Unknown to Nevins, July 24, 1862

Colonel NEVINS.

You will proceed at once with your command to Lexington, Tenn., and make that place the base of your operations and encamp there until otherwise ordered. You will enforce strict military discipline and order in your camp by keeping your command together and not allowing them to straggle outside your lines. You will use your utmost endeavors to protect the rights of private property, suffering nothing to be taken except what is absolutely necessary for your command, and only then by paying or agreeing to pay to the owner a just compensation for the same. You will keep a vigilant guard posted around your camp to prevent surprise, and also to prevent your men from straggling outside the lines.

Information has just been received that: a cavalry force of the enemy is scouring the country on this side of the Tennessee River, opposite Perryville. I desire you to send the cavalry daily in that direction to ascertain what is there, and that you move forward to their support if necessary, using proper precautions, and attack the enemy if there without delay, unless you find them to have a superior force over yours, in which case you will let me know by sending a mounted orderly to re.