September 10, 1862: Where’s Bragg (redux)?

Braxton Bragg

As we saw earlier, Lincoln was quite concerned about the possibility that Bragg might have crossed the Cumberlands and be reinforcing Confederate forces in Virginia. After sending out a flurry of telegrams, he started getting some responses. Firstly, Buell assured him that Bragg was in Tennessee threatening him, not in Virginia. Buell’s sources were assuring him that Bragg was headed for Louisville. Meanwhile, Lew Wallace, now commanding on the Kentucky side of the Ohio river, had intel claiming the attack was going to be at Cincinnati.

From the Official Record:

NASHVILLE, TENN., September 10, 1862 – 12 m.
His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN:

Bragg is certainly this side of the Cumberland Mountains with his whole force, except what is in Kentucky under Smith. His movements will probably depend on mine. I except that for the want of supplies I can neither follow him nor remain here. Think I must withdraw from Tennessee. I shall not abandon Tennessee while it is possible to hold on. Cut off effectually from supplies, it is impossible for me to operate enforce where I am; but I shall endeavor to hold Nashville, and at the same time drive Smith out of Kentucky and hold my communications.

D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.

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HEADQUARTERS SIXTH DIVISION,
Camp Twelve miles from Bowling green, September 10, 1862.
Major General D. C. BUELL,

While in the neighborhood of Gallatin Monday last, day before yesterday, I employed a reliable Union man to give me information. He started Monday at sunset and has just returned. He went to the vicinity of Gainesborough. He reports that he enemy, under Bragg, Hardee, and C. [Cheatham?] 35,000 strong, crossed the Cumberland Sunday and Sunday night, and is moving by forced marches toward Glasgow, Munfordville, and on to Louisville. I regard the information as entirely reliable. I cannot mention all the corroborative circumstances in this brief note. I have written Rousseau urging hi to move forward and get out of my way. I send this note back to McCook and have him forward.

I will go to Bowling Green to-night, though I have marched 22 miles to-day.

Very truly, yours,
TH. J. WOOD,
Brigadier-General.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 10, 1862-7.30 p. m.
Major General LEW. WALLACE, Covington, Ky.:

The following is just received:

Governor MORTON:
I sent three citizens, scouts, into Kentucky day before yesterday morning, and the last one has just come in. He is perfectly reliable, and reports as follows:

“We went within 3 miles of Florence about noon to-day. At that time a large body of the enemy had passed through in direction of Covington, on Covington and Lexington pike; the whole force moving in that direction on that road was said to be 12,000-infantry, artillery, and cavalry. He heard their drums and artillery wagons distinctly. A great many of their men are reported to be barefooted. The information he received as to their numbers, conditions, and mode of attack on Covington and Cincinnati came from reliable acquaintances. they are approaching from three different points, viz, by the Lexington and Covington pike, Independence pike, and down Licking River. On both sides they have pickets out 7 miles from the river. Opposite North Bend hundreds of rebel citizens of Bone and adjoining counties are joining the confederate forces as they passed along. Secessionists at Florence said the intention was to cross the Ohio at or below North Bend and attack Cincinnati in the rear. Whole force estimated at 30,000.

BEN. SPOONER.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.

Meanwhile, the Richmond Daily Dispatch said that Bragg knew exactly where he was, in Tennessee. Forrest’s cavalry had taken Murfreesboro, TN from the Union, and Bragg was prepared to advance into Kentucky.

Address of General Bragg–re-occupation of Murfreesboro’.
Chattanooga, Sept. 10.

–A congratulatory order from Gen. Bragg to his army on the recent successes of the Confederate army has just been received. It is dated Sparta, 5th inst., and says:

“Our campaign opens suspiciously. The enemy is in full retreat, with consternation and demoralization devastating his ranks. To secure the fruits of this condition we must press on vigorously and unceasingly. Alabamians, your State is redeemed. Tennesseeans, your Capitol and State are almost restored! Without firing a gun you return conquerors. Kentuckians, the first great blow has been struck, for your freedom. Soldiers from the other States share the happiness of our more fortunate brothers, and will press on with them for the redemption of their homes and women.

[Signed.] Braxton Bragg.

Chattanooga,Sept. 10.–Col. Forrest re-occupied Murfreesboro’ last Sunday. He arrived there just in time to save the Court-House, which the rear guard of the Yankees had fired. There was not a Yankee left when he arrived.