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if the movements of the re-enforcements are delayed till communication is open by rail.
I will press the work as rapidly as possible, and by a judicious distribution of the working parties try to have as many bridges as possible being worked at the same time.
On the 29th of May, ultimo, I was ordered by the
Secretary of War to take command of United States forces in
Kentucky.
I assumed command by published order on 4th instant.
To-day the
Secretary of War telegraphs me that all of
Kentucky is included in the Department of Mississippi, and I instructed to report to
Major-General Halleck for orders.
On 6th instant part of
Morgan's forces attacked a company of Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, killing 1 captain and 2 men.
Colonel Williams reports to me that rebel
Captain Hamilton was killed and several of his men wounded; this is not certain.
The rebels fled.
I have ordered six companies Ninth Pennsylvania, under
Colonel Williams, to advance by way of
Tompkinsville, where the enemy were on west side of
Cumberland Mountains, in considerable force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, moving to attack
Nashville, waiting for re-enforcements.
I had no force to send forward, deeming it absolutely necessary to protect
Nashville.
Secretary of War has ordered forward the Sixtieth Indiana.
Major Cox reported to me this morning.
I have ordered him, with 260 men, to
Bowling Green.
Colonel Owen with the body of regiment will be here to-morrow or next day. I will hold them in position to send to
Nashville in case of emergency.
I do not apprehend any attack on
Nashville.
General orders, no. 35.
Hdqrs. Fifth Div., Army of the
Tenn., June 9, 1862.
The Third Brigade,
General Denver, will move forward on the road to
Pocahontas, and repair the bridge across
Tuscumbia Creek, camping on the east side of the creek, but pushing a strong picket beyond to the high ground.
The division of General Hurlbut will move early to-morrow on the same road to the Big Hatchie and reconstruct the bridge across that stream, repairing the road generally and making it passable to artillery.
The division will leave its train on this side of Tuscumbia Creek until the Tuscumbia Bridge is passable.
The brigades of Morgan L. Smith and McDowell will be prepared to move forward as soon as notice is received that the road is opened as far as Pocahontas.
Officers and men must be cautious in their dealings with citizens.
Nothing should be told them of the movements of troops or anything whatever of our plans or purposes.
They must be suspected always, although if at home and minding their business they should be respected.
If on the road they must be arrested and held as prisoners.
By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman:
