My dear general:  I have just received and read, I need not tell you with how mush gratification, your letter to General Halleck.  I congratulate you and the brave officers and men under your command on the successful termination of your most brilliant campaign.  I never had a doubt of the result.  When apprehensions for your safety were expressed by the President, I assured him with the army you had, and you in command of it, there was no danger but you would strike bottom on salt-water some place; that I would not feel the same security—­in fact, would not have intrusted the expedition to any other living commander.

It has been very hard work to get Thomas to attack Hood.  I gave him the most peremptory order, and had started to go there myself, before he got off.  He has done magnificently, however, since he started.  Up to last night, five thousand prisoners and forty-nine pieces of captured artillery, besides many wagons and innumerable small-arms, had been received in Nashville.  This is exclusive of the enemy’s loss at Franklin, which amounted to thirteen general officers killed, wounded, and captured.  The enemy probably lost five thousand men at Franklin, and ten thousand in the last three days’ operations.  Breckenridge is said to be making for Murfreesboro’.

I think he is in a most excellent place.  Stoneman has nearly wiped out John Morgan’s old command, and five days ago entered Bristol.  I did think the best thing to do was to bring the greater part of your army here, and wipe out Lee.  The turn affairs now seem to be taking has shaken me in that opinion.  I doubt whether you may not accomplish more toward that result where you are than if brought here, especially as I am informed, since my arrival in the city, that it would take about two months to get you here with all the other calls there are for ocean transportation.

I want to get your views about what ought to be done, and what can be done.  If you capture the garrison of Savannah, it certainly will compel Lee to detach from Richmond, or give us nearly the whole South.  My own opinion is that Lee is averse to going out of Virginia, and if the cause of the South is lost he wants Richmond to be the last place surrendered.  If he has such views, it may be well to indulge him until we get every thing else in our hands.

Congratulating you and the army again upon the splendid results of your campaign, the like of which is not read of in past history, I subscribe myself, more than ever, if possible, your friend,

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

Headquarters of the army
city point, Virginia, December 26, 1864.

Major-General W. T. Sherman, Savannah, Georgia.

General:  Your very interesting letter of the 22d inst., brought by Major Grey of General Foster’s staff; is fast at hand.  As the major starts back at once, I can do no more at present than simply acknowledge its receipt.  The capture of Savannah, with all its immense stores, must tell upon the people of the South.  All well here.  Yours truly,