ey should
be well concentrated on your left flank, leaving only the
necessary force to defend fortifications on the right and centre,
and a movable column of one division in readiness to move whereon
ordered. This division should show itself as threateningly as (p. 400)
possible on the most practical line for making an attack
up the valley Your effort will then be to form a junction with
Sherman, making your advance well toward the northern end of
Missionary Ridge, and moving as near simultaneously with him as
possible. The junction once formed and the ridge carried,
communication will at once be established between the two armies
by roads on the south bank of the river. Further movements will
then depend on those of the enemy. Lookout Valley, I think, will
be easily held by Geary's Division and what troops you may still
have there belonging to the old army of the Cumberland. Howard's
corps can then be held in readiness to act either with you at
Chattanooga, or with Sherman. It should be marched on Friday
night to a position on the north side of the river, not lower
down than the first pontoon bridge, and there held in readiness
for such orders as may become necessary. All the troops will be
provided with two days cooked rations in haversacks and one
hundred rounds of ammunition on the person of each infantry
soldier. Special care should be taken by all officers to see that
no ammunition is wasted or unnecessarily fired away. You will
call on the Engineer Department for such preparations as you may
deem necessary for carrying your infantry and artillery over the
creek.

"U. S. GRANT,
"_Major-General_."

A copy of these instructions was furnished Sherman with the
following communication:

"To
"MAJOR-GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN.

"Enclosed herewith I send you copy of instructions to
Major-General Thomas. You having been over the ground in person,
and having heard the whole matter discussed, further instructions
will not be necessary for you. It is particularly desirable that
a force should be got through to the railroad between Cleveland
and Dalton, and Longstreet thus cut off from communication with
the South; but being confronted by a large force here,