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 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 Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 20, 1864
GENERAL: After destroying the bridge at McAfee’s, which I suppose is already done, you will send to General McPherson’s guard at the bridge at Roswell your wagons, led horses, and baggage, and proceed rapidly to Covington, on the main wagon and rail road
read moreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General William T. Sherman – July 19, 1864
GENERAL: I have to report that, owing to the appearance of the enemy in this vicinity last evening, I sent a regiment to the Peach Tree road, one of McAfee’s Bridge, and ordered Colonel Long, with his two regiments, up; also, that trains, stragglers, &c.,
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 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 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
From Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – July 18, 1864
GENERAL: Inclosed please find sketch* of my position to-night and copy of Special Field Orders, Numbers 70, paragraph VI, from these headquarters.+
In pursuance of this order, the different commands were in motion promptly at the hour designated, the S
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 18, 1864
We moved to-day rapidly and General McPherson reached the Atlanta and Augusta road at a point seven miles east of Decatur and four miles from Stone Mountain. General Garrard’s cavalry at once set to work to break up road and was re-enforced by Brigadier G
read moreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General James B. McPherson – July 18, 1864
GENERAL: In obedience to orders, I left my camp at 5 a. m. this morning to break the railroad between Stone Mountain and Decatur. At Browning’s Court-House I struck the rebel pickets, and skirmished for three miles to the railroad, which I effectually des
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