ORs: (CS) Report of General Polk - September 30, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 892

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Bardstown, Ky.,
September 30, 1862—8 a. m.

General BRAGG:

GENERAL:
I send you the inclosed extract of a dispatch received this morning from Colonel Wharton. Major Bankhead, of my staff, whom I had sent to Colonel Wharton to aid in posting his pickets and who was in possession of the details accompanying the information from Louisville, is disposed to give it credence, from the fact that all accounts agree in the great demoralization of Buell’s army, arising from Lincoln’s proclamation, and that putting it in motion is a measure of safety to him. This does not look very promising for their cause. The information is furnished you for what it is worth. You will be advised of any developments. I wrote you yesterday, saying we were in need of cavalry and informing you of the capture of the greater part of Crawford’s regiment. I find Wharton’s and Wheeler’s available force inadequate for the service required of them. I shall direct all the wagons not required for the supply of subsistence and forage to proceed to Lexington via Harrodsburg for the purpose of transporting supplies to our depot at Bryantsville.

I remain, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. POLK,
Major- General, Commanding.