dear
Colonel: Your letter of March 26th came to me on the 2d inst., and the mail brought me the map yesterday.
The parcel had evidently been opened and the postmaster had marked some additional postage on it. I will cause inquiries to be made lest the map has been seen by some eye intelligent enough to read the meaning of the
blue and
red lines.
We can not be too careful in these matters.
That map to me contains more information and ideas than a volume of printed matter.
Keep your retained copies with infinite care, and if you have occasion to send out to other commanders any more I would advise a special courier.
From that map I see all, and glad am I that there are minds now at
Washington able to devise; and for my part, if we can keep our counsels, I believe I have the men and ability to march square up to the position assigned me, and to hold it. Of course, it will cost us many a hard day, but I believe in fighting in a double sense—first, to gain physical results, and next, to inspire respect on which to build up our nation's power.
Of course,
General Grant will not have time to give me the details of movements East, and the
times. Concurrent action is the thing.
It would be wise if the
General, through you or some educated officer, should give me timely notice of all contemplated movements, with all details that can be foreseen.
I now know the results aimed at, I know my base and have a pretty good idea of my lines of operation.
No time shall be lost in putting my forces in mobile condition, so that all I ask is notice of time, that all over the grand theater of war there shall be simultaneous action.
We saw the beauty of time in the
battle of Chattanooga, and there is no reason why the same harmony of action should not pervade a continent.
I am well pleased with
Captain Poe, and would not object to half a dozen thoroughly educated young engineer officers.
I am, with respect, your friend,
