Smith's two divisions at Paducah, which would surely reach Nashville much sooner than General Hood could possibly do from Florence, so that he was perfectly satisfied with his share of the army.
On the 12th, with a full staff, I started from Kingston for Atlanta; and about noon of that day we reached Cartersville, and sat on the edge of a porch to rest, when the telegraph operator, Mr.Van Valkenburg, or Eddy, got the wire down from the poles to his lap, in which he held a small pocket instrument.

Calling "Chattanooga," he received this message from General Thomas, dated-- NASHVILLE, November 12, 1884--8.80 A.M.
Major-General SHERMAN: Your dispatch of twelve o'clock last night is received.

I have no fears that Beauregard can do us any harm now, and, if he attempts to follow you, I will follow him as far as possible.

If he does not follow you, I will then thoroughly organize my troops, and believe I shall have men enough to ruin him unless he gets out of the way very rapidly.
The country of Middle Alabama, I learn, is teeming with supplies this year, which will be greatly to our advantage.

I have no additional news to report from the direction of Florence.
I am now convinced that the greater part of Beauregard's army is near Florence and Tuscumbia, and that you will have at least a clear road before you for several days, and that your success will fully equal your expectations.
George H.