UNIONVILLE, March 17, 1863–8 p.m.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding at Shelbyville :
GENERAL: A scout has just returned from College Grove. They report the bridge over Harpeth, near that place, as almost completed; that the enemy have desisted from work on it, saying that it will be finished when they desire to use it. They are yet camped at the junction of this and the College Grove pike.
I am as yet unable to give you certain intelligence as to whether the enemy are retiring from Murfreesborough. Exertions are being made to ascertain this to a certainty, and during the morrow you will be advised.
I send you a late paper with a speech in it from Brady, of New York, a quondam friend of ours. I believe we will have to win our independence by our own valor and patient endurance, without aid from foreign powers or domestic broils among our enemies. Any late papers will be most acceptable.
Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General

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O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 704-05