| Headquarters Cavalry Corps |
| Chattanooga, Tenn. |
| July 19, 1863 |
| |
| General W. W. Mackall |
| Chief of Staff |
| |
| General, |
| I have the honor to state
that to keep open the line of communication by railroad in the State
of Georgia, and protect the public works at Rome
and Atlanta, I would recommend that a stockade be built at the several bridges
between Chattanooga
and Atlanta
{Western & Atlantic RR} and between
Atlanta
and West Point {Atlanta & West Point RR} and
Columbus. These stockades should be garrisoned by forces varying from 20 to
100 men, according to the size and importance of the bridges they
are to defend. The more important stockades should have, in
addition, a piece of artillery to aid in their defense. These
stockades could be garrisoned by State troops and nonconscripts, or
men unfit for field service. Timber for temporary trestle bridges
should be selected, cut and squared, and left scattered in the
woods, convenient to the bridges. The railroad companies might be
required to do this work. At Rome
and Atlanta
rifle-pits should be thrown up, and one or more small redoubts or
stockades built on commanding points. A few pieces of artillery
should be put in these stockades or redoubts (inferior artillery
would answer). The moral effect of fortifications and artillery in
position would be very beneficial in deterring raids. Troops could
be organized for local defense at Rome
and Atlanta, which could be re-enforced in time of need from State troops or
troops from this army. The stockades referred to on the railroads
could likewise be re-enforced in case of emergency. With these
defenses and one division of cavalry at Gadsden, Ala., and another at
Rome
and Calhoun, Ga., to promptly follow up raids from the enemy,
Georgia
would be quite secure from the cavalry of General Rosecrans' army. |
| Respectfully, general, your obedient
servant |
| Jos. Wheeler |
| Major-General |
|