OR, Series 1, Vol. 20, Part 2, Page 416

Headquarters Department No. 2
Tullahoma, Tenn.
November 22, 1862
 
General S. Cooper
Adjutant and Inspector General, C. S. Army
Richmond
 
Sir,
   You will perceive by my general orders that the troops are all in motion toward the enemy. The necessity, after our arduous duty of two months, for some little rest and reorganization, and for supplying necessaries to the men, such as clothing, shoes, &c., has detained us some, and the difficulties of transportation by the circuitous route, via Chattanooga, which we were compelled to take has delayed us as much. The whole of Generals Polk's and Hardee's commands are up to this point, and General Smith's are mostly on this side of the Tennessee River . The dispositions made of the infantry and artillery will enable me to meet the enemy at any moment, should he come out from his intrenchments, and the cavalry will soon be so posted as to cut his communications and deprive him of supplies. I hope thus to force him to fight or fall back. To assail his strong works, garnished with the heaviest guns, and defended by numbers superior to my own, would be an act of imprudence, to say the least, which it seems to me would not be justified by any necessity now existing. Should the Department differ with me, however, I will undertake it, as I have troops ready to dare anything their leaders may order.
   The whole of Middle Tennessee south of the Cumberland is tributary to us, and we are drawing immense supplies of subsistence, with considerable amounts of clothing, leather, &c., from the region just vacated by the enemy. The people, with few exceptions, are loyal and true, having once felt the yoke of Abolition despotism, and are joining our ranks in large numbers. From information considered reliable, I feel satisfied the enemy have a force exceeding 60,000 now in and about Nashville, General Rosecrans in command. Out of his intrenchments we will meet him with confidence.
   The want of railroad transportation this side the Tennessee River has been a serious drawback in moving troops and supplies. None of the branch roads were repaired, and the main trunk {the Nashville & Chattanooga RR} had but a meager supply of roiling stock. The former will soon be in order, under my special instructions, and all the rolling stock the company could spare has been crossed to this side. The labor was great, and the risk is not small, but the progress of the bridge indicating a completion by the 15th December, I concluded to undergo both. Supplies will now go back rapidly, and we hope not only to feed our forces, but to spare largely for other localities. My headquarters will be removed in a few days to Murfreesborough.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Braxton Bragg
General, Commanding

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