| Tuscumbia, Ala. |
| December 16, 1864 |
| |
| Lieutenant-General Taylor |
| Commanding Department |
| |
| General, |
| I have received orders from General Hood
to join the army near Nashville
as soon as possible, but to destroy the railroad from Huntsville
to Stevenson and from Stevenson to Murfreesborough on the march, and
am now making every disposition in my power to obey the order
promptly. I will leave one regiment to garrison Decatur
and protect the battery. A company of engineers from General Hood's
army has arrived at Decatur
to replace the pontoon bridge and to assist in getting the captured
engines on this side {onto the Tennessee &
Alabama Central RR} when needed. I shall continue to send
reports to you and keep you advised of everything of interest. No
other force will be left except the regiment indicated, one or two
companies of which will be kept on detached duty in the more
disloyal neighborhood. |
| Very respectfully, |
| P. D. Roddey |
| Brigadier-General |
|