Thomas L. Crittenden to J. P. GARESOHE, Chief of Staff, November 19, 1862

Col. J. P. GARESOHE, Chief of Staff:

COLONEL: All my command are on the march for Stone’s River. I have sent Colonel Minty with his cavalry to Rural Hill (cannonading being again heard in that direction), with instructions to Colonel Hawkins to take his brigade to Stewart’s Ford, unless he is in the vicinity of a force which would make it unsafe for him to leave his position, which is said to be a strong one, and that I will be in the same neighborhood with at least a part of my command this evening.

The weather is very threatening. I understand the crossing at Stone’s River is very bad, and that a new road will probably have to be constructed before I can get my command across it, which will, in turn, be impracticable by the time my supply trains come up. My train, on its return, will arrive at Gallatin, some time to night. Would it not be better to notify them to come by Nashville or to Pennington’s Ferry ¢

Most

respectfully, your obedient servant,