CHAP.XII.] ADVANCE OF CONFEDERATES INTO KENTUCKY, ETC.
KNOXVILLE, September 14, 1861
His Excellency Governor MAGOFFIN, Frankfort, Ky.:
SIR: The safety of Tennessee requiring it, I have occupied the mountain passes at Cumberland Ford and the Three Log Mountains, in Kentucky. For weeks I have known that the Federal commander at Hoskins' Cross-Roads was threatening the invasion of East Tennessee and ruthlessly urging our people to destroy their own railroad bridges, I postponed this precautionary measure until the despotic Government at Washington, refusing to recognize the neutrality of Kentucky, had established formidable camps in the central and other parts of the State, with a view first to subjugate our gallant sister and then ourselves. Tennessee feels and has ever felt, towards Kentucky as a twin sister. Their people are as one people, in kindred, sympathy, valor, and patriotism. We have felt, and still feel a religious respect for Kentucky neutrality. We will respect it as long as our safety will permit. If the Federal forces will now withdraw from their menacing position, the forces under my command shall instantly be withdrawn.
Very respectfully,
F.K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.
Last night General Cooper telegraphed me in reference to my suggestion of the 10th, that, after strengthening the mountain passes, "we will be ready to make a forward movement," as follows:
The military considerations clearly indicate the forward movement which you propose. The political condition of Kentucky affects the determination of the question. Of that you are better informed than ourselves; and as you are supposed to have conferred with General A.S. Johnston, the matter is left to your discretion.
There are probably by this time four regiments at Cumberland Ford, and a fifth at the Gap, 15 miles this side. A sixth will probably be moved up by the 21st or 22nd; and if the state of things inn Greene County, where there has been some excitement, is such as I suppose, I am not able yet to indicate within what time proper defenses in the mountain passes can be completed, but every effort will be made to push the work forward vigorously. I hope to go there to-morrow. Would have gone earlier, but have been detained by pressing necessities here. I meant to say to General Cooper that we would be ready to make a forward movement, should it be deemed advisable.
I find myself at a loss, under present condition of things, how to obtain reliable information of the strength and movements of the enemy. I will endeavor to place before you promptly information I may receive and all circumstances enabling you to understand our condition. I inclose the most perfect report we are now able to make of the various corps, scattered as they now are at distant posts.*
Very respectfully,
F.K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General
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*Not found.
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