To the right and left of the point of assault all the artillery possible should be brought to play upon the enemy in front during the assault.  Their lines would be sufficient for the support of the artillery, and all the reserves could be brought on the flanks of their commands nearest to the point of assault, ready to follow in if successful.  The field artillery and infantry held in the lines during the first assault should be in readiness to move at a moment’s notice either to their front or to follow the main assault, as they should receive orders.  One thing, however, should be impressed on corps commanders.  If they see the enemy giving away on their front or moving from it to reinforce a heavily assaulted portion of their line, they should take advantage of such knowledge and act promptly without waiting for orders from army commanders.  General Ord can co-operate with his corps in this movement, and about five thousand troops from Bermuda Hundred can be sent to reinforce you or can be used to threaten an assault between the Appomattox and James rivers, as may be deemed best.

This should be done by Tuesday morning, if done at all.  If not attempted, we will then start at the date indicated to destroy the railroad as far as Hicksford at least, and to Weldon if possible.

* * * * * * *

Whether we send an expedition on the road or assault at
Petersburg, Burnside’s mine will be blown up....

U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.

(39) See letter, August 5th, Appendix.

(40) See Appendix, letters of Oct. 11th.

(41) CITY POINT, VA., December 2,1864.

MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS,
Nashville Tenn.

If Hood is permitted to remain quietly about Nashville, you will lose all the road back to Chattanooga and possibly have to abandon the line of the Tennessee.  Should he attack you it is all well, but if he does not you should attack him before he fortifies.  Arm and put in the trenches your quartermaster employees, citizens, etc.

U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.

CITY POINT, VA., December 2, 1864.—­1.30 P.M.

MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS,
Nashville, Tenn.

With your citizen employees armed, you can move out of Nashville with all your army and force the enemy to retire or fight upon ground of your own choosing.  After the repulse of Hood at Franklin, it looks to me that instead of falling back to Nashville we should have taken the offensive against the enemy where he was.  At this distance, however, I may err as to the best method of dealing with the enemy.  You will now suffer incalculable injury upon your railroads if Hood is not speedily disposed of.  Put forth therefore every possible exertion to attain this end.  Should you get him to retreating give him no peace.

U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General.