OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP.XII.
in carrying them out. The Secretary of War will arrange a meeting with you in a few days.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.
[Inclosure.]
CINCINNATI, OHIO, October 10, 1861.
Brigadier General O. M. MITCHELL, Commanding Department of the Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio:
GENERAL: By direction of the Secretary of War you are hereby assigned to duty in the Department of the Cumberland, and will repair to Camp Dick Robinson, and there prepare the troops for an outward movement, the object being to take possession of Cumberland Ford and Cumberland Gap, and ultimately seize the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad and attack and drive the rebels from that region of country. You will report your instructions to Brigadier-General Sherman, in command of this department, and be government by such further orders as he may give.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.
LOUISVILLE, KY., October 10, 1861.
President LINCOLN:
My own belief is that the Confederates will make a more desperate effort to gain Kentucky than they have for Missouri. The force now here or expected is entirely inadequate. The Kentuckians, instead of assisting, call from every quarter for protection against local secessionists. I named T. J. Wood at Governor Morton's instance, because he is a Kentuckian, and has been mustering officer at Indianapolis. he should have a brigade of Indiana volunteers. Colonel R. W. Johnson is now with Colonel Jackson's cavalry regiment, in process of formation at Owensborough. Both have good reputations in Regular Army. McCook has not arrived. All the men in Indiana and Ohio are ready to come to Kentucky, but they have no arms, and we cannot supply them arms, clothing, or anything. Answer.
W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General.
CAMP WILDCAT, October 10, 1861.
General GEORGE H. THOMAS:
The point called Laurel Hill I am unable to say anything definite. When I wrote you some days ago I was of the opinion that the hill known as Laurel Hill was beyond Little Rockcastle, and not more than 3 miles from this camp; but now I am induced to believe the hill is beyond Big Creek; if so, I cannot say anything definite about it.
There is a bridge over Big Laurel, though the stream is not 50 feet wide. There is no ford for several miles either above or below, as I am told by citizens, except near the bridge.
The country on the opposite [side] of the creel from this is level for some 300 yards; then the road forks, one by Barboursville, the other by Payne's Cross-Roads, and unite 8 miles beyond Barboursville, near the
