March 18, 1862 Brig. Gen. Buell to General McCook from Nashville, Headquarters Army of the Ohio
GENERAL: Move steadily forward woth your division on the road to Savannah. Ford the streams where they are fordable, and when it is necessary to make permament repairs in the road, such as building bridges over streams which are liable to frequent interruptions by high water, leave only a sufficient working party and guard for that purpose. As fast as your supply wagons are exhausted send them back for supplies. say about twenty at a time, in charge of an officer and escort. The railroad will probably be in a condition to-morrow to forward supplies as far as Franklin, and in a few days more to Columbia. You will meet supplies in Savannah. Use all possible industry and energy so as to move forward steadily and as rapidly as you can without forcing your march or straggling. Send forward at once to communicate with General Smith and learn his situation. It will be best to send an intelligent and discreet messenger, so as to avoid the necessity of sending written intelligence, that might be cut off and reach the enemy. The messengers must be on their guard against that. They should try to go through in twenty-four hours. Let them observe the amount of forage on the road. Report to me daily by express. Colonel Milliken's regiment cannot be transfered to your division, but will remain at Columbia under your order while you remain there.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. C. Buell,
Brigadier-General, Commanding,
Colonel Jacob Ammen's diary of march to and battle at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. [Extracts]
March 20.--On the march at 7 a.m. Proceed about 3miles and encamp. Bridge over Duck River at Columbia burned by rebels; river high; no boats. General McCook's division in advance, repairing bridge.
March 28.--Went to Duck River to examine fords; sent some of my cavalry in; river 200 yards of more wide; fords crooked. Fortunately, some army wagons return with forage and ford the river; the water just touches the beds of the wagons; current strong; water above and below, deep; no boats. Troops busy rebuilding bridge. General McCook's division encamped her. Sent orders to commanders of regiments to have reveille at 3 a.m. to-morrow and prepare for march.