234
THE MAKCH TO THE SEA.
(Telegram.) Headquarters Army of the Ohio,
Near Columbia, Tenn. , November 28, 1864— 4 p.m.
If Hood advances on the Lewisburg and Franklin Pike, where do you proposeto fight him ? I have all the force that is necessary here, and A. J. Smith'stroops should be placed with reference to the proposed point of concentration.
(Signed) J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major- General .
(Telegram.) Nashville , November 28, 1864.
Major-General Schofield, near Columbia:
Your despatch of 3.30 is just received. If General Wilson cannot succeed indriving back the enemy, should it piove true that he has crossed the river, youwill necessarily have to make preparations to take up a new position at Franklin,behind Harpeth, immediately, if it becomes necessary to fall back.
Major-General U. S. Vote., Coiwfg.
(Telegram.) Headquarters Army of the Ohio,
Franklin Pike, Tenn. , November 28, 1864.Major-General George H. Thomas , Nashville , Tenn .
General—I am informed the wagon bridge at Franklin has been carried away.Would it not be well to replace it by pontoon bridge during the rainy season ?
(Signed) J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General ,
(Telegram.) Nashville , November 28, 1864.
Major-General Schofield:
You can send some of the pontoons you used at Columbia to Franklin, to lay abridge there. I will answer your other telegrams in a few moments.
Major-General U. S. Vote,, Comd’g.
(Telegram.) Near Columbia, November 28,1864 — 6 p.m.
Major-General Thomas , Nashville :
The enemy’s cavalry in force has crossed the river on the‘Lewisburg Pike, andis now in possession of Rally Hill. Wilson is trying to get on the Franklin Pikeahead of them. He thinks the enemy may swing in between him and me andstrike Spring Hill , and wants Hammond’s brigade to halt there. Please give itorders if you know where it is. Also, I think, it would be well to send A. J.Smith’s force to that place.
(Signed) J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major- General.
(Telegram.) Nashville , November 2S, 1864—8 p.m.
Major-General Schofield :
If you are confident you can hold your present position I wish you to do so un-til I can get General Smith here. After his arrival we can withdraw gradually,and invite Hood across Duck Bivcr and fall upon him with our whole force, orwait until Wilson can organize his entire cavalry force, and then withdraw from