I want to get your views about what ought to be done. . . . My own opinion is that Lee is averse to going out of Virginia, and, if the cause of the South is lost, he wants Richmond to be the last place surrendered. If he has such views, it may be well to indulge him until we get everything else into our hands. Congratulating you and the army again upon the splendid results of your campaign, the like of which is not read of in past history, I subscribe myself more than ever, if possible, your friend.On the 16th of December, Sherman made a formal demand for the surrender of Savannah, declaring that he could throw heavy shot into the heart of the town, and that for some days he had
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present, and, with such assistance as may be given you by General Foster and Admiral Dahlgren, operate from such base as you may establish on the coast.’
On the 18th, Halleck wrote again: ‘When Savannah falls, then for another wide swath through the centre of the Confederacy.
But I will not anticipate.
General Grant is expected here this morning, and will probably write you his own views.’
As Halleck expected, Grant wrote, on the same day and at length, to Sherman: I did think the best thing to do was to bring the greater part of your army here, and wipe out Lee. The turn affairs now seem to be taking has shaken me in that opinion.
I doubt whether you may not accomplish more towards that result where you are than if brought here, especially as I am informed, since my arrival in this city, that it will take about two months to get you here, with all the other calls there are for ocean transportation.
New York Appleton 1885.
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