Unknown to Ulysses S. Grant, October 9, 1862
Bolivar, Tenn., October 9, 1862.
Ovommanding Expedition :
Report just received. The enemy are in greater force than I expected. You will watch your flanks, especially on the La Grange side. The country around Davisâ Mill is very rough, and you may find trouble in working the artillery down. Beas rapid as possible, but cautious, and where you strike, strike hard.
The thing to be done, under General Grantâs order, is to destroy the bridge or force them to do so. Listen for cars to-night; reconnoiter closely ; finish the work, and return as soon as possible. Even if you whip them severely you must not pursue too far, for they still have the railroad and may have been joined by Van Dorn.
I shall expect you back by day after to-morrow. Keep me advised from time to time of all that is being done.
[S. A. HURLBUT,}] Major-General.
BOLIVAR, TENN., October 9, 1862. Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Jackson, Tenn. : 1 have no camp-kettles or other utensils for prisoners, and suggest
that they be removed at once to Alton or some other point, or, if kept here, that necessary utensils be furnished. There are none here.
Saar. XXIX.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.âUNION. 271
As soon as Ross returns I shall send the Twelfth Wisconsin back to Humboldt. I expect a report from Ross every moment, which will be forwarded.
What disposition shall I make of the Seventy-sixth Illinois? Iam short one regiment in my division, and would like to have them in my Second Brigade. The Fifty-second Indiana has not joined me yet. I suppose it is at Fort Pillow.
[S. A. HURLBUT,] Major-General.
BOLIVAR, October 9, 1862. Major-General GRANT:
Have just heard from Ross; his advanced guard went into Grand Junction about sunrise, too late for a surprise on Davisâ Mill. The main body at 9 a. m. were at Van Buren, 9 miles from Junction. Scouts report 2,000 infantry and 300 cavalry at Davisâ Mill; infantry, exchanged prisoners, not well armed. Ross has 3,300 infantry, 400 cavalry, and sixteen pieces of artillery. I have ordered him to crown the heights on Wolf River, near La Grange, and push forward and destroy the bridge or force them to destroy it, and return. I still think they will burn it in presence of Rossâ force. I will send his report by train.
8S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General.