George Thomas’ troops are in serious need of supplies, especially water. There’s water at Perryville, but they know that rebel troops are there. Good chance of a battle coming up.
HAYESVILLE, October 7, 1862-6 p.m.
Major-General BUELL:About 2 1/2 miles west of this place I can get a camp on the Rolling Fork where there is said to be an abundance of water. As there is no water here I propose to camp there. It will only throw us about 1 1/2 miles farther from Perryville. It was reported to me on my arrival that the rebels had 200,000 pounds of pork at Lebanon. At first I ordered a regiment to go there and seize it. I afterward learned that it belonged to a company of pork-packers, who profess to be Union men. I therefore concluded not to send or seize it, as we can get it at any time by sending for it.
Maxey’s brigade is also reported as leaving Lebanon to-day for Danville, via Bradfordsville and Hustonville, with a train loaded with flour and pork from Lebanon. Shall I send and intercept him now or capture him hereafter?
Very respectfully,GEO. H. THOMAS.
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OCTOBER 7, 1862-7 p.m.
General THOMAS, Second in Command:The Third Corps (Gilbert’s) is within 3 1/2 miles of Perryville, the cavalry being near, perhaps 2 1/2 [miles]. From all the information received to-day it is thought the enemy will resist our advance into Perryville. They are said to have a strong force in and near the place. We expect to attack and carry the place to-morrow.
March at 3 o’clock precisely to-morrow morning without fail, and if possible get all the canteens filled and have the men cautioned to use water in the most sparing manner. Every officer must caution his men on this point. Send back every team and animal that is not absolutely necessary with the troops, as they will suffer for water. All the wagons which come must move in rear of your troops.
The right of Gilbert’s corps is opposite to Gordon’s place, which is on the Lebanon pike, and from Gordon’s to Gilbert’s right is about ` 2 or 2 1/2 miles. When the Second Corps gets up to that vicinity, that is to say about 3 or 3 1/2 miles from town, let the front be halted and put in order of battle, and the whole column closed up and the men allowed to rest in position and made as comfortable as possible, but not allowed to scatter.
The commander of the corps must then immediately have the front reconnoitered and gain all the information he can of the position of the enemy and his strength, and also of the nature of the country, in his front. This must be done by inquiring of the inhabitants and by personal examination of the officers and by reconnaissance.
When the column has got into position you will please report in person at these headquarters with all the information you may have been able to obtain, and instructions for the further movements will be given. Send orderlies back with bearer to learn where our headquarters are. All the usual precautions must be taken and preparations made for action. There is no water near us, and we can expect but little, if any, until we get it at Perryville. Nothing has been heard of you since we parted this morning.
Respectfully, &c.,
JAMES B. FRY,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.