He had expected Rosecrans to attack on December 30, but when that did not happen, his plan was to drive Hardee's corps and the cavalry under Brig. Gen. John A. Wharton deep into the Union rear.
Han forventede at Rosecrans ville angribe den 30. december, men da dette angreb ikke kom var det hans plan at drive Hardees korps og kavaleriet under brigadegeneral John A. Wharton dybt ind i Unionens bagland.