Letter

T. L. Orittenden to Kennett, November 14, 1862

Silver Springs, November 14, 1862.

Major-General THOMAS, Commanding Center:

GENERAL: The inclosed note has been this moment received. As I had been ordered to send Colonel Kennett to Hartsville, and as General Rosecrans had given me no notice that he had been ordered to leave it, and you had not informed me that you had given such an order, I was very much surprised, and my first impression was that Kennett had been deceived by a ruse of theenemy. Oloser scrutiny of the note convinced me that a genuine order had been given, probably by you, based upon the supposition that I occupied Lebanon with a brigade, and that the note was intended for you, though directed to my adjutant. Iam at least 10 miles from Lebanon, and have no forces there. On the contrary, Iam informed that Morgan and Forrest are both there with not less than 6,000 cavalry, and probably a brigade of infantry.

I am very anxious about the result of the enterprise, and beg that you will immediately inform me, that I may act as the occasion may require.

Most respectfully,

your obedient servant,

Major-General, Commanding.
NASHVILLE, November 14, 1862.
Major-General THomAs, Gallatin :
Have you any news from Kennett to-day? He was anxious on yesterday. Satisfied there was no cause. Find out how much of a train
it will take to haul his spoils from Hartsville, and send for them. Direct your infantry at Hartsville to collect the stores discovered by
Colonel Kennett.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, N. Alabama, S.W. Virginia, Pt. 1. Location: Silver Springs. Summary: Major-General Orittenden urgently requests clarification from Major-General Thomas regarding unexpected troop movements and enemy presence near Lebanon to coordinate an appropriate military response.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 20, Part 1 View original source ↗