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center,
General Sherman communicated with him throughout the day. Of these dispatches the following bear upon the question at issue:
Thomas to
Sherman, 8 A. M., June 27: ‘The movement of my troops against the enemy's work has commenced.’
Which was answered as follows:
‘Every thing moving well on this flank, and
Schofield reports the same.
Push your troops with all the energy possible.
W. T. S.’
Thomas to
Sherman, in the field, 9 A. M., June 27: ‘
General Howard reports that he has advanced and is doing well.
I have not yet received report from
Palmer.’
Answered as follows:
All well.
Keep things moving.
9:50 A. M.
W. T. S.
Thomas to Sherman, 10:45 A. M., June 27: ‘Yours received.
General Harker's brigade advanced to within twenty paces of the enemy's breast-works, and was repulsed with canister at that range, General Harker losing an arm. General Wagner's brigade of Newton's division, supporting General Harker, was so severely handled that it is compelled to reorganize.
Colonel Mitchell's brigade of Davis' division captured one line of rebel breastworks, which they still hold.
McCook's brigade was also very severely handled, nearly every colonel being killed or wounded.
Colonel McCook wounded. It is compelled to fall back and reorganize.
The troops are all too much exhausted to advance, but we hold all we have gained.’
General Sherman upon receiving this urged another attempt to break the line, as follows:
Sherman to Thomas, June 27, 11:45 A. M.: ‘McPherson's column marched to the top of the hill through very tangled brush, but was repulsed; it is found almost impossible to deploy, but they still hold the ground.
I wish you to study well the positions, and if it be possible to break the line do it; it is easier now than it will be hereafter.
I hear Leggett's guns well behind the mountain.’
