This task was assigned to McPherson.
Thomas meanwhile, to hold the Confederates’ attention in that direction, was to actually storm Buzzard’s Gap.
Schofield was to march against the enemy’s right flank thus adding to the deception of Thomas’ attack.
The purpose in view, however, was for McPherson to reach Reseca, a place about twenty miles south of Dalton, and there fall upon the railroad thus cutting off the Confederate’s supplies.
Intrenching himself there McPherson was to wage war upon Johnston in flank until he would be obliged to turn to grapple with him, when the rear would be open to Thomas and Schofield.
Johnston had received intelligence of the contemplated attack on Buzzard’s Gap as has been shown. Sherman’s real intentions were as yet unknown to him.
We have been thus particular in stating the situation to show the importance of Mara Morland’s mission to Johnston’s quarters on that evening.
“Well, what is your business, sir?” asked General Johnston, without looking up from the chart that he was examining, as Mara in her disguise stood before him.
“Important, sir, if I mistake not. I am the bearer of a message from Boyd Wyman.”
“Boyd Wyman!” exclaimed the general quickly looking up. “Where is he?”