OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.

manage the affairs rather more successfully than it proceeds at present. I have at least some experience in raising an army. The utter confusion in which affairs are in this section impels me to call attention to it.

Very respectfully,

W. NELSON, Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON, Garrard County, Kentucky, October 4, 1861.

General ROBERT ANDERSON, Commanding department of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky.:

GENERAL: I have been informed to-day privately, and I do not know that it is true, that 25,000 men will be sent to Kentucky within ten days to meet any movements on the part of the rebels against Kentucky. Should it be so, I have to ask that four of the best regiments, with two batteries, may be sent to me, supplied with transportation and ammunition. I believe if I could get such a force here, and be ready to march in ten days from this time, that I could seize on the railroad at Knoxville and cut off all communication between Memphis and Virginia.

The information I receive at this time from Tennessee is, that there are now but few troops in East Tennessee, but that it is the intention of the rebels to concentrate a large force there to act against Kentucky, and that they intend to invade this State and winter here if they can I told General Scott, when in Washington, that I believe they would attempt the occupation of Kentucky, but fear I failed to impress upon his mind that it would be an important move on their part, and that we ought to be on the lookout lest they get ahead again. The regiments I am receiving are saw, and as little prepared for a daring enterprise as those I found at camp Dick Robinson, besides which there is but one regiment among them supplied with means of transportation.

Zollicoffer has retired again, but I have a strong force in Rockcastle Hills, prepared to prevent any advance he may make. Two efficient batteries and four good regiments is all the additional force I want.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON, October 4, 1861.

Brigadier General O. M. MITCHELL, Commanding Department of Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio:

GENERAL: Affairs in this quarter are looking much better. The six regiments you have sent me are sufficient, unless the Southern force now in Virginia fall upon Kentucky. Should any movement of this kind be made I will give you timely notice of it.

My greatest want now is means of transportation.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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