355 Series I Volume XXXVIII-V Serial 76 - The Atlanta Campaign Part V
Page 355 | Chapter L. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--UNION. |
ally look to the front of Atlanta. General Howard will co-operate with General Schofield, and General Schofield, re-enforced by your corps, is charged to reach the railroad. Obey his orders and instructions. Acknowledge receipt.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, August 4, 1864.Major-General SHERMAN,
Commanding:
I am General Schofield's senior. We may co-operate but I respectfully decline to report to or take orders from him.
Respectfully,
JNO. M. PALMER,
Major-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 4, 1864.General PALMER:
I was under the impression that General Schofield ranked you. I had not thought of the relative rank. Co-operate heartily and the same result will be obtained. I will see you this afternoon. I assure you that I have no disposition to qualify your true rank.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
August 4, 1864--1 p. m.Major General JOHN M. SCHOFIELD:
I have this moment received a telegraphic order from Major-General Sherman directing me to report to you and obey your orders, and your Special Field Orders, Numbers 71, prescribing the movement of troops to-day. I respectfully decline obedience to either. You are my junior. While it was a question of co-operation, I raised no question about our respective rights and rank, and I have no doubt, influenced as we both are by friendly feelings and a desire to attain the best results, we should have operated to-day harmoniously. I did not claim to command your troops from motives of delicacy. I will not obey either General Sherman's order of yours, as they violate my self-respect. I will nothing of this sort under orders, whatever I may yield to courtesy.
Respectfully,
JOHN M. PALMER,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 4, 1864--3 p. m.Major General JOHN M. PALMER,
Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: I have just received your communication of 11 a. m. [1 p. m.?] to-day, and beg leave to correct your impression that you are my
Page 355 | Chapter L. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--UNION. |