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

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Camp Buckner, October 26, 1861.

SIR: I have information that the enemy were nine regiments at Rockcastle Hills. They are thought to have large re-enforcements close at hand. The country is very poor generally between here and there, auricularly beyond London. I learn that some signs of trouble are again arising in East Tennessee, as the impression increases that the enemy is soon to advance in force. The new levies I learn come in slowly. Could General William R. Caswell, who recently resigned when the Tennessee regiments were transferred, have a commission it would greatly promote the public interest. He has been very efficient in advising me to dispose matters properly in East Tennessee since I have been in Kentucky. He is a true gentleman, of high courage, sound sense, exemplary habits, and of popularity worth much in the present condition of affairs in East Tennessee.

The Log Mountains, between here and Cumberland Gap, will soon, I learn, become almost impassable. The road is now very bad. There is reason to suppose the enemy may advance by way of Jamestown, 120 miles below there, instead of by this route. I have seven cavalry companies watching that route; no infantry or artillery, two regiments there having been ordered away by General Johnston. If I get news of their approach in that direction I will proceed as rapidity as possible to meet them, and have already collected some sock of commissary stores in that neighborhood.

Very respectfully,

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.

Adjt. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.

CAMP BUCKNER, October 26, 1861.

I have fallen back to this position. I am reliably informed that there were nine regiments of the enemy at Rockcastle Hills on the 21st. Uncertain news that they were to camp at Laurel Bridge last night. Think there is danger they may advance by Jamestown, 120 miles from here. I have seven cavalry companies there; no infantry or artillery, Stanton and Murray being removed. Colonel Churchwell, at the gap, reports three 8-inch howitzers in position, but that the ordnance stores sent with them are totally insufficient, the shells not filled, &c. I fear we have no powder to fill them. Two Parrott guns have reached Knoxville and are ordered on. We much need an ordnance and competent engineer officer.

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER, Brigadier-General.

Lieutenant-Colonel MACKALL.

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Camp Ten Mile, October 16, 1861.

General W. R. CASWELL, or Colonel W. B. Wood, Knoxville, Tenn.:

Being much embarrassed for want of transportation in some of the regiments and battalions, we made a march of only 10 miles to-day. Letters from Colonel Stanton and Major Bridgman, dated 11th and 12th, received this evening. They both think the enemy has retired from