Unknown to William S. Rosecrans, November 19, 1862

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 19, 1862.

Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS, Nashville, Tenn. :

Please inform me what troops you want that are now in Kentucky. I must know, in order to make my dispositions understandingly. I had supposed all now here were to be left, and had arranged accordingly. If Stokes’ battery is taken away, it will have to be replaced from Lexington. H. G. WRIGHT, Major-General, Commanding.

NASHVILLE, November 19, 1862—10.40 p. m. Major-General WRIGHT:

I find the rebels concentrating their power to oppose this army. I want to make sure not only the principal river crossings, as high up as Gainesborough, but to completely cover the railroad. I mean to fortify Carthage and Gainesborough. If I put a garrison of 10,000, asked for by the engineer, in Nashville and about it, and fortify Gallatin and the railroad this side, I may require all my spare forces for the fight. I don’t want to “send a boy to the mill.” Send me the First Kanawha Division. If they don’t intend to cross over to the railroad, let them come down here. I can send you General E. A. Paine, and make a large convalescent camp to aid in the defense of Bowling Green. I have now a brigade at Tompkinsville and two at Scottsville, but want them to come down. I think your Kanawha force might spare some.

W. 8S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

74 KY., MID. AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA. (Car. XXXIL

NASHVILLE, November 19, 1862. Maj. Gen. HoRaTIO G. WRIGHT:

I must ask you to please provide immediately for the protection of Bowling Green. I need absolutely, and at once, General Granger’s brigade here. Answer by telegraph.

W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General U. 8. Vols., Comdg. Dept. of the Cumberland.