Arthur C. Ducat to George B. Crittenden, November 7, 1862
Bowling Green, Ky., November 7, 1862.
Major-General CRITTENDEN, Commanding Second Army Corps, Gallatin :
The general commanding directs that you cross over the river at the best point, probably opposite the Silver Springs road; that you occupy Lebanon with one brigade immediately on crossing, and place your main force from Silver Springs to Rural Hill, or on main road from Rural Hill to Nashville. On crossing you will, as rapidly as possible, open communication [with Nashville]. One of our people from Murfreesborough says that, when he left, General Bishop Polk proposed to attack Nashville. Joe Johnston has been assigned to the command, but is feeble and unable to take the field. Breckinridge in Murfreesborough. The idea was not to take Nashville, but burn it; this has failed. They boast from 20,000 to 30,000 men. Cheatham is at Tullahoma with a division; they think we are advancing with 12,000 men. They have large stores at Lebanon and Murfreesborough. Attend to the latter. They are hauling them away ag fast as possible. Their cavalry has for its mission to prevent our opening the road to Nashville. Act accordingly. You will order Colonel Kennett to occupy Hartsville strongly. Some of his cavalry you will order to cross the river and operate on your advance toward Lebanon and in front. At this distance you must be the best judge of the position of the rebel cavalry, and the general commanding âeaves much in this respect to your judgment and discretion. Order Colonel Kennett to keep up communication. The general desires you particularly to know âhat this is done by your command with his head20 KY., MID. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. [Cuar. XXXIL
quarters wherever they may be. The general commanding directs that you leave one regiment at Gallatin, with a battery. The general directs that you send your railroad men, if you have any, to assist In opening railroad at tunnel; send all you can.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Ohief of Staff.