4500. This is the best I can do, and shall,
therefore, when I get to Atlanta the necessary stores, move as soon
as possible."

To that despatch General Grant replied, November 2:

"Your despatch of 9 A. M. yesterday is just received. I despatched
you the same date, advising that Hood's army, now that it had worked
so far north, be looked upon more as the objective. With the force,
however, you have left with Thomas, he must be able to take care
of Hood and destroy him. I do not really see that you can withdraw
from where you are to follow Hood without giving up all we have
gained in territory. I say, then, go as you propose."

Thus Grant gave his assent to Sherman's proposition that Nashville,
Chattanooga, and Decatur be held defensively, even during a long
siege if necessary, instead of the line of the Tennessee, as at
first insisted on by General Grant. Yet Grant's assent was given
in view of Sherman's trust that Thomas would be able _in a very
few days_ to assume the offensive.

Sherman's despatch to Thomas of the same date (November 1) instructed
him as to the policy then determined on, in lieu of that which had
contemplated holding the line of the Tennessee firmly, as follows:

"Despatch of last night received. The fact that Forrest is down
about Johnsonville, while Hood, with his infantry, is still about
Florence and Tuscumbia, gives you time for concentration. The
supplies about Chattanooga are immense, and I will soon be independent
of them; therefore I would not risk supplies coming in transitu
from Nashville to Chattanooga. In like manner, we have large
supplies in Nashville, and if they be well guarded, and Hood can't
get our supplies, he can't stay in Tennessee long. General Schofield
will go to you as rapidly as cars can take him. I have no doubt,
after the emergency is past, and the enemy has done us considerable
damage, reinforcements will pour to you more than can be provided
for or taken care of. In the meantime do your best. I will leave
here to-morrow for Kingston, and keep things moving toward the
south; therefore hold fast all new troops coming to you, excepting
such as are now at Chattanooga, to whom I will give orders."

Yet in his letter to Grant, five days later, Sherman reverts to
the original plan: "On the supposition, always, that Thomas can
hold the line of the Tennessee."

November 7, Sherman telegraphed Grant: ". . . On that day [November
10] or the following, if aff