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

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON, October 28, 1861.

Brigadier General W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of Cumberland, Louisville, Ky.:

GENERAL: I have just returned from the Rockcastle Hills. Our troops have a decided victory, repulsing the enemy upon very nearly equal terms, and feel very much elated and are anxious for an advance.

We are informed that Zollicoffer has retired to his old position behind the Cumberland, and intends to make a stand there. I am very sorry that we are not in a condition to march upon him at once, as I believe he could now be easily driven out of Kentucky; but the men have no clothing, and we are scarce of forage. The road, too, is very long-in fact, too long to transport supplies during the coming winter, unless I have funds in hand to pay the necessary expenses as we proceed. I have advanced the troops from Rockcastle Hills to the point where the road forks to Richmond. That position commands the road leading to this place also. I have established a depot at Crab Orchard, and have made arrangements to have all our supplies hauled direct from Nicholasville to that place; but as we shall have the greatest difficulty in getting supplies over the road through the Rockcastle Hills, which are exceedingly precipitous and boggy in the winter season, I think it would be best to change the route of supply entirely, establishing a shipping depot at Lexington, and transport goods over the road through Richmond to London. That road is reported as being practicable all winter. If we remain where the troops are now encamped, it will be necessary to get forage from the neighborhood of Richmond, and the constant travel over that road I fear will make it impracticable before spring.

To advance into Tennessee, I ought to have four more regiments from some other State than Kentucky to follow after us as a reserve, and money in the hands of the quartermaster and commissary to defray necessary expenses. By taking in a train along with the army two months' supply of sugar, coffee, and other small stores, I think we can get on without any very serious difficulties.

With the exception of Sharp's rifle ammunition, we have an abundant supply now. I would be obliged if you would send me 50 boxes as soon as possible, with the requisite supply of percussion caps.

If you approve of my advance, let me know as soon as possible. I shall move in a day or two to Crab Orchard.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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

CAMP DICK ROBINSON, October 28, 1861.

Brigadier General W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky.:

GENERAL: My reason for advancing beyond the Rockcastle Hills was the impossibility of remaining in that inhospitable place any longer. Animals could not be foraged except by sending from 12 to 14 miles. I have therefore sent all the troops who reached the Hills forward to within 3 miles of London, at the point where the Cumberland Gap road forks to go to Richmond and to come to this point.

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