The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 32, In Three Parts. Part 2, Correspondence, etc. Page: 375

                                
CORRESPONDENCE, ]ET .-  NION.

morning), says that our possession of the portion of East Tennessee
is perfectly secure against all danger. The condition of the people
within the rebel lines cannot be improved now after losing all they
had. Longstreet, where he is, makes more secure other parts of our
possessions. Our men, from scanty clothing and short rations, are
not in good condition for an advance. There are but very few ani-
mals in East Tennessee in condition to move artillery or other stores,
If we move against Longstreet with an overwhelming force he will
simply fall back toward Virginia until he can be re-enforced or take
up an impregnable position. The country being exhausted, all our
supplies will have to be carried from Knoxville the whole distance
advanced. We would be obliged to advance rapidly and return soon
whether the object of the expedition was accomplished or not. Long-
street could return with impunity on the heels of our returning col-
umn, at least as far down the valley as he can supply himself from
the road in his rear. Schofield telegraphs to the same effect. All
these seem to be good reasons for abandoning the movement and I
have therefore suspended it. Now that our men are ready for an
advance, however, I have directed it to be made on Dalton, and hope
to get possession of that place and hold it as a step toward a spring
campaign. Our troops in East Tennessee are now clothed; rations
are also accumulating. When Foster left most of the troops had ten
days"supplies, with 500 barrels of flour and forty days' meat in store
and the quantity increasing daily.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Cleveland, Tenn., February 12, 1864.
Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE,
Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: I have the honor to address you for the purpose of
calling the attention of the general commanding the department to
the sad condition of the inhabitants of the belt of country lying be-
tween our lines and the lines of the Confederate forces south of us.
These people are divided in sentiment, some adhering to the Confed-
erate cause, many more professing Union sentiments. The latter are
the subjects daily of gross outrages at the hands of Confederate sol-
diers, being driven from their homes and having their houses and
buildings destroyed.  Two cases of burning Union men's houses
have occurred within a few days; one, a Mr. Lusk, near Red Clay,
the other, a Mr. Southerland, near Spring Place. From all I can
learn this was done in a spirit of wantonness, and although I cannot
say by the orders of any Confederate officer, a very considerable
body of Confederate troops were present.
I would respectfully suggest that this matter be made the subject
of a communication to the commander of the Confederate forces at
Dalton, as I have every confidence that hb would promptly exert his
authority to suppress this needless and wanton vandalism.
Your obedient servant,
D. S. STANLEY,
Mkajor- General, Commanding.

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CrAP. XLIV.1