OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP. XII.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Louisville, Ky., October 30, 1861.
General CRITTENDEN, Henderson, Ky.:
DEAR SIR: Yours of October 29* is received. Colonel Jackson was here and took such arms, &c., with him as we could spare. I am well informed of the army that is in front of me and aware of the danger.
I want you if possible to engage the attention of a part, and if possible to threaten Russellville.
Depend mostly on the resources of the country. Of course have lances made if you prefer and have not arms enough for your mounted men; the price is nothing. The account, sent me, shall be approved and paid.
I am, &c.,
W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
LOUISVILLE, KY., October 31, 1861.
HonorableTHOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I was out at Camp Nevin when Mr. Palmer called about the body guard of General Anderson now designated for me.
I merely desire to put it on record that such guards at this time are vain things. The fate of Kentucky, and it may be the Union, will be settled whilst those gentlemen are dwelling in security at Carlisle.
Yours, &c.,
W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Louisville, Ky., October 31, 1861.
General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Camp Dick Robinson, Ky.:
SIR: Yours of October 28 and 29 are just at hand, as I was over to Camp Nevin. I know that forces are pouring towards Kentucky, and they cannot come in large numbers through the Gap. They will pour towards the fertile regions from Nashville, the southwest, and Somerset. If you could watch the latter point and fall upon one of the parties that will come up from the direction of Somerset, you are in position to do so. I also apprehend that Buckner will detail a force of not over 3,000 towards Lexington from his main body, between Bowling Green and Munfordville, in hopes that we will cross Green River in detail in pursuit. Wolford's cavalry, and maybe Burbridge's regiment, could do good service in the direction of Burkesville, where a Tennessee force under Stanton is committing outrages.
A Colonel Haggard is now at Columbia with a regiment, and very anxious to drive off the party from the neighborhood. If you can detail them, Colonel Haggard assures me he will guarantee they can be subsisted in that quarter. There are some regiments in Ohio ready, and after consultation with Andrew Johnson I will probably send you one or more, but I do not believe this winter they will give us a chance to invade East Tennessee by the Gap. Winter is near at hand, and the roads will be almost impassable. I am apprehensive of your rear, but am assured the people are gaining in loyalty.
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*Not found.
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