Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 2

On the 27th, he announced the approach of detachments from Missouri. ‘As soon as Smith's troops arrive,’ he said, ‘and are adjusted, I shall be ready to take the field and assume the offensive.’ The same day Grant telegraphed to him: ‘Savannah papers just received state that Forrest is expected in rear of Sherman, and that Breckenridge is already on the way to Georgia from East Tennessee. If this proves true, it will give you a chance to take the offensive against Hood, and to cut the railroads up into Virginia with a small cavalry force.’ There were few events in war which to Grant did not seem to offer ‘a chance to take the offensive.’ Thomas, however, replied: ‘We can as yet discover no signs of the withdrawal of Forrest from Tennessee; he is closely watched, and our movement will commence against Hood as soon as possible, whether Forrest leaves Tennessee or not.’ Thomas was very well aware of the peculiarities of his chief, and the knowledge of them doubtless stimulated his anxiety; but nothing could goad him into action until he felt certain that every preparation was made, and every contingency cared for.

During the 24th and 25th, the enemy skirmished with Schofield's troops in front of Columbia, but showed only dismounted cavalry; and on the 26th and 27th, the rebel infantry came up, and pressed the national lines strongly, still without assaulting. These movements betrayed an undoubted intention to cross the river above or below the town, and during the night of the 27th, Schofield evacuated Columbia, and withdrew to the northern bank. He had at first strong hopes of