Thomas L. Crittenden to James A. Garfield, August 22, 1863
Brigadier-General GARFIELD, Chief .of Staff, Stevenson: Your dispatch of yesterday acknowledging receipt of and satisfaction with my various dispatches and movements, which gratifies me, is received. Minty arrived at Morganton yesterday at 9 a.m. His scouts to Washington drove a force of 150 rebels from Morganton to Tennessee River, which they crossed below Washington. His scouts to Blythe’s Ferry found the enemy (two Mississippi regiments under Colonel Lowrey) busy throwing up intrenchments across the river, which is from 700 to 800 yards wide at that point. There was no artillery at the ferry, but it was expected daily. Van Cleve’s communication, front and rear, is interrupted. Palmer has just returned, leaving Hazen’s brigade at Poe’s Tavern, and Wilder’s two regiments opposite Harrison. He reports enemy busy with spade, and confirms previous reports of strength of enemy there. He reports that Hazen can almost sustain his command for a week without drawing supplies from here. The universal opinion 118 K. Y., S. W. V. A., TENN., MISS., N. ALA.. AND N. GA, (Cuar. XLU. is that had you not moved, Bragg would have advanced to Kentucky via Kingston with 20,000 men and his cavalry. The people further believe that we are to be left in poe ee of this side of the river. Wood reports Wagner on the bluff opposite Chattanooga watching Wilder endeavoring to destroy steam-boats and pontoons lying under Chattanooga. Palmer met Dr. McGraw, who claimed to be in the employ of General Thomas, who reports Bragg at Cleveland with 15,000 infantry lying from Cleveland down, Polk on the river from Kingston down, Buckner at Knoxville with about 5,000 men. Palmer also learns rebels uneasy about Rome. Road to Harrison similar to road we have passed over. Will send you to-day Palmer’s written report, * together with sketch of position at Harrison. I would respectfully suggest that if we are likely to remain here long enough our supply train be unloaded and all sent back to McMinnville and Tracy City for additional supplies.
T. L. CRITTENDEN,