Thomas L. Crittenden to H. W. Halleock, November 9, 1862

COLONEL:

Colonel Kennett reported to me in person this morning. I at once ordered him to send a battalion to General Smith, at ScottsB2 K. Y., MID. AND E. THNN., N. ALA., AND ‘S. W. V. A. (Onar. XXXT.

ville ; to occupy Hartsville with 2,000 men, to scout the country thoroughly; use every effort to prevent any obstruction of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and send the remainder of his command to me for instructions. He has supplies for six days. I promptly sent the detachment, under Col. R. H. G. Minty, with instructions to cross the river, occupy the road from Nashville to Lebanon, open communication with Nashville, and send a company with a note to General McCook, make no advance toward Lebanon, but remain in position upon the road until further orders, to obtain information. To General McCook I communicated the substance of these instructions, and that I should to-morrow occupy with my command Silver Springs, Rural Hill, or some intermediate point, and also sent a brigade to Lebanon. I yesterday sent a note to McCook by a negro hackman that I was at Gallatin, and have this moment received an answer toit. I shall try and communicate with him fully to-morrow, possibly personally. I have sent 100 wagons to Mitchellsville for supplies; having marched all day yesterday, having to go to camp and unload, they did not get off until this morning. I have here a good ford for my wagons, but very steep banks, and am constructing a footway for the soldiers to pass over. I shall cross my command to-morrow and occupy the points you have indicated. Ishall cross at all events, but the position I shall occupy will depend upon the ‘ime my supply train returns. ‘ Most

respectfully, your obedient servant,