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

CAMP WILDCAT, October 25, 1861.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS:

GENERAL: Your aid arrived in time to save us from a certain defeat (what others may say to contrary notwithstanding). It is not necessary for me to say one word about the fight, for you have no doubt been fully posted. Though don't be deceived as to the number killed by us; my impression is that we did not kill to exceed 16 and wounded some 30 or 40. Many say we lost a great victory by not pursuing the enemy. It is true, if we had have known as much then as now we might have done wonders. But we expected an attack the next morning and every one was sleeping on their arms, and we never knew the enemy had left camp until near 8 o'clock. We have a great may here who know precisely how to manage affairs when the enemy is out of hearing, but would be as much at a loss to do so in a fight as I would be.

The teams you ordered turned over to me have for some cause been retained. I have but one team in my regiment. I have detailed Lieutenant-Colonel Ridgell to go to your camp for the purpose of getting some teams for my regiment; also to remain until he can procure clothing for the soldiers. I do not attach blame to any one, but my men are actually suffering.

Yours, very respectfully,

T. T. GARRARD, Colonel Third Kentucky Regiment Volunteers.

P. S.- When I get my train I would like to get permission to move near London, as I would like to be with the family a short time, and I do not want to leave the regiment. I could send for my family to come to London. General Schoepf no doubt would let me go if I was to make the request, unless it was against you wish.

T. T. GARRARD.

CAMP WILDCAT, October 25, 1861.

General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding, &c., Camp Dick Robinson:

GENERAL: Yours per express of 24th received. Inclosed is a list of killed and wounded [October 21].*

The First Kentucky will, in compliance with your orders, fall back to-day to Crab Orchard.

The Seventeenth Ohio (Connell) and Fourteenth Ohio (Steedman) will move out in the direction of London to-day a few miles, where they will encamp and await further orders.

I would respectfully request that I be furnished with two companies of Kentucky cavalry for special service. I need them much. Let Major Helveti command and Captain Dillion be one of the detailed.

Inclosed is a requisition for medicine and hospital stores, which I need very much.

It would be prudent for the cavalry detachment asked for to bring with them as much corn as they can find transportation for, that being a scarce article in this neighborhood.

Respectfully, yours, A. SCHOEPF, Brigadier-General.

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*See p. 206.

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