T. L. Crittenden to Hpgrs. Left Wing, Fourteenth Army Corps, November 14, 1862
November 14, 1862.
November 14, 1862â10 a. m. Lieut. Col. ARTHUR OC. Ducat, Chief of Staff:
COLONEL: I send down this morning, under the escort of the Twentysixth Kentucky Regiment, numbering about 200 men, some prisoners. I left with General Rosecrans a memorandum for this regiment, and I now send them down because I think it essential to keep some infantry moving on this road; otherwise communication will be constantly interrupted. I sent a note from Stoneâs River yesterday, and, not having heard from it since, cannot tell whether it reached you or not. I will be compelled to move from this point shortly, as water and forage will failme. I do not like my position, and all my commanders are of my mind. I think I ought to be on the other side of Stoneâs River, but a slight rise in the Cumberland might cut me off from supplies, and, if Stoneâs River was not fordable, at the same time I should be cut off from Nashville. Ifmy command was on the west side of Stoneâs River, I could haul supplies by the way of Nashville as easily as I can now haul them. I call the attention of the general commanding to a fact I did not thoroughly understand when I saw him. Seven miles west of my position, and some 5 or 6 miles east of Stoneâs River, a good turnpike runs into the road from here to Nashville, and also runs into the
Cuar, XXXII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC âUNION. 45
pike from Lebanon to Murfreesborough, about 17 miles from the latter place. This would make mine an ugly position, if shut in by the Cumberland and Stoneâs Rivers.
I merely make these suggestions for the consideration of the general, and if he thinks it best that I remain here, I shall do so most. cheerfully, not doubting his better judgment. I started my wagons this morning for supplies.
Most respectfally,
your obedient servant,
Major-General, Commanding.
Hpgrs. LEFT WING, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,