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 MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Major General William T. Sherman – October 15, 1864
GENERAL: The operator reports Garrard’s DIVISION having left Adairsville one hour since. General Raum reports a ford five miles above. Will Garrard march for Buzzard Roost as ordered, or do you wish to change the destination of his DIVISION? He will reach
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
Special Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – September 3, 1864
In the Field, near Lovejoy’s Station, Ga. Numbers 63.
September 3, 1864.
I. Army commanders will, during to-day, send to Jonesborough all sick and wounded men, all empty wagons, and prisoners of war, also all surplus wheels not needed for a five day
From 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 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 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 George H. Thomas – August 23, 1864
As near as I can make out the rebels have repaired the Macon road, and we must swing across it. Let me know when you will be ready to execute the former plan.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 23, 1864
Inasmuch as we have postponed our movement till Thursday night I think it would be well for General Garrard to send out the brigade that did not go with General Kilpatrick out to Stone Mountain to-morrow, and let it break up another five miles of road to
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 George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 21, 1864
Did you receive Colonel Klein’s report* forwarded this morning? He broke the road near Fayette and destroyed a train of cars with locomotive, but being attacked by cavalry, supported by infantry, and cut off, as he says, from Kilpatrick, returned to Sandt
Read MoreFrom 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 William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 19, 1864
I have Secretary Stanton’s dispatch announcing the promotion of Colonel Long, a hard-working and worthy cavalry officer. We have had heavy demonstrations all day, especially on our flanks, to hold the enemy while our cavalry is out after the Macon road. I
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 19, 1864
General Howard’s signal officer reports cars loaded with soldiers sent down the railroad. Of course Hood will try to defend that road at all cost, and we should take advantage of detachments made for that purpose. Better let all your line fell forward as
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 18, 1864
GENERAL: To facilitate the success of General Kilpatrick as much as possible, I wish you to be in Decatur by daylight to-morrow morning (19th) with the effective force you have with you. Then move in the direction of Flat Rock and Atlanta, and so attract
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 18, 1864
The shots that go so deep into the city are from 10-pounder Parrotts in General Ransom’s front, which is the second division to the right of General Williams; he is well in the re-entrant between Atlanta and White Hall, looking up Proctor’s Creek. The 4 1
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 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 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 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 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 16, 1864
Garrard returned last night about 12 o’clock. His report is being compiled to be sent to you. I think you will find it satisfactory. Several of the colonels of Garrard’s division rank Long. The only way that I can see how he can be placed in command of th
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
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 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 Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – August 15, 1864
GENERAL: General Garrard was with me until 12 or 1 a. m., after receipt of the orders from General Sherman. He got provisions yesterday, but will not have forage until 12 m. to-day. He says he knows the strength of the enemy’s cavalry on our left- a briga
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 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 Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 14, 1864
Garrard has already received orders to scout as far as Roswell. He sent a scouting party some distance beyond Decatur, both south and in the direction of Covington, yesterday, but discovered nothing. Have sent orders for Kilpatrick to put down the bridge
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 14, 1864
General McArthur, at Marietta, reports small bodies of cavalry approach Marietta from the northeast. General Garrard should send frequently up to Roswell and McAfee’s. You may order General Kilpatrick to lay down a bridge at Sandtown, and be prepared to s
Read MoreJournal of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Fullerton, 4th Army Corps – August 13, 1864
1.25 a. m., received dispatch from Brigadier-General Kimball, commanding First Division, stating that a column of the enemy had been passing for an hour and a half in front of Taylor’s brigade, of his division, moving toward our left. (This divisi
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 13, 1864
Garrard has already received orders to scout as far as Roswell. He sent a scouting party some distance beyond Decatur, both south and in the direction of Covington, yesterday, but discovered nothing. Have sent orders for Kilpatrick to put down the bridge
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General George H. Thomas to – August 9, 1864
Special Field Orders, No. 205, paragraph X, July 27, 1864, from these headquarters, is revoked. The First Division Cavalry (McCook’s) will proceed to the District of the Etowah, head
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
Major-General, Commanding.
THOMAS’ HEADQUARTERS, August 8, 1864.
General SHERMAN:
General Kilpatrick’s headquarters are at the junction of Powder Springs and Sandtown roads. He covers Sweet Water and patrols to Dallas.
S. HOFFMAN,
Assistant
From 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 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 George H. Thomas to Major General David S. Stanley – August 4, 1864
I wish you to have persons on your lookout stations all along the line to observe closely the movements of the enemy, and hold your troops ready to take advantage of any opportunity to move on their intrenchments. General Sherman thinks his movements this
Read MoreJournal of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Fullerton, 4th Army Corps – August 4, 1864
8 a. m., received written instructions from Major-General Thomas to have persons on our lookout stations to-day to watch closely the movements of the enemy, and to hold the troops in readiness to take advantage of any opportunity to move on their i
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 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 Major General William T. Sherman to General Webster – August 2, 1864
Don’s call for any cavalry from Memphis. General A. J. Smith has his orders to watch Forrest, and if he comes to Tennessee to follow his to Decatur. He will want all his cavalry. Only collect the scattered detachments of cavalry and order more horses to b
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 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 MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 1, 1864
General Howard reports an unusual movement of troops out of Atlanta to his right. I am very anxious to hear the substance of Colonel Brownlow’s story. I am told by General Barry’s aide that he saw Colonel Brownlow at your camp. I cannot understand Brownlo
Read MoreFrom 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 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 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 Henry W. Halleck – July 27, 1864
My two cavalry expeditions are off to make a wide circuit and reach the Macon road well to the southeast of Atlanta, and the Army of the Tennessee is shifted to the extreme right, reaching well toward the railroad, so that I think to-morrow must develop s
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General George H. Thomas to – July 27, 1864
Near Atlanta, Ga., July 27, 1864.
* * * * * *
X. The First Division of Cavalry (McCook’s) will be relieved by the Third Division of cavalry (Kilpatrick’s) in the following manner: Tenth Ohio and detachment of Second Kentucky Cavalry, with one sectio
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 25, 1864
GENERAL: I find it difficult to make prompt report of results coupled with some data or information without occasionally making some mistakes. General McPherson’s sudden death, and General Logan succeeding to the command, as it were, in the midst of battl
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 MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General G. M. Dodge to – July 24, 1864
General Woods’ division, of the Fifteenth Corps, has been ordered to move into Decatur at 5 o’clock this morning, and to directly return, destroying the line of the railroad for the purpose of kee
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 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
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 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 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 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 MoreSpecial 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 George H. Thomas – July 13, 1864
SHERMAN’S HEADQUARTERS,July 13, 1864.Major-General THOMAS:Telegraph office is now opened at Roswell.W. T. SHERMAN,Major-General.
Read MoreFrom 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 MoreReport from Major General William T. Sherman about Atlanta Campaign – July 10, 1864
General Garrard Moved rapidly on Roswell, and destroyed the factories which had supplied the rebel armies with cloth for years. Over one of these, the woolen factory, the nominal owner displayed the French flag, which was not respected, of c
Read MoreFrom Major General Oliver O. Howard to Major General George H. Thomas – July 9, 1864
Captain Kirlin, my aide-de-camp, has just returned from Roswell Ferry. General Newton arrived there at 2 p.m., and he has crossed two brigades over the river. General Garrard crossed at 6 a.m.; had but little opposition. Lost no men. Captured a few.
Read MoreFrom 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 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 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 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 Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – July 4, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I advanced on the Pace’s Ferry road about a mile and a half, driving the enemy’s pickets, crossing a creek and taking a range of hills on the south side. The enemy was strong, and being in front of the infantry, wh
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
Special Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – July 2, 1864
V. In order to carry out Special Field Orders, Numbers 31, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi a copy of which is inclosed herewith,* the following movements will be made:
1. The supply trains of the Army of the Tennessee, as fast as they
From Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – July 2, 1864
Has General Garrard been to connect with me; and where has he been directed to have his headquarters?
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 James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 23, 1864
GENERAL: The report of your reconnaissance of to-day received and is perfectly satisfactory. Major-General Thomas reports the main force of the enemy on his right, and I may have to move a portion of my command to his support in the morning. I wish you to
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 George H. Thomas to Major General Oliver O. Howard – June 13, 1864
GENERAL: Your note has been received. Should the enemy mean a night attack on you all that can be done is to hold yourself in readiness. Should he mean to attack McPherson’s left and get around his left flank at our wagon train, which is probably his othe
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – June 12, 1864
Your note is received and I have sent word to McPherson. If the rebels mean a night attack, all we should do is to give notice to all divisions to be ready. If massing preparatory for daylight, their design is on McPherson’s left, around his left flank at
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 George H. Thomas – June 3, 1864
GENERAL: Lieutenant Tucker, of your headquarters guard, just from Kingston, comes to come to know about the train can safely come to you via Euharlee, Stilesborough, Allatoona, and down the road till it meets you at some point on the road from Allatoona t
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