Palmer's and Wood's divisions were in line with Van
Cleve's division in reserve.

On the 30th, Rousseau moved up and took position in reserve in rear of
Palmer's right. Negley advanced slightly as did McCook's corps. The line
generally faced east, but part of McCook's right division was retired so
that it faced to the south.

Rosecrans now decided to give battle on the 31st, and made the following
plan: McCook was to hold strong ground, refusing his right, and make
strong dispositions to resist the attack of the enemy. If, however, the
enemy did not attack, McCook was to attack sufficient to hold all the
force on his front and prevent the enemy from detaching any troops to the
right, the real point of attack. Thomas' corps and Palmer's division were
to open with skirmishing and engage the enemy's center and left as far as
Stone river. Van Cleve's division was to cross the river and advance on
Breckenridge, followed by Wood's division by brigades on its right, and
carry everything before them into Murfreesboro'. In front of Crittenden's
corps across the river was high ground, the occupation of which would
enable an enfilade fire to be brought on the remainder of Polk's corps.
Palmer and Thomas were to follow the movement, advancing in its support.
After taking Murfreesboro', Crittenden was to move westward and getting in
on the flank and rear of the enemy drive them off their line of
communications. The success of the whole plan of course depended upon
McCook's being able to hold on without support, and Rosecrans criticised
his line, saying it was an error for it to face so much to the east. He
thought it should rather face to the south and impressed the fact on
McCook that he must be careful and make a strong disposition. McCook was
ordered also to build fires to his right prolonging the general line and
simulating the camps of a large force. It was hoped in this way to draw
off a large part of the rebel force from the real point of attack.

Bragg formed an exactly similar plan of attack. Hardee with two divisions
was to advance on the left and force back the Union right. Then Polk was
to push the center. By a steady wheel to the right on the right of Polk's
corps as a pivot the Union force was to be thrown back on Stone river, off
its line to Nashville, the objective of his campaign. The plans being
identical a good deal depended on which army began the movement first.
Rosecrans' orders were for the attack to begin a