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., Part II: Correspondence, Orders, and Returns.
Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, Ed.

[25] shall soon fight a great battle on the Tennessee unsupported, as it seems, but if successful it will settle the campaign in the West.

Third Iowa Infantry just arrived. Effective strength, 676. Ordered to join General Smith. Advance of expedition started last evening.

To-morrow is the day when all persons of proper age are to be enrolled in this State in the rebel army. Troops are now in Paris to enforce the order of Governor Harris. I am concentrating the small force under my command on the west bank of the river, to defeat their object as far as lays in my power.

Any suggestion that General Buell may think proper to make in regard to the time or manner of my reaching Nashville will be thankfully received. I hope you have consulted with our Union friends. Answer to Louisville. I will be there to-morrow.

My advanced division is at Columbia. The heavy rains and the destruction of bridges by the enemy will of course retard our progress somewhat. I am told the communication with Island No.10 is kept up across the bend of the river, only 3 miles over. Am without money; are both in credit and efficiency suffering in consequence.

My forces are moving up the Tennessee as rapidly as we can obtain transportation. Florence was the point originally designated, but on account of enemy's forces at Corinth and Humboldt it is deemed best to land at Savannah and establish depot. The transports will serve as ferries. The selection is left to C. F. Smith, who commands the advance.