APPENDIX D.
233
(Telegram.) Headquarters Army of the Ohio,
Near Columbia, Tenn. , November 28, 18(34—9 a.m.Major-General Thomas, Nashville :
General —I am in doubt whether it is advisable, with reference to futureoperations, to hold this position, or to retire to some point from which we canmove offensively. Of course we cannot secure the river here. I could easilyhave held the bridge-head at the R. R., but it would have been useless, as wecould not possibly advance from that point. Please give me your views andwishes,
(Telegram.) Headquarters Army of the Ohio,
Near Columbia, Tenn. , November 28, 1864—9.10 a.m.Major General Thomas, Nashville :
General — I have ail the fords above and below this place well watched, andguarded as far as possible. Wilson is operating with his main force on my left.The enemy does not appear to have moved in that direction yet to any consider-able distance. I will probably be able to give you pretty full information thisevening. Do you not think the infantry at the distant crossings below heroshould now be withdrawn, and cavalry substituted ? I do not think we can pre-vent the crossing of even the enemy’s cavalry, because tte places are so numerous.I think the best we can do is to hold the crossings near us and watch the distantones.
(Telegram.) Nashville , November 28, 1864—10 a.m.
Major-General Schofield , Columbia via Franklin :
The following just received from Lieut.-General Grant: tl City Point, Nov. 27,9 p.m.— Savannah papers just received state that Forrest is expected in the rearof General Sherman, and that Breckcnridge is already on his way to Georgia fromEast Tennessee.” If this proves true, General Grant wishes me to take the offen-sive against Hood, and destroy the railroad into Virginia with Stoneman's forcenow beyond Knoxville . General Smith will certainly be here in three days, whenI think we will be able to commence moving on Hood , whetner Forrest goes toGeorgia or remains with Hood .
(Signed) GEO. II. THOMAS,
Major-General V. S. Vote. , ComcCg.
(Telegram.) Headquarters Army of the Ohio,
Near Columbia, Tenn. , November 28, 1864.Major-General Thomas, Nashville :
The enemy was crossing in force a short distance this side of the Lewisburg Pikeat noon to-day, and had driven our cavalry back across the river and the Pike atthe same time. The force is reputed to be infantry, but I do not regard it asvery probable. Wilson has gone with his main force to learn the fact, and drivethe tnemy back, if practicable.