Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 3

[203] into Alabama, or remain for awhile on the defensive in Tennessee. Grant's first order to Thomas after Sherman moved was typical of his character and of what was to follow. On the 13th of November, Thomas telegraphed: ‘Wilson reports to-night that the cavalry arms and equipments applied for some weeks since have not yet reached Louisville. Their non-arrival will delay us in preparing for the field.’ But it was still possible that Hood might re-cross the Tennessee, in pursuit of Sherman. In that event, not a moment must be lost; and Grant telegraphed at once: ‘If Hood commences falling back, it will not do to wait for the full equipment of your cavalry, to follow. He should, in that case, be pressed with such force as you can bring to bear.’ Thomas replied the same night: ‘Your telegram of this A. M. just received. Am watching Hood closely, and should he move after Sherman, I will follow with what force I can raise at hand.’

Hood, however, had no idea of following Sherman. The campaign into Middle Tennessee was his own design,¹ and the dispositions of the national commanders appeared not in the least to disturb his plans. On the 16th of November, Sherman marched out of Atlanta, and the same day Beauregard telegraphed the news to Richmond: ‘Sherman is about to move with three corps from Atlanta to Augusta, or Macon, thence probably to Charleston or Savannah, where a junction may be formed with enemy's fleet.’ On the 19th, he announced again: ‘Enemy are turning their columns on shortest road ’