CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.

his arrival in that county, hearing of an invasion of Alabamy by the rebels, he assembled together a party, consisting of some of his recruits, the Home Guards of the adjoining counties, and a company of Colonel Wolford's cavalry, which I had sent down, pursued the enemy to Travisville, surprised their camp, and dispersed them, killing 4 and making some captures of horses and other property. I will send a copy of his report by next mail.*

If the general approves of my plan (submitted a few days since) of forming encampments as Somerset, Burkesville, Columbia, and Greensburg, I think that of Kentucky will soon be relieved.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON, October 1, 1861.

Brigadier General O. M. Mitchel, Commanding Department of the Ohio:

GENERAL: Your communication of the 30th ultimo was received this afternoon, and I take this occasion to express my thanks for the promptness with which you have responded to my call. Our means of transportation is now so limited, that I will respectfully suggest that all the wagons that can be sent with these regiments be forwarded, to facilitate any forward movement which I may find it in my power to make.

If you could send a column of about four regiments up the Big Sandy and move it south through the counties of Floyd, Letcher, and Harlan, in co-operation with my advance by Barboursville, I believe that we might easily seize the railroad and cut off all communication between Virginia and the South through Tennessee before the enemy will have time to re-enforce Zollicoffer sufficiently to prevent it.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

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

OCTOBER 1, 1861.

General GEORGE. THOMAS, U. S. A., Commanding Camp Robinson, &c.:

GENERAL: I sent your letter to Colonel Landram from Mount Vernon this morning, and wrote him a note requesting him to take possession of the Big Rockcastle Ford and a hill on the south side of the river bank, as well as to close the road [at] the fords. I also requested him to employ men to destroy the McKee road without delay.

from all I can learn, the rebels have retreated some distance south of London. I presume they have fallen back only temporarily.

O fear that the Home Guards will not do much towards defending Big Hill, from the sample they gave near London. Organized troops are needed there.

The impression seems to be that the rebels will take the Madison road or go by McKee's.

I find the cavalry are returning to Camp Robinson, but if I can get enough at Camp Wildcat I shall send them to the Big Hill.

Excuse this; I write on horseback.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. P. CARTER.

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* See p. 203.

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