OPERATIONS IN TENNESSEE, IN 1863.
The headquarters of the Army of the Cumberland was established at Murfreesboro’ on the fifth of January, 1863, the army itself occupying a position in front of the town which was completely encircled by extensive earthworks, constructed with the view of rendering it a depot of supplies and the base of prospective operations. The rainy season set in and a suspension of activity on the part of the Federals ensued, but the cavalry of the enemy was as lively and ubiquitous as ever, and not only often succeeded in capturing many men and wagons, but also in burning a number of steamers on the Cumberland, with the view of cutting off the communications of the Union army, and of stopping its supplies.
On the 31st, Brigadier-General Jefferson C. Davis with three brigades, made a bold dash in the direction of Rover and Franklin. During an absence of thirteen days the two brigades of cavalry he had with him visited eight towns and secured one hundred and forty-one prisoners, including two colonels and several other officers, without the loss of a man.