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 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 William M. Wherry to Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox – September 1, 1864
GENERAL: The commanding general directs me to inform you that General Hascall is now moving down the railroad in rear of the Fourth Corps and he wishes you to follow as a rear guard, moving on the main wagon road running on the right-hand side of the rail
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 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
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