Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, March 27, 1862

Late in the evening General Nelson in returning from General Buell’s headquarters, informed me that he had General Buell’s permission to take the advance, and gave me a verbal order to cross Duck River at daylight the 29th.  I inquired if the bridge would be done.  He answered “No.” “Are there any boats?” He said “No, but the river is falling; and damn you, get over, for we must have the advance and get the glory.”  He enjoined secrecy, lest we should be prevented from taking the advance.

SOURCE: Allen Nevins, “The War for the Union: War Becomes Revolution 1862—1863,” p. 80