The
Online Archive of ORs: (US) Maj.-Gen. D. C. Buell to Maj.-Gen. Halleck or Gen. Thomas - July 22, 1862
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 197
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Ohio,
Huntsville, Ala., (via Nashville, Tenn.), July 22, 1862.
Major-General HALLECK or General THOMAS, Adjutant-General:
The enemy has thrown a large cavalry force, regular
and irregular, upon our lines throughout Tennessee and Kentucky. The embarrassment
from this is great. Small guards cannot protect them, and to give large ones
would scatter my whole force. High water also has destroyed our bridges. From
these two causes we have had to repeat our work, and it has been impossible
to get either road open to Nashville. Nashville is again threatened, and whether
really in danger or not
its security is a matter of too vital importance to be left in jeopardy, and
I must keep force enough there to operate actively in that quarter and toward
the east. But these cavalry raids can only be effectually counteracted by
cavalry, of which there should be at least five, or, if possible, eight more
regiments in the two States. I am compelled to ascribe the greater part of
our annoyance from guerrilla bands to the spirit of hate and revenge which
has been inspired in this quarter by an unwise policy and personal wrongs.
I just learn that the enemy's cavalry in considerable force captured the guards80
menand burned three bridges between Nashville and Murfreesborough yesterday.
It will take eight days to rebuild them.
D. C. BUELL,
Major- General