CHAP.XII.] ADVANCE OF CONFEDERATES INTO KENTUCKY, ETC.

I regard the movement as unfortunate; calculated to injure our cause in the State. Unless absolutely necessary there, would it not be well to order their immediate withdrawal?

ISHAM G. HARRIS.

RICHMOND, September 5, 1861

Governor HARRIS, Nashville, Tenn.:

General Polk has been ordered to direct the prompt withdrawal of the forces under General Pillow from Kentucky. The movement was wholly unauthorized and you will so inform Governor Magoffin.

L.P. WALKER.

COLUMBUS, KY., September 13, 1861

President DAVIS:

The following dispatch just received:

FRANKFORT, KY., September 12, 1861

The senate concurred in house resolution requiring governor of Kentucky to issue proclamation ordering off Confederate troops.

L.POLK,.

RICHMOND, September 133, 1861

Major General LEONIDAS POLK, Columbus, Ky.:

I desire to treat Kentucky with all possible respect. Your occupation of Columbus being necessary as a defensible measure, will of course be limited by the existence of such necessity. General A.S. Johnston is en route to join you.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

NASHVILLE, September 13, 1861

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General C.S.A.:

After consultation with the Tennessee commissioners to Frankfort,and with prominent citizens of Kentucky, I unhesitatingly advise that the movement of General Zollicoffer be stopped at the State line. The commissioners urge the withdrawal of General Polk's force. Politically it would be a positive gain. The commissioners believe if General Polk should withdraw that the Federals would also withdraw. I think differently; but, even if it were otherwise, they say our doings in the State would more than compensate for the loss even of numbers. If a withdrawal is authorized, I can rally thousands of neutrality Union men to expel the Federals. I advise that General Johnston be ordered here at once, with discretionary authority to withdraw. Immediate action is necessary. Any delay in withdrawal necessitates energetic forward movements, for which there is not adequate preparation. Our possession of Columbus is already neutralized by that of Paducah. I regard a prompt withdrawal the only chance to unite the State. Simultaneously with withdrawal of Confederates I will issue call on all citizens