Thomas:

"The enemy's cavalry has crossed in force on the Lewisburg pike,
and General Wilson reports the infantry crossing above Huey's Mill,
about five miles from this place. I have sent an infantry
reconnaissance to learn the facts. If it proves true, I will act
according to your instructions received this morning. Please send
orders to General Cooper,(15) via Johnsonville. It may be doubtful
whether my messenger from here will reach him."

The appendix to General Thomas's report says that I sent this
despatch at "8:30 A. M." The appendix to my report says "8:20 A.M."
This despatch was evidently in answer to those from General
Thomas of 8 P. M. and 10:30 P. M., November 28, as indicated by my
orders to Stanley and Ruger, and my despatch of 8:15 A. M. to
Wilson.

Soon after 10 A. M., November 29, the first report from the brigade
sent toward Huey's Mill showed that the enemy's infantry was crossing
the river at that place. That report is not found in the records,
and I do not recollect its words. But it did not produce the
impression upon my mind that Hood's movement was so rapid or
energetic as to prevent me from doing what seemed of such vital
importance. Therefore I decided not to yield my position unless
compelled by force to do so. While considering this question I
had detained one of Stanley's two divisions (Kimball's), and had
suspended the orders for Ruger's division to march to Spring Hill.
When the decision was reached, I put Kimball's and Wood's divisions
in position between Duck River and Rutherford's Creek, and Ruger's
north of that creek, to resist any attempt the enemy might make
upon our position. I then sent the following to Stanley at Spring
Hill:

"Near Columbia, Tenn., November 29, 1864, 10:45 A. M.
"Major-General Stanley, Commanding Fourth Army Corps.

"General: General Wood's reconnoissance shows a considerable force,
at least, on this side of the river. I have halted Kimball's
division this side of the creek and put it in position. I will
try to hold the enemy until dark, and then draw back. Select a
good position at Spring Hill, covering the approaches, and send
out parties to reconnoiter on all roads leading east and southeast.
Try to communicate with Wilson on the Lewisburg pike. Tell him to
cover Franklin and Spring Hill, and try not to let the enemy get
between us.

"Very respectfully,
"J. M. Schofield, Major-General."