of last night and have talked to Captain Audenried. I regret beyond measure you did not break the railroad, however little, and close to Resaca, but I suppose it was impossible. We find in Buzzard Roost Gap an almost impassable obsta
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – May 10, 1864
I am starting for the extreme front in Buzzard Roost Gap, and write this dispatch that you may understand. Johnston acts purely on the defensive. I am attacking him on his strongest fronts, viz, west and north, till McPherson breaks his line at Resaca, wh
Read MoreFrom Captain L. M. Dayton to Major General George H. Thomas – May 10, 1864
GENERAL: By direction of the general commanding, you will please order Major-General Hooker to support General McPherson at Snake Creek Gap, directing your nest division to General Geary to watch the road Geary is occupying. The general directs me also to
Read MoreFrom 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
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