ORs: (CS) Dispatch of AAG. G. W. Brent - December 27, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 20, Part 2 Page 464

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
Murfreesborough,
December 27, 1862—9 p. m.

Lieutenant-General POLK,
Commanding Polk’s Corps:

GENERAL:
The general commanding directs me to say that Generals Wheeler, Wharton, and Pegram have been instructed to fall back before the enemy to-morrow. The move of the enemy is evidently on this place, He directs that the troops, after breakfast to-morrow, move to their position in front. General Hardee will occupy the right, his left resting on the Nashville road; General Breckinridge, first line; General Cleburne, second line, 800 or 1,000 yards in rear. General Polk will occupy the left; Withers in front; Cheatham in rear; General Breckinridge knows his ground; General McCown in reserve. Generals Pegram and Wharton, with their infantry supports, should be governed by Wheeler’s movements, keeping in communication with him. The flanks should be watched by them. General Wharton will detach a scout to the Franklin and Columbia roads. The troops should be in position by 9 a. m. The enemy is at Stewart’s Creek, 10 miles out.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE WM. BRENT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

P. S.—The general commanding desires me to say that he will see you early to-morrow morning.