236
THE MARCH TO THE SEA.
(Telegram.) Franklin Fire, Tenn., November 20, 1864—1 p.m.
Major-General Thomas, Nashville :
l’leasc have pontoons put down at Franklin at once.
(Signed) J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major - General.
(Telegram.) Nashville , November 29, 1864—2.30 p.m.
Major-General Schofield, Franklin:
Your despatch of 8 a.m. received. I have sent orders to General Cooper as yourequested, but think it would be well for you to send a second messenger to himto make sure that he receives his orders.
(Signed) GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General XJ. JS. Vo Is., Comd'g.
(Telegram.) Nashville , November 29, 1864—11 p.m.
Major-General Schofield, Franklin:
General Wilson telegraphed me very fully the movements of the enemy yester-day and this morning. He believes Forrest is aiming to strike this place, whilstthe infantry will move against you and attempt to get on your flank. If you dis-cover such to be his movement you had better cross Harpeth at Franklin, andthen retire along the Franklin Pike to this place, covering your wagon train andthe railroad. I directed General Cooper in accordance with your wishes yester-day, to withdraw from Centreville by the Nashville road, crossing Harpeth atWidow Dean’s, and report to you from that place for further orders. You hadbetter send orders to meet him.
(Signed) GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. £>. Vols., Comd'g.
(Telegram.) Franklin, November 30, 1864—5.30 a.m.
Major-General Thomas, Nashville :
I hope to get my troops and material safely across the Harpeth this morning.We have suffered no material loss so far. I shall try to get Wilson on my flankthis morning. Forrest was all around us yesterday, but we brushed him awayduring the evening, and came through. Hood attacked in front and flank, butdid not hurt us.
(Signed) J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major- General.
(Telegram.) Franklin, November 30, 1864—9.50 a.m.
Major-General Thomas, Nashville :
My trains are coming in all right. Half the troops are here, and the other halfabout five miles out, coming on in good order, with light skirmishing. I willhave all across the river this evening. Wilson is here, and his cavalry on myflank. I do not know where Forrest is. He may have gone east, but no doubtwill strike our flank and rear again soon. Wilson is entirely unable to cope withhim. Of course, I cannot prevent Hood from crossing the Harpeth whenever hemay attempt it. Do you desire mo to hold on here until compelled to fall back ?
(Signed) J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major- General.