Telegram dated November 23, 1861

At that time, the 6th TN Inf Reg was assigned to Stephen's Brigade, Cheatham's Division, 1st Geographical Division, Department #2 [Oct 1861-March 1862]

Their first battle was at Belmont (at Columbus, KY) on November 7, 1861. The next would not be until Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862.

Perhaps they liked their first sight of the elephant and wanted to get the ball going.