Read the official orders, communications and reports that were issued regarding Garrard’s cavalry, Minty’s brigade, and the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Online here are the pertinent records found in The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 38. Click the Archives listing at right to select a Month, or use the Search Tags or Search box to find a particular subject.
From General John B. Hood to Colonel G. W. Rains – July 23, 1864
Night before last a body of enemy’s cavalry, estimated at about three brigades, was reported moving toward Covington and Augusta. Our cavalry is pursuing, but the information is sent you that you take measures for defense.
J. B. HOOD,
General.
Report 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 General John B. Hood to James A. Seddon – July 22, 1864
The army shifted its position last night, fronting Peach Tree Creek, and formed line of battle around the city with Stewart’s and Cheatham’s corps. General Hardee, with his corps, made a night march and attacked the enemy’s extreme left at 1 o’clock to-da
read moreReport from Confederate Major-General Joseph Wheeler’s Cavalry – July 22, 1864
On the night of the 21st, pursuant to orders from General Hood, I moved around to the enemy’s rear to attack him in conjunction with Lieutenant-General Hardee, who also moved upon their flank for the same purpose. My orders from General Hardee were to att
read moreFrom Major General Joseph Wheeler to Lieutenant General William J. Hardee – July 22, 1864
Several more of my scouts have come in, all corroborating the report I sent you this morning that General Garrard had moved toward Covington with his division. Shall I pursue and break up Garrard, or shall I detach a force to follow him?
read moreFrom Lieutenant General William J. Hardee to Major General Joseph Wheeler – July 22, 1864
GENERAL: I cannot spare you or any force to pursue Garrard now. We must attack, as we arranged, will all our force. I think our attack will bring Garrard back. You had best report the facts to General Hood.
Respectfully,
W. J. HARDEE,
Lieutenant-
From 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 James B. McPherson – July 21, 1864
GENERAL: I have yours of 8.45 last evening and regret much the wound which will deprive us of the services of General Gresham. I was in hopes you could have made a closer approach to Atlanta yesterday, as I was satisfied you had a less force and more infe
read moreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Major General Grenville M. Dodge – July 21, 1864
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 Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General William T. Sherman – July 21, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your orders last night at 1.30 a. m. At that time one brigade (three regiments) was at Cross Keys, ten miles from here, with pickets in every direction from there to four miles; one regiment was at M
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