William Boynton, Sherman's Historical Raid

[142] afford me infinite satisfaction. That we are now all to act on a common plan, converging on a common center, looks like enlightened war.

Like yourself, you take the biggest load, and from me you shall have thorough and hearty cooperation. I will not let side issues draw me off from your main plans in which I am to knock Joe Johnston, and do as much damage to the resources of the enemy as possible. I have heretofore written to General Rawlins and Colonel Comstock, of your staff, somewhat of the method in which I propose to act. I have seen all my army, corps, and division commanders, and signified only to the former, viz.: Schofield, Thomas, and McPherson, our general plans, which I inferred from the purport of our conversations here and at Cincinnati. * * * *

Should Johnston fall behind Chattahoochee, I would feign to the right, but pass to the left and act on Atlanta or its eastern communications according to developed facts.

This is about as far ahead as I feel disposed to look, but I would ever bear in mind that Johnston is at all times to be kept so busy that he can not in any event send any part of his command against you or Banks.

If Banks can at the same time carry Mobile and open up the Alabama River, he will in a measure solve the most difficult part of my problem—provisions. But in that I must venture. Georgia has a million of inhabitants. If they can live we should not starve. If the enemy interrupt my communications I will be absolved from all obligations to subsist on our own resources, but will feel perfectly justified in taking whatever and whenever I can find.

I will inspire my command if successful, with my feelings that beef and salt are all that is absolutely necessary to life, and parched corn fed General Jackson's army once on that very ground.

As ever, your friend and servant,

W. T. Sherman, Major-General.

Under date of Nashville, April 16th, 1864, General Sherman wrote General McPherson as follows:

‘I take it for granted that, unless Banks gets out of Red River and attacks Mobile (which is a material part of General Grant's plan), we will have to fight Polk's army as well as Johnston's.’

Mobile Bay having been captured a few weeks before the fall of Atlanta, General Grant, a few days after General Sherman had occupied the latter place, suggested the following modification of his plan:

City Point, Va., September 10, 1864.
Major-General Sherman:

As soon as your men are properly rested, and preparations can be made, it is desirable that another campaign should be commenced.