William Boynton, Sherman's Historical Raid

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headquarters Department of the Cumberland, eight miles from Nashville, 6 P. M., December 16, 1864.
To the President of the United States, Hon. E. M. Stanton and General U. S. Grant.

This army thanks you for your approbation of its conduct yesterday, and begs to assure you that it is not misplaced.

I have the honor to report, etc. [Here follows a second report in detail.]

Geo. H. Thomas, Major-General

On reaching Louisville, General Logan learned that Thomas had made a successful move, and in reporting to General Grant, requested that he might be ordered back to his command:

Louisville, Ky., 10 A. M., December 17, 1864.
Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, Burlington, N. J.

Have just arrived. Weather bad; raining since yesterday morning. People here jubilant over Thomas' success. Confidence seems to be restored. I will remain here to hear from you. All things going right. It would seem best that I return to join my command with Sherman.

John A. Logan, Major-General.

In reply to this, General Grant telegraphed an order directing Logan to report to General Sherman.

Immediately after the congratulatory dispatches, and while every effort was being made to press Hood's retreat, General Thomas was appealed to by Halleck to ‘capture or destroy Hood's army in order that General Sherman can entirely crush out the rebel military power in all the Southern States.’

Washington, December 21, 1864, 12 M.
Major-General Geo. H. Thomas.

Permit me, General, to urge the vast importance of a hot pursuit of Hood's army. Every possible sacrifice should be made, and your men for a few days will submit to any hardships and privations to accomplish the great result. If you can capture or destroy Hood's Army General Sherman can entirely crush out the rebel military force in all the Southern States. He begins a new campaign about the first of January, which will have the most important results if Hood's army can now be used up. A most vigorous pursuit on your part is, therefore, of vital importance to General Sherman's plans. No sacrifice must be spared to obtain so important a result.

H. W. Halleck, Major-General and Chief of Staff.