Letter

Major-General Thomas to Major-General THoMAs, August 22, 1863

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

August 22, 1863. Major-General THoMAs, Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps :

Direct Colonel Wilder to withdraw his forces to a safe position, and watch the enemy’s movements by strong picket guards, strengthened by patrols so strong and frequent as to deceive the enemy as to our intentions until Burnside gets into position, keeping us constantly advised of everything he sees and hears.

General Reynolds must see that he is supplied and supported in case of attack. Give necessary directions to prevent his being cut off, and order him to report the road he is on.

W. 8S. ROSECRANS, Major-General, Commanding Department.

AUGUST 22, 1868—11 p. m. [General REYNOLDS :]

The above, just received, is in response to your telegram received this evening from Colonel Wilder.

The general directs that you keep a sharp lookout for Colonel Wilder’s safety, and to report all the movements of the enemy, and to see that Wilder is supplied with rations from this place.

By command of Major-General Thomas :

; GEO. E. FLYNT,
Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.
Journal of operations of the Fourteenth Army Corps.
AUGUST 22, 1863.
Colonel Wilder reports having reached the ferry opposite Chattanooga, sunk one steam-boat and disabled another, and then withdrew his main force out of reach of the enemy's guns, placing
pickets at the ferry to observe the movements of the enemy. General Reynolds was ordered to send a brigade to Shellmound, and
establish a battery to prevent the enemy from running trains from
Chattanooga to Bridgeport.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, West Georgia, Pt. 1. Summary: Major-General Rosecrans orders Major-General Thomas to instruct Colonel Wilder to withdraw to a secure position, maintain strong reconnaissance to deceive the enemy, and ensure supply and support until Burnside is positioned.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 30, Part 1 View original source ↗