G. M. Dodge to Ulysses S. Grant, September 1, 1862
Trenton, Tenn., September 1, 1862.
Maj. Gen. U. 8S. GRANT, Corinth, Miss. :
The rebel force that crossed the Hatchie at Brownsville camped at Poplar Corners, on Forked Deer River, last night. This is about 12 miles from Humboldt southwest. I have no surplus force, only enough to guard the road and hardly that effectively. At all important bridges I have good block-houses and believe my force guarding them can hold their positions against any cavalry.
Brigadier- General. Wak DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 2, 1862. Major-General GRANT, Corinth, Miss. : Railroad east of Corinth may be abandoned, and Grangerâs division sent to Louisville, Ky., with all possible dispatch. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief.
Hpqes. CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Trenton, Tenn., September 2, 1862. Capt. M. ROCHESTER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Columbus, Ky. :
CAPTAIN: The crossing of the rebel forces at Brownsville and the attack on Bolivar and Medon has kept us busy. The forces that attacked Medon crossed at Cloverfoot and were re-enforced by a portion of the force that crossed at Brownsville. They worked up the Hatchie by keeping in the bottoms. All this time I was aware of their movements, but crossing the Hatchie so far down and in such force convinced me that they meant mischief on my lines, and they still hang along the line from 10 to 12 miles off, ready to make a dash. If Icould have had a regiment of infantry and a small force of cavalry I could have stopped
Car. XXIX.? CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.âUNION. 195
the attack on Medon by attacking them the next day, after they crossed at Brownsville, and unless they leave this portion of country before tomorrow night I shall attack them and take the chances. They must have been aware of the movements of our cavalry, as they would not have dared to come so near me if I had my old cavalry force. This now here has only 350 effective men.
I wish to call the attention of the general to the importance of my having one more regiment at least at this place or Humboldt. If one of the new regiments could be obtained to take the place of the Fiftyfourth Ilinois Infantry it would be of great benefit to the service. The general must be aware that with a large force of the rebels north of the Hatchie I can only act on the defensive, which is all wrong and sure defeat in fighting these rebels. If I can have any spare force I will follow them whenever they cross, no matter how strong they are. All I want is to feel secure on the railroad. They are now moving a force of 2,000 or more on the Tennessee River under Falkner. It is a part of this force that took Huntingdon. I trust the general will represent these facts to Major-General Grant, and if possible procure a regiment or two for me. Iam convinced that General Grant sees the necessity of this. Dyersburg is now in their hands, and it is an easy matter, while they have a lodgment there, to strike the railroad at any point from Humboldt to Big Obion. If I could get armsârifles or musketsâI could arm three companies of Tennesseeans, who are now at Humboldt.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier-General.