Arthur OC. Ducat to Lheutenant-Oolonel and Chief of Staff, November 3, 1862
Bowling Green, November 3, 1862.
Colonel KENNETT, Comdg. Cavalry Division, Fourteenth Army Corps:
COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you move with your command, with five days’ rations, three of them in haversacks, to-morrow morning at 5 o’clock, by this plare, Union, Middleton, and Adairville, to Springfield, with five of the regiments. Direct one regiment to take the main pike toward Nashville, and two regiments to take the old Nashville trace by way of the Tyree Springs, following the road up Drake’s Creek, and halting in the vicinity of Fountain Head, or near the South Tunnel. The west column will halt at Springfield, and push reconnoitering parties upon the different roads south and west, to ascertain the whereabouts of Morgan’s or any other rebel forces. You will
8 KY., MID. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. .Cuar. XXXIL
promptly open communication with Mitchellsville, and thence by courier lines to Bowling Green. The regiment on the pike will halt at Tyree Springs. The two regiments (east column) halting near the South Tunnel, where they can procure water and forage, will open communication with Tyree Springs, and push a scouting party to Gallatin and Henderson; also eastward and beyond to the Scottsville and Gallatin turnpike. Cavalry will thus cover the advance of the First Corps. Direct the columns to picket on the principal roads to the front carefully, and with as much secrecy as possible.
The object of this movement beiug to cover our advance, and to ascertain the position and whereabouts of the rebel cavalry, with a view, if possible, of striking a blow, your further movements will depend upon circumstances. Should you discover the rebel cavalry in position to be handled effectually, you will do it without waiting for orders. You will also open communication with General McCook’s headquarters, and with the commander of his advance division, so as to convey to them any information which ought to affect their movements or demand co-operation. Needful supplies will be obtained from Mitchellsville, or from as near the town as possible; forage you will obtain from the country, observing the standing orders and instructions for the Army of the
The general commanding wishes that it should be impressed particularly upon you to have your communications thoroughly and effectually open. Any different disposition of forces, rendered necessary by unforeon circumstances, you will make and report with the least possible
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Lheutenant-Oolonel and Chief of Staff.
BOWLING GREEN, November 3, 1862.
Major-General CRITTENDEN :
The general commanding directs that you move your command from
Glasgow to Scottsville or in vicinity of Gallatin, with five days’ rations,
three in haversacks. Camp where there are wood, water, and forage.
Having done so, push scouts quietly over toward the east, and ascertain