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not or could not overcome them, but he wanted some one who could.
Nevertheless, no man knew better how to wait when waiting was inevitable; and he could be patient and forbearing, if there was sufficient reason for the delay of a subordinate.
At this very time, the Secretary of War was finding fault with Schofield, and Grant telegraphed, on the 10th of March, in his defence: ‘Schofield has been apparently slow in getting started, on account of unprecedented storms and bad weather.
There has been but little time when vessels could have run in over the bar, and consequently he was without transportation, and could go no further than men could carry rations to supply them.
When he wrote, however, his wagons were arriving, and he was going to start without waiting for full supplies.’
On the 13th, he said, also to Stanton: ‘I am in receipt of a letter of the 7th, from General Schofield.
At that time Cox was within three miles of Kinston, and repairs on the railroad were going on rapidly.
Hoke's division was confronting him. Schofield was going out himself, and expected to push out and take Kinston at once.’
On the 14th of March, Grant said to Halleck: ‘Instruct General Gillmore that if Sherman strikes the sea-coast at any other point than Wilmington before the execution of the transfer of troops, they will join him, wherever he may be.’
Of Thomas he enquired on this day: ‘Has Stoneman started yet on his expedition?
Have you commenced moving troops from Knoxville to Bull's Gap?’
On the 16th of March, Grant heard direct from Sherman, and telegraphed at once to the Secretary
New York Appleton 1885.
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