OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

MOUNT VERNON, Monday Morning, September 23, 1861.

General THOMAS, U. S. A., Commanding Camp Robinson:

GENERAL: I have been detained here a short time to have horses shod, but shall leave in a few minutes for Rockcastle Hills, and then cross over to the London and Richmond road. I hope to employ men to-day to obstruct the London and Winding Blades roads.

I learn by a person who left London last night that the rebels had 400 cavalry at Laurel bridge, a point 6 miles south of former place. I hope to stay on the Big Hill to-night, unless we should be cut off by the enemy's pickets.

Will it not be well to dispatch a force without delay to occupy Big Hill, letting them march across the country from Lancaster and enter the Richmond road at Morris, 13 miles south of Richmond? I shall return by that way; meet and give them such information as i may gather. I hope the force for Rockcastle Hills will be hurried up.

If you desire it, 600 to 800 Home Guards may ne gathered on Rockcastle Hills at twenty-four hours' notice; at least, so I am advised here.

In haste, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. CARTER, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy (on special duty).

EIGHT MILES FROM LONDON, Monday Evening, September 23, 1861.

Brigadier General GEORGE H. THOMAS, U. S. A., &c.:

GENERAL: I have examined the roads thus far, and find that almost the entire way from Big Rockcastle to this point can be defended against a superior force. I have selected for the present a point 1 1/4 miles south of the river as the best position, all things considered, although but for the scarcity of water there may be other points which an experienced military man would prefer.

I have learned this afternoon that the rebels have evacuated Barboursville and returned to Cumberland Ford. They have not been near London. There seems to be no danger of an advance by them.

I shall now retrace my steps, and go over the Winding Blades road to the London and Richmond road.

In haste, respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. CARTER.

FRANKFORT, KY., September 23, 1861.

Colonel BRAMLETTE:

The capital is thought to be in danger. Send down to night 300 men immediately after the train gets in; they will stop in the depot. bring rations. Bring no cannon.

JOHN F. FISK, Speaker of Senate.

SEPTEMBER 24, 1861.

[General THOMAS?]:

DEAR GENERAL: Colonel Bramlette left here last night for Frankfort, and, as you will see from the inclosed dispatch, he apprehends more