I thought the advice was good, and, adopting that view, countermanded the orders for pursuit of Longstreet.
On the 12th of February I ordered Thomas to take Dalton and hold it, if possible; and I directed him to move without delay.

Finding that he had not moved, on the 17th I urged him again to start, telling him how important it was, that the object of the movement was to co-operate with Sherman, who was moving eastward and might be in danger.

Then again on the 21st, he not yet having started, I asked him if he could not start the next day.

He finally got off on the 22d or 23d.

The enemy fell back from his front without a battle, but took a new position quite as strong and farther to the rear.