OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

[Inclosure B.]

COLUMBUS, KY., September 3, 1861

General POLK:

Between 1,500 and 2,000; loaded wagons; horses and artillery, light caliber; no fortifications yet; one of the steamers gone up river.

Two gunboats here yet and the Grampus. They sunk the ferry-boat this morning.

The troops are camped in woods opposite here.

HARRIS.

P.S. - The gunboats are shifting position; may have more soon.

[Inclosure C.]

HICKMAN, September 3, 1861

General POLK:

The Grampus is here waiting orders. Gunboat has arrived. Steam-boat just arrived from below, evidently filled with troops. Will report her soon as she lands.

B. HUGHES.

[Inclosure D.]

NASHVILLE, September 4, 1861

Major-General POLK:

Just learned that Pillow's command is at Hickman. This is unfortunate, as the President and myself are pledged to respect the neutrality of Kentucky. I hope they will be withdrawn instantly, unless their presence there is an absolute necessity.

ISHAM G. HARRIS.

[Inclosure E.]

UNION CITY, September 4, 1861

His Excellency Governor HARRIS, Nashville, Tenn.:

I have the honor to reply to your telegram of to-day.

General Pillow was directed by me, under the plenary powers delegated to me by the President and not since revoked to move from his late position at New Madrid to Columbus, Ky., and in consequence of the armed position of the enemy, who had posted himself with cannon and entrenchments opposite Columbus, the general was forced to land at Hickman to avoid his cannon.

I regret that a movement so entirely acceptable to the people of Kentucky or at least this portion of Kentucky, and so essential to the security of Western Tennessee, does not permit me, in the exercise of the above authority, to concur with your views. I had never received official information that the President and yourself had determined upon any particular course in reference to the State of Kentucky.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure F.]

RICHMOND, September 4, 1861

General POLK, Memphis, Tenn.:

News has reached here that General Pillow has landed his troops at Hickman, Ky., Order their prompt withdrawal from Kentucky.

L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War.