Under the Old Flag Recollections of Military Operations in the Way for the Union, the Spanish War. the Boxer Rebellion, Ect. Volume II

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1912. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... operations to his good judgment and sound discretion, Stanton hastened the next day, December 2, 1864, at 10:30 A. M., to telegraph Grant as follows: The President feels solicitous about the disposition of General Thomas to lay in fortifications for an indefinite period until Wilson gets equipments. This looks like the McClellan and Kosecrans strategy of do nothing and let the rebels raid the country. The President wishes you to consider the matter. To this Grant replied at 1 P. M. the same day: Immediately on receipt of Thomas's dispatch I sent him a dispatch, which no doubt you read as it passed through the office. This dispatch, dated 11 A. M., December 2, reads as follows: If Hood is permitted to remain quietly about Nashville, you will lose all the road back to Chattanooga and possibly have to abandon the line of the Tennessee. Should he attack you it is all well, but if he does not you should attack him before he fortifies. Arm and put in the trenches your quartermaster employees, citizens, etc.1 Later, at 1:30 P. M., Grant, as though not satisfied with what he had already said, wired again: With your citizen employees armed, you can move out of Nashville and force the enemy to retire or fight upon ground of your own choosing. After the repulse of Hood at Franklin, it looks to me that, instead of falling back to Nashville, we should have taken the offensive against the enemy where he was. At this distance, however, I may err as to the best method of dealing with the enemy. You will now suffer incalculable injury upon your railrO. R. Serial No. 94, p. 16. roads, if Hood is not speedily disposed of. Put forth, therefore, every possible exertion to attain this end. Should you get him retreating give him no peace.1 Whereupon, at 10 p. M. the same day, ...