Today in History:

519 Series I Volume XXXVIII-IV Serial 75 - The Atlanta Campaign Part IV

Page 519 Chapter L. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

but the place is still held by the enemy. Major Morton, of the Engineers, formerly a brigadier, was killed at Petersburg. The rebel report of a disaster to Sheridan near Gordonsville was not true. He has returned, having whipped the enemy on the 12th, but was unable to carry Gordonsville because of large infantry re-enforcements. Nothing recent from Hunter.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

IN THE FIELD, June 19, 1864-7 a. m.

(Received 3.50 p. m.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Washington, D. C.:

Enemy gave way last night in the midst of darkness and storm, and at daylight our pickets entered his line from right to left. The whole army is now in pursuit as far as chattahoochee. I start at once at Marietta, and leave orders for railroad and telegraph to be kept up.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

BIG SHANTY, GA., June 19, 1864-7.30 p. m.

(Received 1.20 p. m. 20th.)

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

Washington, D. C.:

I was premature in announcing that the enemy had abandoned his position. I based my report on those of all the enemy commanders. The enemy has thrown back his flank and abandoned all his works in front of the Kenesaw Mountain, but holds that mountain as the apex of his position. His flanks are behind Noonday and Noyes' Creeks. We have pressed him pretty close to-day, although the continued rain makes all movements almost an impossibility.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
June 19, 1864-6.30 a. m.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: General Palmer reports the enemy gone from his front. i have ordered to troops to push forward in pursuit and press as close as the weather and roads will permit.

Very respectfully,

GEO. H. THOMAS,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
June 19, 1864-7.45 a. m.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:

GENERAL: I have just heard again from Generals Howard and Hooker. there is but little doubt but that the enemy is gone. Gen-


Page 519 Chapter L. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.