OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

on this than ordinary imagine. The mountain people are peculiar, and I know them.

Hoping that these hasty views will be regarded in the proper light, and made in the utmost good faith and respect, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

SIDNEY M. BARNES.

CAMP ROBERT ANDERSON, September 23, 1861.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

I send this evening, under escort of the Jessamine Home Guards, three caissons to Nicholasville. Upon the 11 o'clock train to-morrow I will forward to Nicholasville, under escort of one company, 82 boxes musket cartridges, 20 boxes minie cartridges, and 50 kegs rifle powder. Should anything else come this evening I will forward it.

I have no further news or rumors. I can but think that the movements of the secessionists are from fright and not for battle, yet many very prudent and wise men differ with me, who think we shall be assailed here soon - this week. Such is the opinion of Dr. R. J. Breckinridge, with whom I have held council. Your superior military judgment must determine what course to pursue. I can move in one hour, if required, but am of opinion that this post ought to be held as a rallying point for Home Guards and place for organizing other troops, besides giving protection to such goods as may be shipped to Camp Robinson.

Respectfully,

THO. E. BRAMLETTE.

CAMP ROBERT ANDERSON, September 23, 1861.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

I have just learned from a reliable man, who gets it through rebel relations now engaged in the movement, that the activity of the secessionists is to embody a larger force than we have, they think 3,000, and attack this camp this week. There is an unusual stir in all the adjacent counties, either for preparation or from fright. If we had a few experienced artillerists and some grape and shrapnel, &c., I will hold the place while a man lives to fight; but I need some cavalry for pickets and scouts. The inertness of the Union men, their sensationalism, their utter backwardness in rushing to the call of our country is annoying.

This would be a good point for your headquarters, the communications being rapid, the means of transportation being better than your present position.

To fall back from this place now would give encouragement to the traitors; they have scampered, but would soon return if we leave; they doubtless would return with force enough, in such event, to rob the banks, for they need money. I think it probable, if they can embody sufficient force to give them confidence, they may make the attempt; but I doubt their ability to do so. It will do no harm, however, to be ready for the emergency, whatever may come.

If I had sufficient cavalry to scout the country for some distance around some valuable discoveries might perhaps be made as to the movements of the traitors. As I wrote you last night, Breckinridge and