Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885 to George H. Thomas
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05730 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885 Place Written: City Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 December 1864 Pagination: 1 p. : Height: 25.1 cm, Width: 19.8 cm Order a Copy
Grant, commander-in-chief of the United States Army, instructs General Thomas to move out of Nashville, Tennessee, "and force the enemy to retire or fight upon ground of your own choosing." Informs Thomas, commanding the Department of the Cumberland, that he (Grant) thinks the Union army should have taken the offensive against Confederates based on the successful Union repulsion of Confederate General John Bell Hood at Franklin, Tennessee (30 November 1864). Declares "You will now suffer incalculable injury upon your railroads if Hood is not speedily disposed of; [inserted in pencil: Cut forth therefore Every possible Exertion to attain this End] should you get him to retreating give him no peace." Marked in the margin as "Copied." Marked on the top as "Cipher." Written on Head Quarters Armies of the United States stationery.
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