CHAP.XII.] ACTION AT ROCKCASTLE HILLS, KY., ETC.

I send you herewith copies of orders issued since I assumed command, as also a map of roads, &c., which will enable you the better to comprehend our position.

I am apprehensive that the attack on their camp to-day may provoke the enemy to hasten their movements on us; anticipating which, I have called for re-enforcements from this and the neighboring counties. From the most reliable information obtained, they have 1,180 men, distributed in the following order: At Camp Bledsoe, 80 cavalry; Good Pastures, 200; and 900 at camp beyond Monroe; all of whom I learn are but poorly armed, with no artillery.

You shall hear from me again in a few days. I hope you will pardon my hasty and informal report, as it is my first experiment.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. A. HOSKINS.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS.

OCTOBER 21, 1861.-Action at Rockcastle Hills, or Camp Wildcat, Ky.

REPORTS, ETC.

Numbers 1.-Brigadier General George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.

Numbers 2.-Brigadier General A. Schoepf, U. S. Army.

Numbers 3.-Colonel John Coburn, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry.

Numbers 4.-General A. S. Johnston, C. S. Army.

Numbers 5.-Brigadier General F. K. Zollicoffer, C. S. Army, including operations October 16-26, with correspondence.

Numbers 6.-Colonel T. W. Newman, Seventeenth Tennessee Infantry.

Numbers 1. Reports of Brigadier General George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON, October 22, 1861-4 a. m.

GENERAL: I have just received a dispatch from General Schoepf, at the Rockcastle Hills. He writes that the enemy attacked the camp with 6,000 infantry and 1,500 cavalry, and were repulsed and driven back, as he says, behind their entrancements. He reports 4 of our men killed and 20 wounded. Among the latter was Captain Hauser, Thirty-third Indiana, who rejoined his regiment after the amputation of his finger.

General Schoepf regards the position as secure. I am sending for ward provisions and ammunition in addition to the supply taken by the troops. I through it more advisable, in the present confused state of the quartermaster's department here, to remain at this post myself, sending forward Generals Schoepf and Carter, who are on the ground with 5,000 men. As soon as I can arrange matters here I will go forward myself.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols., Commanding.

Brigadier General W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Dep't of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky.