NEAR ATLANTA, GA., July 27, 1864 – 8.30 p. m.
(Received 8 p. m. 28th.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Washington, D. C.:
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 something. The cavalry will have to fight the enemy’s cavalry, and we can hold the infantry and artillery to Atlanta and force them to extend and choose between Atlanta and East Point. I don’t think the enemy can hold both. All are well pleased with general Howard’s appointment but Generals Logan and Hooker. The former though he ought to have been allowed the command of the army in the field until the end of the campaign; but I explained to him that a permanent department commander had to be appointed at once, as discharges, furloughs, and much detailed business could alone be done by a department commander. General Hooker is offended because he thinks he is entitled to the command. I must be honest and say he is not qualified or suited to it. He talks of quitting. If General Thomas recommends, I shall not object. He is not indispensable to our success. He is welcome to my place of the President awards, but I cannot name him to so important a command as the Army of the Tennessee. All is well. The enemy to-day offered no serious opposition to the changes of to-day, and our skirmishing and artillery were just enough to make things interesting.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.