William Boynton, Sherman's Historical Raid

Chattanooga, December 7, 1863.
Major-General Halleck, Washington.

* * * * I feel unwilling, or rather desirous to avoid keeping so large a force idle for many months. I take the liberty of suggesting a plan of campaign that I think will go far toward breaking down the rebellion before Spring. It will at least keep the enemy harassed, and prevent that reorganization which could be effected by Spring if left unimpeded.

I propose, with the concurrence of higher authority, to move by way of New Orleans and Pascagoula on Mobile. I would hope to secure that place, or its investment by the last of January. Should the enemy make an obstinate resistance at Mobile, I would fortify outside and leave a garrison sufficient to hold the garrison of the town, and with the balance of the army make a campaign into the interior of Alabama and possibly Georgia. The campaign of course would be suggested by the movements of the enemy. It seems to me this move would secure the entire States of Alabama and Mississippi, and a part of Georgia, or force Lee to abandon Virginia and North Carolina. Without his force the enemy have not got army enough to resist the Army I can take.

I am General, your obedient servant,

U. S. Grant, Major-General.

The Assistant Secretary of War having visited General Grant, and talked over the question of this campaign, returned to Washington and reported fully to the authorities.

General Halleck then telegraphed General Grant as follows:

Washington, December 21, 1863, 4:30 P. M.
Major-General U. S. Grant.

As I understand from your dispatch of the 7th, and from conversation with Mr. Dana, you propose:

1. To expel the enemy from East Tennessee, and to provide against his return into that valley.

2. To either force the rebels further back into Georgia or to provide against their return by that line into Tennessee.

3. To clean out West Tennessee.

4. To move a force down the Mississippi and operate against Mobile.

The importance of these objects is considered to be in the order above stated. It is thought that the fourth should not be definitely determined upon till the other three are accomplished, or their accomplishment made