OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

the Ohio River open and to dislodge the rebels supposed to have been in possession of that place, I proceeded to Paducah, on the morning of the 23rd, in the steamer Bee, before the gunboat Lexington, Commander Stembel, was ready to leave Cairo, for the purpose of calling on General Smith, and having the gunboat Conestoga, Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, ready, on the arrival of the Lexington, to accompany me up the river. On arriving at Paducah, I ascertained from General Smith that the Conestoga had gone on a short cruise. Consequently, on the arrival of the Lexington, I immediately proceeded with her alone up the river, taking with us the steamer Bee, as the water was low and the river falling, that we might have the means, if grounding, of getting afloat more readily. I also sent the Bee up the Cumberland River 15 miles, in a vain search for the Conestoga. After grounding twice, at 1 o'clock on the morning of the 24th instant we were compelled to anchor and lie over till 8 a. m., when, in company with the Bee and she towing us, we proceeded up the river to Evansville, from whence I telegraphed you at 11 p. m. This morning (25th) we reached Owensborough; found no batteries, but were boarded by Colonel McHenry, who, with Colonel Hawkins, had each a skeleton Kentucky regiment, which had arrived the morning provisions. I sent for the authorities of the place and directed them to prevent the display of possession flags. A strong disunion sentiment is manifest in the place, but no disrespect was offered me, although I have been much among the people, but I directed Commander Stembel to hold as little communication with the shore as practicable. the colonels, with their force, as previously designed, left the town during the day, although I strongly importuned them to remain, as I did the Cincinnati company, but they declined on the ground of not being properly equipped nor having been mustered into the service. Under these circumstances, and the water requiring the Lexington soon to leave, I went down to Evansville, in the steamer Bee, and telegraphed to governor Morton, at Vincennes, Ind., asking for 500 men for Owensborough. If I get no reply, I purpose telegraphing General Anderson at Louisville for the same number. On returning to Owensborough in the evening I again communicated with the shore; after which, and giving my orders to Commander Stembel to remain till the low water required him to leave in order to reach Cairo safely, I ran down to Evansville, meeting and boarding the Conestoga en route, and giving her instructions, and here have telegraphed to General Anderson for 500 men to be sent to Owensborough.

Having done all in my power in this quarter, and the preparations of the gunboats in Saint Louis demanding my immediate attention, I leave for that place 10 a. m. to-morrow, and tract that I may personally communicate with you in the vending.

In haste, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. H. FOOTE, Captain.

CAMP ROBERT ANDERSON, September 25, 1861.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

I went to Frankfort. The enemy came not. I am now back and ready for action.

The measles is still amongst my troops; there are 70 just recovering and just taking measles now on the sick list.

H. Marshall took fright and moved his forces, about 500, from near the Franklin line, in Owen, to Caney Creek, near the Scott line; they