ORs: (CS) Dispatch of Brig. Gen. John A. Wharton - December 25, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 20, Part 1 Page 164

HEADQUARTERS WHARTON’S CAVALRY BRIGADE,
Nolensville, Tenn.,
December 25, 1862—9.30 p. m.

GENERAL:
We have been fighting the enemy from sunrise until dark. The forage now lies to the left of this pike, in between this and Wilkerson pike. To-day the enemy came out in large force and a heavy supporting force. With what cavalry could be used without disturbing the pickets, we engaged the enemy. The country is very hilly and covered with cedar brakes, which renders it totally unfit for cavalry, and the infantry here has orders to risk nothing. I had 3 men wounded; killed 6 and wounded 14 of the enemy. They thus paid for their forage.

I cannot get the five companies to complete Smith’s and Murray’s regiments, though they have long been promised me. The service that I am required to perform here is too much for my force, and it will soon be unfit for service. Other cavalry commanders are drilling daily, and I assure you that every day for the past ten days I have engaged the enemy. My force in camp has to be moved forward every day to sustain the pickets, and never return until dark, so, whether on picket or off; they have no rest.

I ordered Colonel Smith to leave a portion of his command at Franklin, and to move last night on a scout on the Hilisborough pike. The result of the expedition is not yet known.

I take great pride in this brigade, and do not intend that it shall be used up withbut advising you of it. I intend to write to General Wheeler, and ask him to come over and see for himself the amount of labor I have to perform. The enemy were followed beyond our lines, and our pickets are at their usual stands. The enemy will be out early in the morning, and to-morrow will be, as usual, a day for us to fight and not to rest. I have nothing new as to the several movements of the enemy.

Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General.

Lieutenant-General LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding, etc.