He said that it was an axiom in war that when any great body of troops moved against an enemy they should do so from a base of supplies, which they would guard as they would the apple of the eye, etc.

He pointed out all the difficulties that might be encountered in the campaign proposed, and stated in turn what would be the true campaign to make.

This was, in substance, to go back until high ground could be reached on the east bank of the river; fortify there and establish a depot of supplies, and move from there, being always prepared to fall back upon it in case of disaster.

I said this would take us back to Memphis.

Sherman then said that was the very place he would go to, and would move by railroad from Memphis to Grenada, repairing the road as we advanced.