ORs: (US) Maj.-Gen. D. C. Buell to Gen. Smith - July 14, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 145

HEADQUARTERS,
Huntsville, July 14, 1862.

General SMITH,
Cowan, or on the road:

The troops at Murfreesborough surrendered at 4 p. m. yesterday. One of the plans of the enemy and, I think the most probable, will be to sweep down the railroad. Make your dispositions accordingly. Those here indicated must vary according to circumstances. Leave a force of two regiments at least about Decherd, and push forward two regiments by cars to Duck River. The bulk of the force at Tullahoma to go to the same point. The force at Wartrace to fall back to that point if in danger. If the enemy should have made too great progress it may be necessary to make your stand this side of Duck River, but it is of great importance to save that bridge. See that your bridges are guarded, and send your trains back the moment you can unload them, so as to run no risk. Wood is marching on Fayetteville. Troops will reach there to-night. I calculate on getting supplies to you, but if not you must by some means live. Pay for what you take. Economize to the last degree. There are in all about ten regiments on your lines, including Walker’s and Matthews’. The latter is probably at Wartrace. If you should fail at Duck River, which I do not at all apprehend, Elk River is the next most important point.

D. C. BUELL.