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

CAMP WILDCAT, October 5, 1861.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

About two hours after the messenger left this morning I learned the rebels were in London. In a short time I ordered Major Cardwell, with 200 soldiers, to take a position about 3 miles from camp, on a hill beyond Little Rockcastle, &c. I would have written you immediately, but I was not satisfied as to reliableness of the statement. A gentleman has just arrived, but he did not see a rebel; but there is no doubt but that some 9 cavalry were in london this morning, and they morning, and they reported a force of 600 a short distance off. It may possibly be a plundering party.

I would not write you, i think it better to keep you posted with their movements.

I would like very much to have some cavalry here. We have no doubt about sustaining our position.

I send this by Mr. Pitzer, of Barboursville. He will return to camp with any dispatch you may desire to send.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. T. GARRARD, Colonel Third Regiment Volunteers.

LOUISVILLE, KY., October 7, 1861.

To ECKERT:

Returned from Muldraugh's Hill Saturday evening. W. T. Sherman says his force is only 4,000 raw troops. Kentuckians are not enlisting, and give no aid whatever. If he is expected to make any diversion or offensive movements he must have large re-enforcements. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad has but eighty cars all told, and not reliable for military transportation. All Federal troops recently arrived in Kentucky have been sent to General Thomas. The enemy's main force is in front of W. T. Sherman, but no indications of an intended advance.

ANSON STAGER.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Louisville, Ky., October 7, 1861.

General THOMAS:

DEAR SIR: Your communication of 4th instant is now before me. I have no information as to the movement of troops to Kentucky suggested by you. Should such, however, turn out to be the case, I will grant the request you make.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ANDERSON, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Cincinnati, October 7, 1861.

Brigadier-General THOMAS: Commanding Camp Dick Robinson:

SIR: Your telegram of the 6th is received. At the earnest solicitation of Brigadier-General Nelson I have ordered the Second Ohio Regiment,