The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-11-27
KILPATRIcK'S MOVEMENT.
He Starts Out to Cut Atlanta's Remaining
Line Of Supplies.

KLPATRlCk'S MOVEMENT.
He Starts Out to Cut Atlanta's Remaining
Line Of Supplies.
Gen. Sherman was very reluctant Il
withdraw his army from its position
against Atlanta and move south IN f0rc'
against Gen. Hoods railroads. Gen
Thomas, conservative and cautious, al
ways preferred to hold on to the base Of
supplies, and was ever doubtful of plan:
: that involved its abandonment: he was :
close adviser of Gen. Sherman, and pos
sessed his entire confidence.
While Sherman and Thomas were yer!
unlike in their mental makeup, they were
close friends, and Gen. Sherman leaned
very heavily on Gen: Thomas for support
He therefore was disposed to try ever.
available expedient for the destruction OF
these railroads, aside from moving the
main army against them.
1t is quite clear, however. that he had
serious misgivings as to Gen. kilpatrlck
ability to effectively destroy the railroads
It will be observed from the following let
ter that he instructed Gen, Thomas to i'm
press upon Gen. Fitzpatrick that his move
ment was not designed as "a raid. but a
deliberate attack for the purpose OF so dis
abling that road that the enemy would be
unable to supply his army in Atlanta.
This letter bore date of Aug. II, and
was as follows:
sHERMAN's INSTRUCTIONS TO THOMAS.
Il beg you will convey the following or
ders to govern Gen. Fitzpatrick in his
movement on the Macon Road. 1t is moi
a raid, but deliberate attack for the
purpose of so disabling that road that the
enemy will be unable to supply his army
in Atlanta. He will have his own divi-
sion of cavalry and two good brigades
from Gen. Garrards Division. With these
he will move tomorrow night, aiming to
cross the West Point Road between Red
Oak and Fairburn. If he has time lie
should remove q small section of the road
without using fire, simply to lessen the
chances of an infantry force being sent
to intercept his return. He should then
move in force to the nearest point of the
Macon Road, about Jonesboro, and should
destroy as much of that road as lie pos
sibly can do, working steadily until
forced to take to his arms and horses Tor
battle. He should avoid battle with in
fantry or artillery, but may safely tight
any cavalry he encounters, because we
know that the enemy has sent Wheeler
with full 5000 cavalry up into East Ten
nessee. leave the extent of the break to
Gen. Fitzpatrick, but will only say that he
cannot destroy too much. Having fulfilled
his task, he will return and resume his
post on the right flank of the army and
send Gen. Garrard's Brigades back to their
division on the left. Gen. SchOheld will
be Instructed to move to his right as far
as prudent the day after tomorrow, and
all the army should SO engage the atten-
ton of the enemy, that he cannot detach
infantry as against Gen. Fitzpatrick. In
struct the General to advise US at the ear
lest possible moment of his success"
ORDERS TO GARRARD.
The following instructions to govern Gen.
'Garrard were contained in letter under
date of Aug. IL, from Gen. Sherman to
Gen. Thomas:
Il wish to notify Gen. Garrard to have
one OF his brigades ready to make dem
onstration, without risking battle, on our
left, and have this effective part of two
brigades, under Long if possible ready TO
move this night by moonlight by PAGES
Ferry and SandtOwn bridges, to operate
with Fitzpatrick, on Our right. They will not
move till / see Fitzpatrick in person and
have a clear understanding. Stanley's line
should be most persistent in annoying the
enemy, and making feints as though look
ing for place to assault. Though you
may continue to make preparations to
move the infantry as heretofore ordered,
do not actually move till further orders. "
There was great interest at all army
headquarters as to kilpatrick's. intended
movement Gen. Schofield with the TWEEN.
ty-third Corps was ON the right of the
Union army, and would, of course, be in
position to threaten the enemy and give
Fitzpatrick moral support if, indeed, he
could not actually engage the enemy. Gen
Fitzpatrick sent Gen. Schofeld a copy OF
his report of his reconnaissance under
cover of the following letter:
FL
Department of the Cumberland.
"Aug. II, 1864.
Mai. Gen. Schofeld.
General: / send you the report of my
operations of yesterday by one of my Aid!
to make certain that you get it. am sat
listed that with two of Gen. Garrards Bri
gades and my own division l can breal
the Macon Road effectually at any poin
the Major-General Commanding may b'
pleased TO indicate. Such an opportunity
to strike the enemy a terrible blow ha!
never offered. If it is decided to make thu
attempt, l should wish to see you anG
will visit your headquarters for that pur
pose.
"Very respectfully, your obedient serv
ant,
81. FITZPATRICK,
"Brigadier-General of Volunteers"
Every effort was now to be made to en-
able Gen. fitzpatrick to effect the purpose
of his intended movement. Tie Who'll,
army was to be up and doing, heavy dem
constructions were to be made along tn,
whole Atlanta line, and Gen. Thomas:
command was to be held in readiness 4
move to the right and engage the enemy, i
they made sally against Gen. Schofield
who was to move OUT and threaten TIN
enemy's left flank. This is shown by TIL
following, brief communications whicl
passed between Gems. Schofeld and Sher
man:
SCHOFIELD.
Headquarters Army of the Ohio,
"Aug. II. 1864.
"Maj.-Gen. Sherman: At what tim
will Fitzpatrick start? propose to pusl
out in the direction that Cox took tn
other day and threaten East Point ]
Fitzpatrick is to start tomorrow nigh,
probably l had better push out some dis
lance tomorrow, fortify and stay there, an