On the Road Again

Keep in mind that Buell had recently been sent eastward to supervise and direct General Pope's activities more generally toward protecting the rail and wagon roads and less toward fruitless pursuit of the enemy.  To this end, he provides the following summary to Pope on this day in 1862.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, In Camp, June 9, 1862.
Major-General POPE,
Commanding Army of the Mississippi:

In accordance with General Halleck's instructions, I have ordered Sherman's, Nelson's, and Crittenden's divisions back to different points on the Memphis and Charleston road, and directed Davies' division to report to you again. One regiment of Davies' division is at work on the Tuscumbia Bridge, under the direction of an officer from Sherman's division. The bridge ought to be finished day after to-morrow. Smith's First Ohio Cavalry, which belongs properly to Sherman's division, is ordered to return with it. These are, I believe, all the points that affect your command.
I shall start back early in the morning, leaving you independent again. I suppose our future movements will be determined upon in a few days.

Very truly,
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General, Commanding.*


Nelson receives marching orders at Smith's Crossroads and sets out for the Bear Creek Bridge, heading east from Smith's Cross-Roads.  Notice that half the journey was completed before these orders were received.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, In Camp, June 9, 1862.
Brigadier-General NELSON,
Commanding Fourth Division:

General Buell directs that your division at once take up it line of march for Bear Creek, near the point where it is crossed by the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. You will move by way of Booneville, Jacinto, and Cartersville. Your camp equipage should be moved in the direction of Bear Creek, to join you at the point designated. Report in person for further instructions when your orders are given for the division to move.
You must provide yourself with guides.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. FRY,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.*

*ORE correspondence courtesy of my Favorite Link, Ohio State's eHistory