Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to Edward Hatch
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03666 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: Pocataligo, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 January 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Major General Sherman writes to General Hatch about his plans for the Carolina campaign against Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. Sherman gives Hatch orders for troop movements. "I wish you tomorrow to send a Detachment to the Forks of the Road this side of the Salkehatchie, ... Try and make a pathway of fallen timber through the swamp, so as to Enable skirmishers to appear near the River Bank at the Railroad & Wagon Road Bridges." Informs that he will wait where he is until he hears from General Henry W. Slocum about Robertville. Believes it to be very important to hold the position on the railroad. Written on stationary marked "Head-Quarters, Military Division of the Mississippi."
In the Field, Pocataligo Jan 29. 1865.
Genl Hatch,
Comd Divn .
General.
I wish you tomorrow to send a Detachment to the Forks of the Road this side of the Salkehatchie, and thence make demonstrations as though preparatory to cover on to the East Side. Try and make a pathway of fall timber through the Swamp, so as to enable skirmishes to appear near the River Bank as the Railroad & wagon Road Bridges. Also if possible let one or more horsemen try to pass through the water along the Wagon Road. I think that water must have subsided enough for this. Also let a party take tools and prepare on the Railroad causeway a place (Counter Sunk) for two Guns. En Embrasure. Report to me what is seen by night. I will remain here, till I hear from Genl Slocum [2] about Robertville where the whole army will move north leaving you to cover this point. I deem it of importance to hold the Position on the Railroad for some time say ten days after I leave. And Using that time to pul across the Salkehatchie in the direction of Charleston, so as to destroy the Railroad as far towards the [Edicts] as possible - As long as the Railroad is intact up to Salkehatchie you will see an enemy may rapidly interpose betwen Va and Port Royal, which might incommode us. At the same time General Foster will try and cut the Road between this & Charleston the Effect of which will be to make the Enemy guard the Road in its whole length. After I have reached the Augusta Road, I do not think this Road will be of much use to the Enemy
I am with respect
W.T. Sherman
Maj. Gen. Comdg.
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