CHAP. XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
way of Prestonburg and West Liberty. I have given General Nelson all the force disposable to meet that danger, viz, three regiments of Ohio troops. His proper base is Paris, Ky., and he will draw his supplies from Cincinnati.
Your force is distributed from the Kentucky River to the Rockcastle Hills. I understands the pass through these hills is now menaced by General Zollicoffer from Cumberland Ford; that Colonel Garrard is defending the pass with his Kentucky regiment, and that Colonels Connell and Coburn are in support.
The distance is too far from you, and either those regiments must fall back on you or you advance to their support. The latter is the better plan, and you will move forward with all of your command that is prepared to move to some point at Crab Orchard or Mount Vernon, and either recall the troops in advance to you or sustain the advance in or near the Rockcastle River. The details must be left in a great measure to yourself; only keep your forces as well together as possible, and do the best you can.
Colonels Bruce and Dudley, at Lexington, are instructed to guard Lexington and the railroad as far as Nicholasville.
You had better leave the sick and such as you determine to leave behind either here to camp or back near the bridge over the Kentucky River. I have also instructed General Mitchel, at Cincinnati, if possible, to gather another Ohio Regiment at Paris, and to guard the railroad back to the Ohio River.
The critical condition of affairs at Louisville recalls me to those headquarters.
W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General.
CAMP WILDCAT, October 19, 1861.
General GEORGE H. THOMAS:
On yesterday the rebel cavalry advanced as far as 1 mile this side of the forks of the road; there they had a skirmish with a squad of cavalry of ours. I only know what the cavalry men report. They say they killed one of the rebels-they got a clever horse and his hat; Captain Smith has his hat. Bibb, of the cavalry, says he killed the person and brought the horse into camp. Four or 5 of our men are missing, though they man not be killed. Three of their horses followed into camp. Some of our men report that several of our men found their horses giving way, and jumped off and took to the brush. Up to this time I have heard no more from our men.
A messenger arrived here about midnight, and says the rebels had all withdrawn from this side of the forks of the roads. As the messenger passed the forks of the road, Mrs. Pitman told him the rebels said they had killed 1 of our men near there, and they ought to have him buried, though the messenger saw nothing of any dead body.
The infantry at 4 o'clock yesterday evening had not reached Laurel Bridge, but some 400 cavalry had been this side of London. The rebels say they have some 11,000 infantry, 600 cavalry. They have a large force, and were re-enforced the day before they left Flat Lick.
The river has been up, but will be fordable to-day or to-morrow. I have had all my commissary stores put on the other side of the river, and intend retreating unless I receive re-enforcements. They have men enough to come to this camp in every direction. I have had the road
