On the 27th there was skirmishing on the Hatchie River, eight miles from Bolivar.

On the 30th I learned from Colonel P.H.Sheridan, who had been far to the south, that Bragg in person was at Rome, Georgia, with his troops moving by rail (by way of Mobile) to Chattanooga and his wagon train marching overland to join him at Rome.

Price was at this time at Holly Springs, Mississippi, with a large force, and occupied Grand Junction as an outpost.

I proposed to the general-in-chief to be permitted to drive him away, but was informed that, while I had to judge for myself, the best use to make of my troops WAS NOT TO SCATTER THEM, but hold them ready to reinforce Buell.
The movement of Bragg himself with his wagon trains to Chattanooga across country, while his troops were transported over a long round-about road to the same destination, without need of guards except when in my immediate front, demonstrates the advantage which troops enjoy while acting in a country where the people are friendly.

Buell was marching through a hostile region and had to have his communications thoroughly guarded back to a base of supplies.