I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this date. I have ordered the brigade of Garrard’s DIVISION now at the railroad bridge to Sweet Water Creek, instructing the commanding officer to receive orders from General Kilpatrick and notif
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Major William H. Jennings – September 29, 1864
You will proceed without delay to Sweet Water Creek, watch the movement of the rebel cavalry reported in that vicinity, co-operate with General Kilpatrick, commanding THIRD DIVISION Cavalry, and receive such instructions from him as may be sent you.
I
Reports of Colonel Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, commanding First Brigade – September 13, 1864
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 Judson Kilpatrick to Captain J. E. Jacobs – September 13, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the recent campaign, commencing with the advance across Taylor’s Ridge and battle of Resaca, and ending with the defeat of the rebel army and fall 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 Lieutenant Colonel Oliver P. Robie, Fourth Ohio Cavalry – September 11, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward history of the regiment during the campaign just closed:
The regiment left Columbia, Tenn., May 22, 1864, and, marching via Pulaski,
Report 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 of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Patten, First Ohio Cavalry – September 11, 1864
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the First Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in the campaign which has just come to close:
On the 22nd
Report of Colonel Charles B. Seidel, Third Ohio Cavalry – September 11, 1864
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of Third Ohio Veteran Volunteer Cavalry during the campaign just closed:
The regiment left C
Special Field Orders from Major General John M. Schofield to – September 7, 1864
I. The troops will march to Decatur to-morrow, General Cox’s division in advance. The trains will move between the two divisions. The cavalry will cover the movement. The march will begin at 5 a.m. General Cox will take position a short distance out of to
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant Colonel Thomas M. Walker to Captain W. T. Forbes – September 6, 1864
The detachment, consisting of the One hundred and eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Sixtieth New York Veteran Volunteers, and 50 men from each Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers and One hundred and second New York Veteran Volunt
Read MoreReport 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 Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 4, 1864
GENERAL: The rebel pickets were withdrawn from all roads to the east of this, except on the McDonough road, by 4 p.m. yesterday and their army may now be regarded as south of us. On the McDonough road the cavalry of the Army of the Ohio was skirmishing ye
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – September 4, 1864
In the Field, near Lovejoy’s, No. 64. September 4, 1864.
The army having accomplished its undertaking in the complete reduction and occupation of Atlanta will occupy the place and the country near it until a new campaign is planned in concert with the
From H. W. Slocum to Edward M. Stanton – September 3, 1864
General Sherman has taken Atlanta. The Twentieth Corps occupies the city. The main army is on the Macon road, near East Point. A battle was fought near that point, in which General Sherman was successful. Particulars not known.
H. W. SLOCUM,
Major-G
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – September 3, 1864
The Twentieth Corps now occupies Atlanta and the Chattahoochee bridges. The main army is now here, grouped below Jonesborough. The enemy holds a line facing us, with front well covered by parapets, and flanks by Walnut Creek on the right and a confluent o
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
From Major General Jefferson C. Davis to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – September 3, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that no change has taken place in the general position of my lines to-day. During the early part of the morning two regiments from the First Division were engaged tearing up the railroad until the order was of two regim
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – September 3, 1864
GENERAL: My daily reports have not been very regularly made during the past few days, but I have been doing all that I could to meet the requirements of the occasion. On yesterday morning, by heavy patrols to the north and east, I learned that Atlanta was
Read MoreSpecial 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 Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 3, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my division is to the rear and east (left) of Jonesborough, covering the roads leading to that place. The party I sent to Atlanta has not returned to my headquarters, and I cannot report state of affairs there. The
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant David F. How to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – September 3, 1864
GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you take up your position south of the road from Jonesborough to Flat Rock and covering it. You will observe well the roads leading toward McDonough, and have your scouting parties advance as far as that place;
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – September 2, 1864
GENERAL: After a long and most tedious march over all sorts of roads, I was barely able to get one division in position on Stanley’s left some time after dark. My artillery and trains are not even yet off the road. I found the country roads, by which I wa
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – September 2, 1864
You know that General Garrard reports General Slocum in possession of Atlanta. I have sent couriers to learn the exact truth. If it be so, we don’t care about pushing the enemy any farther at this time. Had we prevented his making intrenchments it would h
Read MoreFrom George W. Schofield to Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox – September 2, 1864
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say to you that he had the following instructions from General Sherman, viz: “If Stewart’s corps has passed down from Atlanta and joined Hood at Jonesborough, you may order Garrard up to act with you aro
Read MoreFrom 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 John M. Schofield – September 2, 1864
I have your dispatch of 7.15 last evening, since which time you have a letter from me. I heard explosions and firing about Atlanta at 2 o’clock and at this moment I hear more seemingly nearer us, but due north; it must be Garrard, but what force he engage
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 Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – September 2, 1864
You will, with your division, feel up in the direction of Atlanta. Rebels report the city in our possession. Let us know the exact state of affairs. Send scouts in the direction of Flat Rock and roads leading toward Decatur. General Davis’ corps is left h
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General John M. Schofield – September 2, 1864
COLONEL: Yesterday every one said (prisoners and citizens) that Stewart’s corps and militia were in Atlanta and East Point; also that Armstrong’s brigade cavalry [was] near East Point; also that a large train of wagons passed down toward Jonesborough unde
Read MoreReport of Major General John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio – September 1, 1864
General Cox followed as soon as General Garrard arrived with his cavalry division, to cover our rear and trains against any sudden attack from the north
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 1, 1864
GENERAL: From reports of my staff I think enough of the railroad has been broken until we have conquered the army now lying at Jonesborough. We had pretty hard fighting with them this afternoon, and I think had all our force been engaged we would have bea
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 1, 1864
I have yours announcing the destruction up, including Rough and Ready. I want all your troops down on Stanley’s left, and the cavalry very far to Atlanta. Slocum is ordered to watch Atlanta from the bridge. If there be anything more at Jonesborough than H
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
As the question of rank will come up, I will decide it now, and beg you to acquiesce whatever your present opinion may be. Whenever two or more officers happen together on a common duty calling for a common head, even for a minute, the officer highest in
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Milo S. Hascall – August 31, 1864
GENERAL: Cox got the railroad at 3 o’clock and Stanley joined him about 4. We are well intrenched and have the road secured. To-morrow promises to be a day of hard work, and I hope profitable, perhaps decisive. I want you to move down with two brigades an
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
Your information corresponds with that of our information here. Baird is on the road leading straight down from Rough and Ready to Jonesborough, about five miles north of Jonesborough. Howard found a strong and threatening force in his front, but is stron
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
I have your dispatch and am rejoiced. I think we have now a good game. Break road down toward Jonesborough. The bulk of the enemy’s good troops are there; they attacked Howard twice and were repulsed. Put Garrard’s cavalry at your back; work down the road
Read MoreFrom Major William M. Wherry to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 30, 1864
GENERAL: The commanding general desires you to occupy, substantially, the present position occupied by his infantry, crossing the railroad and all roads to the left of it. Colonel Garrard will cover all roads between you and the infantry. The infantry wil
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – August 30, 1864
GENERAL: On leaving Decatur I was directed to send daily report to department headquarters under the impression that this was to notify the chief of cavalry of my station daily. The only day one of his staff officers has not been in my camp I reported by
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General John M. Schofield to – August 29, 1864
I. The plan of operations for to-morrow is as follows: The Army of the Tennessee to move from Fairburn to Renfroe Place (near Jonesborough); the Army of the Cumberland, from Red Oak, via Shoal Creek Church, to Couch’s; the Army of the Ohio, via Red Oak an
Read MoreFrom Major William H. Jennings to Captain Robert Burns – August 27, 1864
I have the honor to report that my regiment left camp on Peach Tree road, at 12 p. m. on the 17th instant, as rear guard of the brigade. Arrived at Sandtown at 8 a. m. on the 18th instant. Left Sandtown at sundown, as rear guard to the expedition, until,
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 Lieutenant Colonel H. W. Perkins to Colonel Robert H. G. Minty – August 26, 1864
COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to inform you that scouts sent from these headquarters toward Roswell Factory report a force of the enemy’s cavalry, 400 strong, on this side of the river at Roswell, located there (as the citizens say) for the p
Read MoreReports of Brigadier General John W. Geary, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division – August 26, 1864
COLONEL; In pursuance of orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the campaign just terminated by the capture o
Read MoreReport from Major General William T. Sherman about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 25, 1864
On the 16th of August I made my Orders, Numbers 57, prescribing the mode and manner of executing the grand movement by the right flank to begin on the 18th. This movement contemplated the withdrawal of the Twentieth Corps, General Williams, t
Read MoreReport of Major Frank W. Mix, Fourth Michigan Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 24, 1864
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY,
Before Atlanta, August 24, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, under my command, in the late raid under General Kilpatrick:
On the 17th
Report of Colonel Eli H. Murray, Third Kentucky Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 24, 1864
On the 18th August, with the Second and Third Brigades of the Third Cavalry Division, commanded respectively by Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, Eighty Indiana Cavalry, and Lieutenant-Colonel King, Third Kentucky Cavalry, left Sandtown.
Read MoreReport of Colonel Robert H. G. Minty commanding 1st Brigade Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 24, 1864
August 19, about break of day my advance (the Second Brigade) crossed the Atlanta and Montgomery Railroad. The rear brigade was sharply attacked on the left flank by artillery and dismounted cavalry. The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry cut through and the co
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 Colonel Eli Long to Captain Robert P. Kennedy – August 23, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the late expedition of General Kilpatrick in the enemy’s rear. In pursuance of orders received on the evening of the 17th, I furnished my command with rations for five days, and moved f
Read MoreReports of Lieutenant George I. Robinson, Chicago Board of Trade Battery – August 23, 1864
SIR: I have the honor to report to the brigadier-general, chief of artillery, the following general summary of the part taken by my battery in the recent operations under
Read MoreReport of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Klein about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 23, 1864
At 11 p. m. of the 18th instant, with my command of 13 officers and 292 men, I left the main column at Stevens’ farm, seven miles from the railroad at Fairburn. Agreeably to instructions, I tore up a portion of track and telegraph wire, and at 2 a. m. 19t
Read MoreReport of Lieutenant Colonel Robert H. King, Third Kentucky Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 23, 1864
I have the honor to report that the Third Brigade moved from their camp, on the north bank of the Chattahoochee River, on the evening of the 18th, marching in the
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 22, 1864
General Kilpatrick is back. He had pretty hard fighting with a division of infantry and three brigades of cavalry. He broke the cavalry into disorder and captured a battery, which he destroyed, except one gun, which he brought in in addition to all his ow
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 William T. Sherman to Major General James B. Steedman – August 22, 1864
General Kilpatrick is back all right; had pretty hard fighting with cavalry and infantry, but brought in 3 captured flags and 1 extra gun. Captured a whole battery, which he broke up. He destroyed enough road to last ten days, by which time I will reach i
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Major General Patrick Cleburne – August 21, 1864
Jackson says there are four guns on the left reporting to you, two 3-inch at Armstrong’s wagon train. Please send order to lieutenant Young at Ross’ wagon train near East Point to proceed at once to Jonesborough with two steel guns and one caisson.
[F.
From Major William M. Wherry to Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox – August 21, 1864
GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to say that he desires you to continue to make a show of a demonstration to-day until we hear from General Kilpatrick. He does not wish you to use much force nor to go very far, merely enough to compel the enemy
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 21, 1864
Prisoners captured by General Cox last evening report that Kilpatrick struck the railroad at Jonesborough the morning after he started. Very distant artillery firing was heard in the direction of Macon from our extreme right last evening. I have learned n
Read MoreFrom 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 MoreReports of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Klein, Third Indiana Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 21, 1864
SIR: I have the honor to report that my understanding with General Kilpatrick was that he would cross the West Point railroad not far from East Point, and strike the Macon
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 20, 1864
General Kilpatrick is out yet, and I infer has broken the Macon road, because three trains of cars left Atlanta and returned, backing the trains. Our infantry to-day was on the West Point road at Red Oak, five miles below East Point. General Lightburn was
Read MoreFrom Major General Oliver O. Howard to Major General John M. Schofield – August 20, 1864
The following just received from signal officer:
A train of fifteen freight cars just left Atlanta, loaded with troops inside and outside; tops of cars were crowded.
From Howell Cobb to General Samuel Cooper – August 20, 1864
The damage on road to Atlanta much less than supposed. The road now clear, and will be repaired in few days at furthest.
HOWELL COBB.
HDQRS. ROSS’ BRIGADE, JACKSON’S CAVALRY DIVISION,
August 20, 1864-8.30 a.m.
Brigadier-General JAC
From 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 David S. Stanley to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – August 20, 1864
GENERAL: The inclosed papers,* taken from a rebel scout killed near Decatur by Colonel Miller’s command this morning, show Hood is anxious to know the exact location of the left. Whether for curiosity, or because he thinks of an enterprise, it is hard to
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General James D. Morgan to Captain T. W. Morrison – August 20, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in compliance with orders from division headquarters, my command moved early this morning to the right and in rear of trenches lately occupied by Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. About 8.30 a. m. I receive
Read MoreFrom Captain J. A. Anderson to Major General Patrick Cleburne – August 20, 1864
In the absence of Captain McDowell I report that a scout is just in. He reports that he saw four Federal scouts about three miles below here on the railroad, and heard that the enemy’s infantry and cavalry are on the railroad (both sides), about four mile
Read MoreFrom Major General David S. Stanley to Brigadier General Nathan Kimball – August 19, 1864
GENERAL: Our demonstrations in favor of Kilpatrick will continue to-morrow. This is in accordance with instructions received from department headquarters. At daybreak to-morrow you will station two regiments of Opdycke’s brigade and one regiment of Taylor
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 19, 1864
According to the doctrine of chances, on the supposition that Kilpatrick breaks the road, of which, I think, there is no doubt, the enemy should try to break our center. Therefore, let orders be made that in case of any indications of such an event the wi
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 19, 1864
The large battery which we struck in the first move is, I believe, about the northeast corner of let 190, where two roads come into the Newman road. From that point the enemy’s lines seem to run southeast to the West Point railroad, striking it near Bacon
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 Berry to Captain Case – August 19, 1864
Saw a large column of smoke south of Atlanta about eight or ten miles distant. Our troops advanced this p. m. at 5 o’clock, and after a brisk skirmish retired. We lost only few men. Don’t know the number. Could see but very few in enemy’s lines.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Major General Patrick Cleburne – August 19, 1864
General Walthall is moving to your support; use him if you find it necessary. Please duplicate all important dispatches by courier.
Read MoreFrom General John B. Hood to Joseph E. Brown – August 19, 1864
General Winder has been instructed to send the militia at Andersonville to Macon.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Lieutenant General William J. Hardee – August 19, 1864
General Ferguson reports line of skirmishers advancing against him and Strahl; thought to be a heavy line of battle supporting. Am sending one brigade to Jonesborough; have sent Ferguson also. Don’s think it safe to send you more troops, except in case of
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 19, 1864
Your dispatch is received. General Stanley, on the other flank, is operating in like manner. General Garrard, with his remaining brigade, was to be in Decatur at daylight to move toward Flat Rock and engaged a brigade of cavalry on that flank, and move of
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Lawrence S. Ross to Brigadier General William H. Jackson – August 19, 1864
Commanding Division:
GENERAL: The enemy is advancing on Sandtown and Fairburn road in force. Scouts from their flanks and rear report at least a brigade of cavalry, followed closely by infantry. My pickets are now fighting them between Bethel and Enon
From Major General Oliver O. Howard to Major General William T. Sherman – August 19, 1864
Train which left Atlanta at 9.35 returned at 11.35 empty. Know it is same train by peculiarity of one of the cars. Another train which left at 11.10 returned at 11.40 empty.
Read MoreFrom F. C. Armstrong to General John B. Hood – August 19, 1864
I will move on below Lovejoy’s Station and in direction of Griffin. A scout from Fayetteville reports that 500 of the enemy passed through that place en route to Griffin one after sunrise.
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 19, 1864
Considerable artillery firing was heard from our right this morning, commencing at daylight and lasting about two hours. It first appeared to be near Fairburn, and moved continually toward Jonesborough. The enemy is very quiet in our front this morning an
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 MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 18, 1864
Our telegraph now works to Chattanooga. The conclusion my mind has arrived at is that Hood sent Wheeler’s cavalry to occupy our road at Dalton; that he had re-enforced East Point with a division of his old corps, which last night was brought back on the s
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 18, 1864
I wanted to come down to the extreme right to-day, and may still, but I must watch matters to our rear. Hood no doubt supposes he has put Wheeler on our line, and is demonstrating accordingly; he has small parties to cut our wires nightly. We cannot now g
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 John M. Schofield to Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick – August 18, 1864
GENERAL: General Sherman directs me by telegraph to inform you that everything is most favorable for your work, and he wishes you to do it well; to break as much of the Macon road as you possibly can, and, as you swing back, to rest on the West Point road
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 Lieutenant David F. How to Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick – August 18, 1864
I am directed by the general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communication* of 10 a. m., and to say that our cavalry on our left is on Augusta railroad, near and east of Atlanta. Decatur is occupied alternately by scouts from both armies. Sh
Read MoreFrom Colonel Abram O. Miller to Captain Robert P. Kennedy – August 18, 1864
CAPTAIN: The patrol from Decatur has returned. They went into town, found no rebels there. None have been there since our reconnaissance on Monday except small scouting parties of eight or ten. Eleven or twelve were in town this morning. They captured two
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 18, 1864
General Kilpatrick reports that his command will make to-night for the direction of Jonesborough, on the Macon railroad. The general commanding directs that you endeavor to attract the attention of the enemy this evening and early to-morrow morning, with
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 Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – August 17, 1864
Make preparations, but merely postpone. If the cavalry can do what we want, there is no need of moving the whole army.
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 More