ORs: (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler - July 3, 1863

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 23, Part 1, Page 616

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Railroad Crossing, Top of the Mountain,
July 3, 1863.

GENERAL:
Major [W. Y. C.] Humes has just reached me and delivered me your instructions. I very much fear we may have very much difficulty in holding this place until to-morrow night. The enemy came into Cowan this p. m. with quite a large force of infantry and cavalry. There are several roads ascending the mountain practicable for cavalry, by which the enemy might turn our position. We will do our best, and give you early notification of the approach of the enemy. The enemy commenced ascending the mountain about 3 p. m. I would respectfully suggest that I think it would not be well to make any unnecessary delay in crossing the Tennessee River, based upon the supposition that the enemy are not going to advance.

With great respect, your obedient servant,
JOS. WHEELER,
Major.General.

Lient. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding Polk’s Corps.