Unknown to Don Carlos Buell, November 17, 1862

Gallatin, November 17, 1862.

General Crittenden informs me that T. J. Wood occupies Lebanon, Tenn., and that one brigade of his occupies Rural Hill. I am disposed to think that if Murfreesborough were attacked a large quantity of supplies might be captured.

By Thursday, Anderson will have the road in operation. With Murfreesborough in our possession, by that time we could commence the advance on McMinnville in the following manner: McCook should march along therailroad to Decherd ; thence, with five days’ rations, to the road from McMinnville to Dunlap, and turn toward McMinnville, getting in their rear, or remain at Decherd in reserve, to act as cireumstances may require. Crittenden march with two of his divisions by Lebanon, Tenn., Smithville, and Woodbury, and attack the enemy if in McMinnville; the other divisions of Crittenden taking possession of the Sparta road at Rock Island. My corps to march by the Shelbyville, Manchester, and Hillsborough roads, and attack their left, get into their rear by the Manchester and Irving College roads, and by the Winchester and Pikeville roads, and cut off their retreat. Perhaps.it would be better for McCook to remain at Decherd, to look out for the enemy from Stevenson or Huntsville, should he be there. I can march from Murfreesborough to Irving College in four days. Crittenden can march from Lebanon, Tenn., to McMinnville in three days, and the division sent to Rock Island can reach it in four days. Crittenden should not, therefore, attack before the fourth day, thereby giving ample time for the other troops to get into position.

The above would be my plan of operations if the enemy is in MeMinnville. THOMAS.