Today in History:

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.