ORs: (CS) Report of General Polk - October 5, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 16, Part 2, Page 911

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Springfield, Ky.,
October 5, 1862—6 a. m.

GENERAL:
I have kept you informed of our movements. The head of Donelson’s division rested 6 miles in advance of this last night and the rear near this place. Withers’ column was immediately behind and well up. Donelson will be within 4 miles of Danville to-night, possibly in the town. The rest of the wing will encamp at corresponding distances. General Hardee encamped at Glenville last night; finds the dirt road since the rain very bad. I have turned him across on to this pike by a turnpike road which intersects it at this point. He will arrive early this morning, but not until after the troops of the other wing have passed. Thinking his road might be bad, I sent the greater part of his wagon train on this road entirely ahead of Cheatham’s command.

The cavalry under Wheeler and Wharton, after retiring the infantry from Bardstown, were ordered to cover our rear and retard the enemy as long as possible. whey made their appearance near the Fair-Ground about — o’clock, coming in through a by-road near railroad. The head of their cavalry were in the position between Wharton and the town before he was advised of it; when advised he put his force in rapid motion to the town.

[L. POLK.]