Unknown to William S. Rosecrans, November 18, 1862
Major-General ROSECRANS, Nashville, Tenn. :
Sixteen hundred revolving ritles, all that are now manufactured in the United States, have been purchased, and are now being shipped to go at passenger-train speed to Louisville, and there be subject to your order. Direction has also been given to make the balance of 4,000 as rapidly as they can be made. No effort shall be spared to supply what you ask for, but something is expected from you.
Secretary of War.
NASHVILLE, TENN., November 18, 1862. Major-Genera] HALLECK:
Daily reports go to show that the rebels have brought up all their available force in this direction, and are uncertain whether they will fight on this or the other side of the Tennessee. Kirby Smith’s troops have been coming down. The talk among them is that Breckinridge and Cheatham demand that they should fight in Tennessee, as they will lose their men if they do not. I have written for a pontoon train, and for the regular troops, I think the First Kanawha Division might be wisely sent this way to place us in security in case of the loss of a battle. Captain Morton’s estimate for the garrison cf this place is 10,000. I wish to leave a part of it here, with a good er gineer and artillerist, and an able commander.
W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.
Usap, XXXIL.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.
NASHVILLE, TENN., Vovember 18, 1862—4 p. m. Major-General HALLECK:
I shall wish to fortify some depots on the Cumberland River, in the vicinity of Carthage, of Burkesville, and Norman’s Landing, near Monticello. The Tennessee Mountaineers, with a small garrison to hold the depot and fall back on, will keep these avenues into Kentucky closed, and give peace to the country. Can you not send me a few more engineer officers? The Army of the Potomac cannot possibly be as much in want of engineers as Iam. I shall also need some pontoneers. Can. not some, at least the nucleus of such a force, be spared me from the engineer’s office ?
W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.
GALLATIN, November 18, 1862. Major-General ROSECRANS:
Colonel Kise reports from Hartsville that, from information received from citizens, the enemy will attack him in themorning. Do not believe there is anything in it, but have ordered the balance of the Second Brigade to his support, and, if Kise is not attacked, to post two regiments at Castalian Springs, about half way from this to Hartsville, where two roads from Lebanon come into the road from here to Hartsville. I have directed Colonel Harlan also to call upon the people near Castalian Springs to contribute forage, and have it hauled here, to be sent to Nashville. They are good secessionists, and rich. Am I right?