[193] Tennessee, General Canby is obliged to keep large forces on the Mississippi River to protect its navigation, and to hold Memphis, Vicksburg, etc., although General Grant had directed a part of these forces to cooperate with Sherman.Every day's delay on your part, therefore, seriously interferes with General Grant's plans.
On the 14th General Grant himself left City Point for Nashville to assume command, but was met at Washington by the news of Thomas' victory.
Your telegram of 12:30 M. to-day is received. The ice having melted away to-day, the enemy will be attacked to-morrow morning. Much as I regret the apparent delay in attacking the enemy, it could not have been done before with any reasonable prospect of success.Geo. H. Thomas, Major-General U. S. Vols. commanding.
Attacked enemy's left this morning, drove it from the river, below city, very nearly to Franklin pike, distance about eight miles. * * * *Geo. H. Thomas, Major-General.
The body of the above dispatch contains a lengthy account of the movements.
I was just on my way to Nashville, but receiving a dispatch from Van Duzen, detailing your splendid success of to-day, I shall go no further. Push the enemy now, and give him no rest until he is entirely destroyed. Your army will cheerfully suffer many privations to break up Hood's army, and make it useless for future operations. Do not stop for trains or supplies, but take them from the country, as the enemy has done. Much is now expected.U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
Your dispatch of this evening just received. I congratulate you and the army under your command for to-day's operations, and feel a conviction that to-morrow will add more fruits to your victory.U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
