| Headquarters Army of Tennessee |
| Dalton, Ga. |
| December 24, 1863 |
| |
| Col. Joseph C. Ives |
| Aide-de-Camp, Richmond |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I inclose herewith a field
return of this army for the inspection of the President, and take
the occasion to furnish some information in regard to the condition
of this army, which I think will be of interest to him. |
| The last return exhibits
an infantry force greater than that engaged in the battle of
Missionary Ridge. The increase of all arms, infantry and artillery
only included, since that engagement is 7,726. This includes
Baldwin's and Quarles' brigades, lately transferred to this
department from Mississippi; but exclusive of their effective
strength of 4,060, we have still a clear increase in less than
twenty days of 3,666, which speaks cheeringly for the health,
spirit, and condition of the army. ***** |
| At one time, such was the
lack of co-operation among the several railroads in this State, and
such the obstruction in the transportation of army supplies in
consequence, that serious apprehensions were entertained of our
ability to subsist the men and animals. Brig. Gen. H. R. Jackson was
sent to confer with the railroad officers throughout the State, and,
if possible, secure the adoption of some system of co-operation. His
efforts have already been productive of happy results, and we have
reason to expect that the transportation of munitions and supplies
will in future be prompt and regular. In consequence of this change,
the commissariat is greatly improved, the ration is now uniform and
full, and the army is provisioned to the last of January. For the
same reason full rations of forage are being issued to the animals,
and for the first time the receipts are in excess of the
consumption. |
| I feel great pleasure in
turning over the command to General Johnston in the fine condition
above exhibited |
| I am, colonel, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| W. J. Hardee |
| Lieutenant-General |
|