Col. J. Stoddard Johnston, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 9.1, Kentucky
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

[156] elicited his warmest praise. Rosecrans gave evidence of his purpose to move nearly a week before the battle, full reports of his force and the location of his several corps being received daily. On the 27th, General Bragg, having selected his line of defense and plan of battle, issued a private circular for general and staff officers, an original copy of which is in possession of the writer, and which is here given, as it has not been found among the published records:

Memoranda for General and staff officers:

1. The line of battle will be in front of Murfreesboro, half the army—left wing in front of one's river, right wing in rear of river.

2. Polk's corps will form left wing—Hardee's corps, right wing.

3. Withers' division will form first line in Polk's corps; Cheatham's the second line; Breckinridge's division will form first line Hardee's corps, Cleburne's division second line Hardee's corps.

4. McCown's division to form reserve opposite center on high ground in rear of Cheatham's present quarters.

5. Jackson's brigade, reserve to the right flank, to report to Lieutenant-General Hardee.

6. The two lines to be from 800 to 1,000 yards apart, according to the ground.

7. Chiefs of artillery to pay special attention to posting of batteries and to supervise their work, and see that they do not causelessly waste their ammunition.

8. Cavalry to fall back gradually before enemy, reporting by couriers every hour. When near our line, Wheeler will move to right and Wharton to the left to cover and protect our flanks and report movements of the enemy. Pegram to fall to the rear and report to the general commanding as reserve.

9. To-night if the enemy has gained his position in our front ready for action, Wheeler and Wharton with their whole commands will make a night march to the right and left, turn the enemy's flanks, gain his rear and vigorously assail his trains and rear guards, blocking the roads and impeding his movements in every way, holding themselves ready to assail his retreating forces.