strike the enemy in his flank and rear. The last twenty-four hours have developed a condition of things on my front and left flank which I shadowed forth in my last note to you, which makes compliance with this order not only eminently inexpedient, but impracticable. I have called a council of wing and division commanders, to whom I have submitted the matter, and find that they unanimously indorse my views. I shall therefore pursue a different course, assured that when the facts are submitted to you will justify my decision. I move on the route indicated by you toward Camp Breckinridge. The head of my column moves this afternoon. I will keep you advised. I send this by a relay of couriers I have established at intervals of 10 miles from here to Lexington via Danville.

I remain, general, your obedient servant,

L. POLK,

Major-General, Commanding Army of the Mississippi.

[Exhibit No. 2.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Harrodsburg, Ky., October 6, 1862-11 p. m.

General BRAGG:

GENERAL: I send you some dispatches just received. I have ordered General Anderson to move at 3 a. m. to-morrow morning to join General Hardee at Perryville and General Cleburne to follow him at 4 a. m. I have ordered both to have two days' cooked rations in the haversacks. Wood's rations will be sent him in the morning. I have ordered Wharton to report to General Hardee with his own and Wade's cavalry and the regiment of infantry now at Lebanon. This force, I think, will be sufficient for the general's purposes. I have directed General Cheatham not to leave his present camp near town for that under General Withers, 4 miles out, until further orders. I have directed General Hardee to ascertain, if possible, the strength of the enemy which may be covered by his advance. I cannot think it large.

I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. POLK,

Major-General, Commanding Army of the Mississippi.

P. S.-I have had two companies of cavalry posted on the road leading to Mackville.

[Exhibit No. 3.]

CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2,

Harrodsburg, Ky., October 7, 1862.

Major-General POLK,

Commanding Army of the Mississippi:

I. Cheatham's division will move forward to-night to Withers' position, and both divisions of the right wing (Withers' and Cheatham's) will move to-morrow to Lawrenceburg, thence to Versailles, and to follow General E. Kirby Smith's command.

II. General E. Kirby Smith's command will move to-morrow to Versailles, throwing a division toward Frankfort. Allston's cavalry, now at Salvisa, will cover Cheatham's movement, reporting to Major-General Cheatham.

III. Major-General Hardee, commanding left wing, Army of the Mississippi, will follow these movements as circumstances allow, notifying