Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Chapter XXII: Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862.
Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, Ed.

In obedience to an order from General Sherman's headquarters I proceeded with my command of 45 non-commissioned officers and pri. [648] vates on road toward Purdy after the infantry pickets on the banks of the creek. I found the road, which runs due west for half a mile, very bad, but passable for artillery; then it became extremely good and dry. After passing several by-roads southeast and about 4 miles from the pickets, I came to a cross-road running due north and south. Considering it unwise to pass it, I stationed the main body of my command, and sent one detachment, under command of Lieutenant Kelley, to the front toward Purdy, and another south on the cross-road toward Corinth. A negro whom I met stated, after an examination, that he came from the farm of a Mr. Johnson, 2 miles distant, where about 150 to 200 Southern cavalry were stationed, and had been there since Tuesday last. He also stated that 1 mile farther another body of cavalry, about 400 strong, were stationed at a so-called powder magazine. I then proceeded to reconnoiter within a half mile of the former cavalry, and after having convinced myself of the truth, I returned. Lieutenant Kelley in the mean time had marched 5 miles toward Purdy, and found everything quiet and no sign of any troops. It is my belief that there are only cavalry forces between here and 12 miles, which could be outflanked and taken very easily. I cannot omit to remark that I found no outside cavalry pickets on my road.

Very respectfully, yours,