G. M. Dodge to West Tenn. And Northern Miss. (cuar. Xxix, September 2, 1862

Trenton, Tenn., September 2, 1862.

Capt. M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Columbus, Ky. :

CAPTAIN: There is no doubt but there is a large force of rebel infantry and artillery south of the Hatchie River. They are driving out Union men, who represent them as very strong. I know that they picket all the crossings and that they are much stronger than any force we have this side. Whether they intend to cross any more I cannot surmise. That they have a large force in front of Bolivar I suppose there is no longer any doubt. Weas yet have no communication with that place. In the fight near Denmark we lost two pieces of artillery. With the country entirely open east of here, and a chance for them to operate unmolested, they will be able to mass quite a force of renegade Tennesseeans and runaway Kentuckians.

All the prisoners we take agree that Price is moving a force north for the purpose of cutting up our communications and doing what damage he can to keep any of our force going east to Buell. The holding of the road so long between Jackson and Bolivar convinces me that we are underrating their strength. The general may be informed of all their movements from Corinth, but I will keep him posted as far as I can. From the dispatches I get from the south I judge they think that a large force is moving north. Falkner is in command of forces near Dyersburg. The Haywood Rangers are with him. I have spies in his camp, and will know by to-morrow how strong they are.

your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General.
196 WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS. (Cuar. XXIX.