CHAP.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.- UNION.
I hope to be sufficiently re-enforced by night to proceed with the work of blockading.
While I cannot except to hold for any length of time the Home Guards from the counties to hold for any length of time the Home Guards from the counties of Casey and Lincoln, yet it is due them to mention the heroic conduct of Colonel Barnes, as also the men under his command. When the alarm was given by the driving in of the pickets, at the command they came to position like veteran soldiers, and promptly obeyed every order.
If it is desired, under the circumstances, that our position should be held, I will await your orders. If we should be compelled to abandon it, had I not best order the destruction of the mills at this place, as they would be all-important to the permanent occupancy of the place by the Confederate troops?
If it should be ordered to hold the position, please send forward Lieutenant-Colonel Howard, with all the forces under his command, and other forces, numbering, in all, say, 800 men.
Major Brents is here, by order of Colonel Wolford, and has proven himself a most active and efficient officer, and one whose services I shall need at least until the camp can be properly organized. he desires to know whether it will meet you approbation for him to remain for that time.
I shall also ask the aid of Captain Morrison, with his command, as they are familiar with the country, and the number of roads leading into this place requires a strong picket force.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. A. HOSKINS, Commanding Post.
CAMP WILDCAT, October 1, 1861.
General THOMAS:
DEAR SIR: The enemy, in full retreat, are by this time in Barboursville. I am starting my men by squads to Camp Dick Robinson, and will be there myself day after to-morrow, or as quick thereafter as I can, unless I receive different orders from you.
FRANK WOLFORD.
GENERAL ORDERS,} HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Numbers 17. } Paducah, Ky., October 1, 1861.
The following proclamation of the governor of Kentucky, and resolutions and enactments passed by the legislature of the same at its present session, are commended to the careful consideration of the people of the western part of the State, viz:
PROCLAMATION.
In obedience to the subjoined resolution, adopted by the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Government of the Confederate States, the State of Tennessee, and all others concerned, are hereby informed that "Kentucky excepts the Confederate or Tennessee troops to be withdrawn from her soil unconditionally." In testimony whereof I have here into set my name and caused the seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed. Done at Frankfort, this the 13th day of September, A. D. 1861, and in the seventieth year of the Commonwealth.
[L. S.] B. MAGOFFIN.
By the Governor: THOS. B. MONROE, Jr., Secretary of State.
