ORs: (US) Report by Brig. Gen. George Crook - April 15, 1863

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 23, Part 2, Page 240

CARTHAGE, TENN.,
April 15, 1863.

Brig. Gen. JAMES A. GARFIELD,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland, Murfreesborough, Tenn.:

I sent three regiments to Rome day before yesterday to protect the boats by that point. They returned by way of Middleton yesterday morning. They came upon the enemy there in force; skirmishing ensued without much result on either side. I sent General Spears with his brigade last evening as re-enforcements, thinking he could only drive them away without catching them. He returned during the night, leaving the rebels there. The rebel force is estimated from 6,000 to 10,000. From the most reliable information. I think they have nearly 4,000, with one battery of artillery. From prisoners captured, they state that the force is composed of Wheeler’s, Wharton’s, and Morgan’s commands, and that Wheeler and Wharton are in command; also that part of this force captured the cars at La Vergue. This force came from the direction of Lebanon, where they had a forage train. I think this demonstration is to cover some move, as they are not foraging.

I have a secret expedition between here and Gallatin. I have but one boat (Fisher) here. I cannot send it to Nashville until some boat takes its place. The river is rising, and probably this will be the last opportunity to get supplies here by water. My requisitions for the necessary supplies have been sent. Will there be any cavalry here soon? When will the gunboats be sent here? We need them.

Respectfully,

GEORGE CROOK,
Brigadier- General.