Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) to his brother John McKinley Gibson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.023 Author/Creator: Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) Place Written: La Grange, GA Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 July 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 21.5 cm. Order a Copy
A camp rumor states that Sherman gave up his campaign against Atlanta and is fortifying along the Chatahoochee. "But this is mere conjecture." Gibson goes on to offer offensive diversions to draw Sherman from Atlanta, such as massing Confederate troops along the Potomac or attacking Sherman's Army in the rear. "Kin" is John McKinley Gibson's nickname.
Excerpt:
"Should Federal army meet with decided reverses in the offensive campaign we appear to be inaugurating in the East - or should we appear in sufficient force on the Potomac to call Grant to Washington, Sherman will send a portion of his Army to the support of Grant. Or should Kirby Smith, as rumor hath it, cross the Miss River in any adequate force & form a junction with For[r]est - Sherman would be compelled either to fall back with his whole army or to send off a sufficient detachment to cope with the Confederates upon his rear. The contingencies of the campaign seem to be against any further advance upon the part of Sherman: But quien sabe?"
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