The Washington herald., 1914-10-10

railroad, from the vicinity of Ken
esaw Mountain to Allatoona. Fifty
years ago today. at the latter place
was where he received first word that
Gen. Hoods army was crossing the
Coosa River, and was threatening
Rome.
That night the Federal army moved
toward Rome to block the Confeder-
ates II they should again attempt to
swing east to destroy the Federal rail-
road to Chattanooga.
"SIarch to Sea, Approved.
Sherman was determined to make
the Confederates fight. He sent word
to Gen. John NJ. Corse. who had won
fame the week before by his defense
, Of Allatoona. and who, in spite Of a
serious wound in the head, had hur-
ried back to Rome and assumed COM
mand there. to fight behind his breast
works and to burn down every house
in Rome that interfered with your
range OF fire" It was hoped that a
stubborn defense would delay Hood
until Sherman could come up with
him.
But the Confederates did not attack
Rome. Instead, they headed northeast
along the north bank OF the Ooostan-
aula River. which flows into the Coosa
and. while Gen. Sherman was eoneen-
| trating at Rome. were to appear in
| front OF the defenses of Resaca, thirty
miles to the north.
| Sherman received intimatfon on October
II that the Confederates were not moving
| against Rome. and at once telegraphed
to Grant, urging his approval of plan
| for a march across Georgia which Sher-
man had previously submitted He
planned to leave Hoods army to Gen.
George H. Thomas, commanding In Mid
/ die Tennessee. and after destroying the
railroad between Chattanooga and At
lanta, and the latter city as well. to cut
| loose and march across the State to
Savannah or Charleston, on the Atlantic
| coast
with 5000 men and the bold cavalry
he Hood has, he can constantly break
| my road" Sherman telegraphed. It
/ would Infinitely prefer to move
through Georgia smashing things to the
sea can make Savannah.
Charleston. or the mouth OF the Chatta-
hoochee. Answer quick. as I know we
will not have the telegraph long"
To this Grant replied the same day: 'cIf
you are satisfied the trip to the seacoast
can be made, holding the line Of the
Tennessee firmly, you may make it" This
| was the first sanction of Sherman's
plan.
The next day, after thinking the matter
over. Grant telegraphed: "On reflection.
think better Of your proposition. 1t would
! be much better to go south than be
forced to come north. You will. no doubt,
| clean the country where you go of rail-
road tracks and supplies. would also
move every wagon, horse, mule and hooi
Of stock, as well as the negroes. As far
as arms can be supplied, either from sur
plus or by capture, 1 would put them in
the hands Of negro men Give them such
organization as you can. They will be OF
| some use"
With this added approval. Sherman was
| impatient to begin the march. But he
must stop for time and watch Gen.
Hood II Hood marched west from his
/ crossing of the Coosa River, into Ala
bama, Sherman was free to move, but IT,
on the contrary the Confederates should
continue their northward march along
the Federal communications, Sherman
| must follow them.
The next day was to bring news OF the
/ appearance OF Hood in front Of Resaca.
| The march to the sea was to be tenn
porarily abandoned. and Sherman was to
start north In an endeavor to meet and
defeat the Confederates,
/ tcopyhsht. Isl4l