T. L. Orittenden to Major-General THOMAS, 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,