Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to Henry W. Halleck
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04357 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: City Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 January 1865 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25.2 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Major General Henry W. Halleck in Washington, D.C. concerning Confederate General Pierre G. T. Beauregard's trip west to gather General John B. Hood's army in order to bring them against Union General William T. Sherman. Thinks that if this is true, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama will be reached easily. Does not believe that General George Henry Thomas will get there in time stating that he is "too ponderous in his preparations and equipments to move through a country rapidly enough to live off of it." Explains that he only wants to defend what they already have in west of the Mississippi River but would like General Edward Canby to make a "Winter Campaign" in order to capture Mobile first, then Montgomery, Selma, "and the destruction of all roads, machine shops and stores the main object." Orders that Canby be given Cavalry horses to start the campaign. Concludes by stating, "Thomas must make a campaign or spare his surplus troops."
City Point, Va, Jan. 18th 186[struck: 4][inserted:5].
Maj. Gen. Halleck, Washington.
I now understand that Beauregard has gone West to gather up what can be saved from Hoods Army to bring against Sherman. If this be the case Selma & Montegomery will be easily reached. I do not believe though that Thomas will ever get there from the North. He is too ponderous in his preparations and equipments to move through a Country rapidly enough to live off of it. West of the Miss we do not want to do more than defend what we now hold but I do want Canby to make a Winter Campaign either from Mobile Bay or from some point in Fla. You might order all the [2] Cavalry horses now in the West to Canby and direct him to make an independent Campaign looking to the Capture of Mobile first, if the job does not promise to long a one, and Montgomery and Selma, and the [struck: reduction] [inserted: destruction] of all roads, machine shops and stores the main object. Thomas can do without horses for some time. A portion of his troops could be sent by water to Canby. If Thomas does move in co-operation probably the best route for him to take would be by way of Chattanooga, repairing the road to Rome and starting from there. There I give as views. What I would order is that Canby be furnished Cavalry horses and be directed to prepare to commence a Campaign and that Thomas be telegraphed to [3] to say what he could do, and when, and get his views upon the choise of routes looking upon Selma as his objective. Thomas must make a campaign or spare his surplus troops.
U. S. Grant
Lt. Gen.
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