William Boynton, Sherman's Historical Raid

[187] as rapidly as possible to look after Forrest, Hood should be attacked where he is.

Time strengthens him, in all probability, as much as it does you.

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

Nashville, December 6, 1864.
Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, City Point.

Your telegram of 6:30 P. M., December 5, is just received. As soon as I get up a respectable force of cavalry I will march against Hood. General Wilson has parties out now pressing horses, and I hope to have some six or eight thousand cavalry mounted in three days from this time. General Wilson has just left me, having received instructions to hurry the cavalry remount as rapidly as possible. I do not think it prudent to attack Hood with less than six thousand (6,000) cavalry to cover my flanks, because he has under Forrest at least twelve thousand (12,000). I have no doubt Forrest will attempt to cross the river, but I am in hopes the gun-boats will be able to prevent him. The enemy has made no new developments to-day. Breckinridge is reported at Lebanon with six thousand (6,000) men, but I can not believe it possible.

Geo. H. Thomas, Major-General U. S. Volunteer commanding.

This statement did not give satisfaction, and the following order for an attack was telegraphed:

City Point, Va., December 6, 1864, 4 P. M.
Major-General Geo. H. Thomas, Nashville.

Attack Hood at once and wait no longer for a remount for your cavalry. There is great danger in delay resulting in a campaign back to the Ohio.

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

This was acted upon, but General Thomas protested against the wisdom of the order:

Nashville, December 6, 1864, 9 P. M.
Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, City Point.

Your dispatch of 4 P. M. this day received. I will make the necessary disposition and attack Hood at once, agreeably to your orders, though I believe it will be hazardous with the small force of cavalry now at my service.

Geo. H. Thomas, Major-General U. S. Volunteers commanding.

War Department, Washington, December 7, 1864, 10:20 A. M.
Lieutenant-General Grant.

You remember that when Steele was relieved by Canby he was ordered to Cairo to report to this department. What shall be done with him? The order superseding Rosecrans by Dodge has been issued. Thomas seems