ORs: (CS) Correspondence between Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 748-9

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2,
Chattanooga, Tenn.,
August 10, 1862.

Maj. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH,
Commanding Department of East Tennessee:

Yours of yesterday’s date, with its inclosures, is received this morning, and I thank you for the valuable information and suggestions. Lieutenant-Colonel Duke’s report, herewith returned, is very interesting and instructive, and corresponds with all my information from other sources. From my present information there seems to be no danger from the movement of General Nelson now as far as you fear, and the return of General Forrest, which I am glad to hear from him you have directed, will hold him in check or keep me advised. A portion of my cavalry ought soon to be in, when Forrest will be reenforced, so as to harass Nelson out of all idea of advancing. Should danger threaten us there, however, I will promptly throw forward a sufficient force.

It will be a week yet before I can commence crossing the river, and information I hope to receive will determine which route I shall take, to Nashville or Lexington. My inclination is now for the latter.

Expedite your movements by all means in your power, especially the cavalry, so as to cut off Morgan’s supplies at the earliest moment. Humphrey Marshall should also get in motion immediately. In this connection I will say that your request for troops at the Hiwassee Bridge was promptly complied with and the order given immediately. I have sent to know why they have not moved. It may be for want of transportation, which is very limited on that road and has been entirely occupied by your movements.

It would be unadvisable, I think, for you to move far into Kentucky, leaving Morgan in your rear, until I am able to fully engage Buell and his forces on your left. But I do not credit the amount of Morgan’s supplies and have confidence in his timidity. When once well on the way to his rear you might safely leave but 5,000 in his front, and by a flank movement draw the rest to your assistance. He will never advance to escape.

Van Dorn and Price will advance simirltaneously with us from Mississippi on West Tennessee, and I trust we may all unite in Ohio.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

BRAXTON BRAGG,
General, Commanding.

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