Don Carlos Buell to Brigadier- General Commanding, December 29, 1861
December 29, 1861.
General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding First Division:
GENERAL: I send you a sketch* of the country about Somerset, which gives more information in regard to roads than your map. We conversed about the advance upon Zollicoffer through Columbia, and if you remember my idea it is hardly necessary to add anything on this subject. It is for you to move upon his left and endeavor to cut him off from his bridge, while Schoepf, with whom, of course, you must communieate, attacks him in front. The map will indicate the proper moves for that object. The result ought to be at least a severe blow to him or a hasty flight across the river. But to effect the former the movement should be made rapidly and secretly and the blow should be vigorous and decided. There should be no delay after youarrive. It would be better not to have been undertaken if it should result in confining an additional force merely to watching the enemy. The details of the operations must be left to your judgment from the information you gather and your observations on the ground. Take such portion ot the cavalry from Columbia as you think necessary. Draw all the supplies you can from the country, and move as light as possible. “
Having accomplished the objeet, be ready to move promptly in any direction, but wait until you hear from me, unless circumstances should ârequire you to act without delay, as I may want you to proceed from there to the other matter about which we have conversed.
Report frequently.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier- General Commanding.