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VII. Unpleasant News
July 13, 1864
North of the Chattahoochee River
State of Georgia
Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman was in his headquarters pondering over logistical problems with Major General James B. McPherson when a boy from the telegraph's office arrived. "A message from General Grant, sir." Sherman took the envelope, nodded absentmindedly and tore it open.
General Sherman,
The rebel leader Sterling Price has gone on the offensive in Arkansas. He was able to completely rout the forces of our General Steele and was able to take back Little Rock. Videttes observed Price crossing the Arkansas River and afterwards heading in a northern direction. It seems obvious to me, that his objective is Missouri. Reliable reports estimate Price's strength at around twenty thousand men and it is to be expected that volunteers will be joining his ranks. Our troop conditions in Missouri are miserable and the units in Kansas have almost no combat experience. To avoid any major setback in the broader conflict, that would only strengthen those petitioning for peace with the traitors, I have to order significant additional forces to Missouri. You are therefore obliged to entrain General Schofield and the Army of the Ohio immediately and put them on the rails towards St. Louis via Nashville. After consulting your latest reports I am confident about your chances of taking Atlanta even in the face of this substraction of manpower because you still field twice as many men as Johnston. It is mandatory for you to use your superiority in a way to achieve significant progress in the coming weeks. I am fully dependant on your service.
General Grant
"What is this?" Mc Pherson asked.
"Telegram from Grant. Steele has failed in Arkansas. Schofield is ordered to reinforce Missouri." Sherman answered.
"Damn that Steele, this could certainly complicate matters."
"This is an understatement, James. Although we will have left almost 80,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry, the grey fox Johnston has some of tge strongest fortifications in the world to rely upon."
"Then we should keep our momentum going, Cump. If we only pressure him enough, he has to crack somewhere."
"Your words in the ear of the Lord." Sherman concluded sarcastically. It is time to move forward again, he thought to himself. But first I have to tell the news to Schofield. I imagine he will not be very fond of this mess.
VII. Unpleasant News
July 13, 1864
North of the Chattahoochee River
State of Georgia
Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman was in his headquarters pondering over logistical problems with Major General James B. McPherson when a boy from the telegraph's office arrived. "A message from General Grant, sir." Sherman took the envelope, nodded absentmindedly and tore it open.
General Sherman,
The rebel leader Sterling Price has gone on the offensive in Arkansas. He was able to completely rout the forces of our General Steele and was able to take back Little Rock. Videttes observed Price crossing the Arkansas River and afterwards heading in a northern direction. It seems obvious to me, that his objective is Missouri. Reliable reports estimate Price's strength at around twenty thousand men and it is to be expected that volunteers will be joining his ranks. Our troop conditions in Missouri are miserable and the units in Kansas have almost no combat experience. To avoid any major setback in the broader conflict, that would only strengthen those petitioning for peace with the traitors, I have to order significant additional forces to Missouri. You are therefore obliged to entrain General Schofield and the Army of the Ohio immediately and put them on the rails towards St. Louis via Nashville. After consulting your latest reports I am confident about your chances of taking Atlanta even in the face of this substraction of manpower because you still field twice as many men as Johnston. It is mandatory for you to use your superiority in a way to achieve significant progress in the coming weeks. I am fully dependant on your service.
General Grant
"What is this?" Mc Pherson asked.
"Telegram from Grant. Steele has failed in Arkansas. Schofield is ordered to reinforce Missouri." Sherman answered.
"Damn that Steele, this could certainly complicate matters."
"This is an understatement, James. Although we will have left almost 80,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry, the grey fox Johnston has some of tge strongest fortifications in the world to rely upon."
"Then we should keep our momentum going, Cump. If we only pressure him enough, he has to crack somewhere."
"Your words in the ear of the Lord." Sherman concluded sarcastically. It is time to move forward again, he thought to himself. But first I have to tell the news to Schofield. I imagine he will not be very fond of this mess.
- Lothar
- Word Count: 400