The President, the Secretary of War, and General Halleck, were in an agony of suspense.

My suspense was also great, but more endurable, because I was where I could soon do something to relieve the situation.

It was impossible to get Sherman's troops up for the next day.

I then asked him if they could not be got up to make the assault on the morning of the 22d, and ordered Thomas to move on that date.

But the elements were against us.