ORs: (US) Message from Gen. Garfield - July 1, 1863

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 23, Part 2, Page 495-6

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Manchester,
July 1, 1863—10.35 a. m.

Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER,
Commanding Reserve:

Your dispatch of June 30 (hour not given) is received. The enemy’s main force is at Tullahoma, where he evidently intends to make a stand. He is receiving re-enforcements from East Tennessee, and probably from Southwestern Virginia. A dispatch from Wheeler to Forrest, captured yesterday, shows that Forrest’s train was at Pulaski on the 28th, and the main body of his force between that place and Tallahoma, and all ordered to join Bragg.

On the 27th, Morgan was at Granville, 12 miles up the river from Carthage. He has since withdrawn to Sparta, and his outposts at McMinnville and Dug Hollow have also fallen back to Sparta. Wheeler and Wharton are in our front. The enemy has his hands full here, and is not likely at present to disturb the posts in your district. Nashville is in no danger while the army is successful here. All these posts must be held by the minimum garrison, and as much of your force as possible must be held in readiness to support our movement here. You have probably before this received the order to occupy Wartrace and the line of railroad between there and Shelbyville.

The general commanding cannot allow Van Cleve’s command to remain at Murfreesborough. He must be sent forward, with trains, as soon as possible. The general commanding directs you to superintend the forwarding of supplies. Two roads have been selected for empty trains to return to Murfreesborough, and the Manchester pike will be kept open for loaded trains this way. The general commanding suggests that you might put General Ward in command of the convalescent camp at Murfreesborough. The duties of the position are highly important. Direct Colonel Baird and all your commanders of outposts to throw up light defensive works.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. GARFIELD
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff