ORs: (US) Correspondence between G. T. Thomas & Gen. Buell

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 438

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO,
MicMinnville, August 28, 1862.

General BUELL,
Decherd:

Saturday three regiments of cavalry were at Pikeville, but fell back to Robinson's Cross-Roads, hearing that I was advancing on that road. About one regiment was reported to be at Dunlap, but since learned from a brother of Smith that there were no troops there. He went to Dunlap on Saturday. It was reported to him that Bragg was at the foot of Walden’s Ridge, in the valley of the Tennessee, with 40,000 men, awaiting train to cross the mountain.

Smith will bring or send me information by to-morrow of the truth of Bragg’s position. He then purposes to go toward Pikeville and endeavor to establish an express line to convey information. I have sent a brigade of infantry on the Murfreesborough road after Forrest, who is at Woodbury with something over 1,000 men. I have also directed the commanding officer to escort a train of provisions through to this place from Mnrfreesborough. Our provisions will be out in three days and none to be had in this region. Will you order supplies here immediately by the cars? We can get fodder here, but no corn. Troops at this place can watch the direct Chattanooga road, the Dunlap and the Harrison and Pikeville roads, and by the system of expresses to be established by Smith I think I can give you intelligence of the enemy before he can cross Sequatchie Valley.

Would not Colonel Harker be a good light-brigade Commanderl I was favorably impressed with him.

Please send the First Ohio Cavalry; it is very much needed.

GEG. H. THOMAS.