The National tribune., 1896-04-23

Aiieh Nesb NAhSh oAb viz 1NpS
military force in all the Southern State:
He begins a new campaign the 1st 0
, January, which will have the most i'm
portant results, if Hoods army can b
used up. A most vigorous pursuit oil
your part is therefore of vital importanc
to Gen. Sherman's plans No sacrific'
must be spared to obtain so important :
result"
To this dispatch Gen. Thomas re
piled as follows: " Your dispatch of the
DIST inst. is just received. Gen. Hood
army is being pursued as rapidly and
vigorously as it is possible for one army
to pursue another. We cannot control
the elements, and you must remember
that to resist Hoods advance into Ten.
nessee / had to reorganize and almost
entirely equip the force now under my
command.
Il fought the battle on the 18th and
10th with the troops partially equipped,
and Notwithstanding the inclemency OF
the weather and the partial equipments,
have been enabled to drive the enemy
beyond Duck River, crossing two streams
with my troops and driving the enemy
from position TO position without the aid
of pontoons, and with but little transpor-
tation TO bring up supplies and ammuni-
I ton with.
" ] am doing all in my power to crush
Hoods army, and if it be possible will
destroy it. But pursuing an enemy
through an exhausted country, over
mud roads completely sogged with heavy
rains, is no child's play, and cannot be
accomplished as quick as thought of. |
hope, in urging me to push the enemy,
the Department remembers that Gen.
Sherman took with him the complete
organization of the Military Division of
the Mississippi, well equipped as regards
ammunition, supplies and transportation,
leaving me onl Y two corps, partially
stripped of their transportation, to ac-
commodate the force taken with him, to
oppose the advance into Tennessee Of
that army which had
RESISTED THE ADVANCE
Of the Military Division Of the Mississippi
on Atlanta from the commencement of
the campaign until its close, and which is
now aided by Forests cavalry.
Although my progress may appear
low, | feel assured that Hoods army
can be driven from Tennessee and event
ualIy driven to the wall BY the force
under my command. But too much
must not be expected Of troops that have
TO be reorganized, especially when they
have the task of destroying force in a
Winters campaign, which was able 10
make an obstinate resistance TO twice its
numbers in Spring and Summer. In
conclusion, can safely state that this
army is willing to submit to any sacri-
fee to crush Hoods army or to strike
any other blow which NAV contribute to
the destruction of the rebellion"
Hon. i. NJ Stanton, Secretary of War,
telegraphed Gen. Thomas on the 22d as
follows: Z" have seen Gen. Halleck's
dispatch of yesterday and your reply. |
1t is proper for me TO assure you that |
the Department has the most unbounded |
confidence in your skill, vigor, and de- |
termination 10 employ to the best adj
vantage all the means in your power to
pursue ard destroy the enemy. No De. |
partment could be inspired with more
profound admiration and thankfuiness
for the great deeds which yoa have al |
ready performed or more confiding faith |
that human effort could do no more, and |
no more than will be done by you and |
the accomplished and gallant officers
and soldiers Of your command"
Secretary Stanton had been impatient !