Later, and in spite of his brilliant and complete victory, and the further fact that such vigorous pursuit as had never before been made by a Union army was in progress, in midwinter and under more unfavorable circumstances, too, than a pursuing army had encountered during the war, this nagging from Washington and City Point continued. Secretary Stanton alone was immediate, wholesouled, and continuing in his congratulations and praises. Grant tempered his message over the "splendid success" with the information that he had reached Washington on his way to relieve him, but now would not proceed, and continued: "Push the enemy now and give him no rest until he is entirely destroyed. Much is now expected." Mr. Lincoln added to his thanks: "You made a magnificent beginning. A grand consummation is within your easy reach. Do not let it slip." In the midst of these proddings, Secretary Stanton suggested to Grant that Thomas be made a Major-General. Grant replied: "I think Thomas has won the Major-Generalcy, but I would wait a few days before giving it, to see the extent of damage done." Next came Halleck, in the midst of the almost superhuman efforts of the pursuit: "Permit me, General, to urge the vast importance of a hot pursuit of Hood's army. Every possible sacrifice should be made, and your men for a few days will submit to any hardship and privation to accomplish the great result. A most vigorous pursuit on your part is therefore of vital importance to Sherman's plans. No sacrifice must be spared to attain so important an object." THOMAS TURNS ON HIS NAGGERS. There was one thing in which General Thomas was slow. He was not swift to give expression to indignation over wrong treatment. To this latter, as the culmination of the series, he at last responded with this crushing statement: "General Hood's army is being pursued as rapidly and as vigorously as it is possible for one army to pursue another. We cannot control the elements, and you must remember that to resist Hood's advance into Tennessee I had to reorganize and almost thoroughly equip the force now under my command. I fought the battles of the 15th and 16th inst. with the troops but partially equipped, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather and the partial equipment, have been enabled to drive the enemy beyond Duck River, crossing the two streams with my troops, and driving the enemy from position to position, without the aid of pontoons, and with but little transportation to bring up supplies and ammunition.