On the 27th of September I telegraphed Sherman as follows: CITY POINT, VA., September 27, 1864--10.30 A.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL SHERMAN: I have directed all recruits and new troops from the Western States to be sent to Nashville, to receive their further orders from you.

* * * U.S.GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
On the 29th Sherman sent Thomas back to Chattanooga, and afterwards to Nashville, with another division (Morgan's) of the advanced army.
Sherman then suggested that, when he was prepared, his movements should take place against Milledgeville and then to Savannah.

His expectation at that time was, to make this movement as soon as he could get up his supplies.

Hood was moving in his own country, and was moving light so that he could make two miles to Sherman's one.

He depended upon the country to gather his supplies, and so was not affected by delays.
As I have said, until this unexpected state of affairs happened, Mobile had been looked upon as the objective point of Sherman's army.