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

‘ [265] possession of his pontoon bridge.’ This column was Steedman's, which was sent on the 18th, by way of Murfreesboroa, and thence by rail to the Tennessee. Thomas had also requested Admiral Lee, in command of the gunboat fleet at the West, to proceed up the Tennessee to Florence and Eastport, and prevent the laying of pontoons there, or destroy the bridge, if one should have been already laid. At the same time he reported the attack on Murfreesboro, which had been made before the battle of Nashville, and in which Forrest had been repelled.

On the 19th, the Secretary of War proposed to confer on Thomas the vacant major-generalcy in the regular army, and the general-in-chief replied: ‘I think Thomas has won the major-generalcy, but I would wait a few days before giving it, to see the extent of damage done.’ This day Thomas declared ‘If the expedition against Florence be successful, I am confident we shall be able to capture the greater part of Hood's army.’ ‘I feel the utmost confidence we shall be able to overtake him, before he can reach and cross the Tennessee.’

But on the 21st, came news of the delay in crossing Duck river, and Halleck now sent a despatch to Thomas without instructions from Grant, but doubtless by order of either the President or the Secretary of War, urging the importance of 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. . . A most vigorous pursuit on your part is, therefore, of vital importance. . . No ’