His pursuit of Hood indicated a sluggishness that satisfied me that he would never do to conduct one of your campaigns.

The command of the advance of the pursuit was left to subordinates, whilst Thomas followed far behind.

When Hood had crossed the Tennessee, and those in pursuit had reached it, Thomas had not much more than half crossed the State, from whence he returned to Nashville to take steamer for Eastport.

He is possessed of excellent judgment, great coolness and honesty, but he is not good on a pursuit.

He also reported his troops fagged, and that it was necessary to equip up.