I may bring Sheridan over--think I will -- and break up the Danville and Southside Railroads.

These are the last avenues left to the enemy.
Recruits have come in so rapidly at the West that Thomas has now about as much force as he had when he attacked Hood.

I have stopped all who, under previous orders, would go to him, except those from Illinois.
Fearing the possibility of the enemy falling back to Lynchburg, and afterward attempting to go into East Tennessee or Kentucky, I have ordered Thomas to move the Fourth Corps to Bull's Gap, and to fortify there, and to hold out to the Virginia line, if he can.

He has accumulated a large amount of supplies in Knoxville, and has been ordered not to destroy any of the railroad west of the Virginia Hue.

I told him to get ready for a campaign toward Lynchburg, if it became necessary.