ORs: (US) Brig.-Gen. W. S. Smith to Col. J. B. Fry - July 16, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 164

TULLAHOMA,
July 16, 1862—10 a. m.

Colonel FRY,
Chief of Staff:

I have concentrated a force of 4,300 men, composed of 3,500 infantry, 600 cavalry and battery, and one section of artillery. I have about three days’ rations, and can go to McMinnville to intercept the enemy if Wood’s division or a portion of it can be advanced to this or some other point on the line of our railroad to hold it in case the enemy should sweep down this way. I heard firing in the vicinity of Murfreesborough at intervals during yesterday and up to 8 p. m., but have been unable to get any definite information from that direction. A reconnoitering party which I sent to Manchester brings a report that the enemy was at McMinnville, 5,000 strong; if so, whether it is the Murfreesborongh force
returning to support I do not know. Where is Colonel Jackson and the battery? What force of ours can be fighting at Murfreesborough? Have you any information by way of Nashville that can control my movements to advantage?

W. S. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.