On July 18, 1864, Confederate Generals John Bell Hood, William J. Hardee, and Alex P. Stewart wrote to President Jefferson Davis questioning the timing of Hood's appointment as commander of the Army of Tennessee.
ATLANTA, July 18, 1864.
President Jefferson Davis:
The enemy being now in our immediate front and making we suppose a general advance, we deem it dangerous to change commanders now especially as this would necessitate other important changes. A few days will probably decide the fate of Atlanta when the campaign may be expected to close for a time and make the necessary changes. For these reasons we would respectfully urge the order requiring a change in commanders be suspended until the fate of Atlanta shall be decided.
J.B. Hood,
General
W.J. Hardee,
Lieutenant-General
Alex P. Stewart,
Lieutenant-General
