ORs: (US) Report of General W. S. Smith, - October 17, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 1, Page 1139-40

BOOKCASTLE RIVER,
October 17, 1862—9 a. m.

SIR:
I have pressed a reconnaissance nearly up to Camp Wild Cat this morning. The enemy has passed on, leaving the road badly blockaded in his rear. There is no forage whatever in this neighborhood and none ahead. Our animals are now suffering, and it will virtually sacrifice our train to move it any farther to the front. The same may be said of our artillery. Our infantry can go as far as rations will last which they can carry on their persons.

Kirby Smith encamped on the Madison road, 16 miles back from Pitman’s, last night. If Gay could have crossed over this morning into that road he might have intercepted stragglers, &c., but his horses were suffering to an extent that would not permit such movement, and there is no forage in that direction.

We have 50 prisoners, which I have paroled, and I send them to the rear this morning. Many of them are deserters and beg that they may not be exchanged. Shall I press forward with my infantry, leaving trains and artillery?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. S. SMITH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Fourth Dixision.

Maj. Gen. THOMAS L. CRITTENDEN,
Commanding Second Corps.