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152 Series I Volume XX-II Serial 30 - Murfreesborough Part II

Page 152 KY., MID., AND E. TENN., N. ALA.,AND SW. VA. Chapter XXXII.

pieces, and one company of my regiment, Fifth Iowa Cavalry. I have everything else ready to move at a moment's warning, and have been so for two days. A line of scouts is established between Donelson and Henry, by which I can communicate readily in case telegraph should be cut. By this I have just received a message through in fifty-eight minutes. What few troops I have are in grand fighting trim, and everything that can be done has been done. You shall have a good account of us if attacked. The quantity of stores at Donelson is very small. I keep the bulk at Fort Henry.

W. W. LOWE,

Colonel, Commanding.

RUSSELLVILLE, December 10, 1862.

Colonel J. P. GARESCHE,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff:

Scout just from Clarksville. No rebel cavalry there up to 3 p.m. Captain Johnson's company, Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, were in the town. I cannot be surprised. Pickets well out. If captured, will be after a desperate fight. If force approaching is too large will fall back on Bowling Green.

S. D. BRUCE,

Colonel, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Nashville, December 10, 1862

Colonel S. D. BRUCE, Russellville:

Telegram received; very satisfactory. Keep out as many spies and scouts as possible. Spread them all along your front, and direct them to examine all cross-roads and by-paths for tracks of rebel cavalry.

By command:

J. P. GARESCHE,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Nashville, Tenn., December 10, 1862-12.55 a.m.

Major General THOMAS L. CRITTENDEN, U. S. Volunteers,

Comdg. Left Wing, Army of the Cumberland,

Camp on Murfreesborough pike:

GENERAL: Your dispatch, inclosing Colonel Matthews' report* of his spirited skirmish with the enemy to-day, and Colonel Grose's application for permission to try and capture the enemy's artillery in your front, has been just receive. If Colonel Grose thinks he can surprise the enemy, let him try it, but, in doing so, be careful that he is not himself surprised.

I have the honor to be, general, with much respect, your obedient servant,

J. P. GARESCHE,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

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*See note on p. 73, Part I

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Page 152 KY., MID., AND E. TENN., N. ALA.,AND SW. VA. Chapter XXXII.