Brigadier-General to William S. Rosecrans, November 26, 1862

Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Nashville, Tenn. :

General Buell had a large pontoon train. What has become of that, and why is another required? A new one cannot be made and sent to you in less than six or eight weeks.

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

NASHVILLE, TENN., November 26, 1862—6.30 p. m.

So far as I can learn, the Indiarubbers are with Grant. The wooden pontoons were destroyed by his order, to keep them from falling into the hands of the enemy. I am told they were so leaky they were of no use without avery large amount of calking. That we ought to have such a train is evident, for when we do move I don’t want to stop and tinker, and give the enemy time to get up expeditions against our lines of communication. Had I the double-canvas paulins, and some light, well-made framés, such as Colonel Buchanan invented, I could do all the rest here; but I cannct spare time to get them up myself. Please examine into this. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

NASHVILLE, TENN., November 26, 1862—11 p m. Major-General HALLEOK, General-in-Chief :

I have the honor to forward the following information, which I consider accurate and reliable:

NASHVILLE, TENN., November 26, 1862. Major-General ROSECRANS:

I have the honor to transmit to you the following military information from a reliable source: Breckinridge’s, Cheatham’s, and Withers’ divisions at Murfreesborough on the 25th instant. A portion of Kirby Smith’s command at Winchester. Two thousand of his command were left at Cumberland Gap; the remainder all ordered to Murfreesborough and Tullahoma. The last detachment passed through Chattanooga on the evening of the 20th instant. Buckner’s command expected at Franklin; Colonel Wharton’s Texan brigade at Nolensville; Forrest between La Vergne and Murfreesborough ; Bragg at Murfreesborough ; Morgan at Lebanon on the 24th instant ; General Preston Smith sick at Chattanooga; Colonel Heiman dead. Price’s army currently reported as coming to Murfreesborough, via Columbus, Atlanta, and Chattanooga. Hindman’s forces coming into Mississippi. Bridge over the Tennessee River completed on south of island and half done on the northside. Running cars down on incline into flats, and towing them to the north side by steamboats. Accumulating commissary stores at Rome, Ga. Manufacturing military clothing in large quantities at Huntsville, Ala. Have procured and driven from Tennessee an immense number of hogs and cattle. Have cavalry scouring the country in all directions in search of supplies. Are even taking partly tanned leather from the vats. Army suffering for clothing. Thirty-eight thousand troops passed over the road from Chattanooga, exclusive of Breckinridge’s and Kirby Smith’s commands. Federal troops reported as having taken Pollard, on the railroad between Pensacola and Mobile. Bragg lost 10,000 men in the Kentucky campaign. Brought away but a limited amount of suplies. 4

I have the honor to remain, very truly, yours,