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

In considering the future movements of my command, we must not lose sight of the fact that the Rockcastle River is liable at any time now to present an impassable barrier between us and cut off my means of procuring subsistence, first by freshest, and next by ice. We cannot subsist from the adjutant country.

I experience much annoyance from the citizens of the country, each pressing his views, prompted in most cases by his individual interest. It is evident that public sentiment in this locality is divided, and that we have many enemies amongst and around us who are friends for the moment from self-interest, but who would not fail to turn their hands against us should an opportunity offer, while I am afraid that the number of this latter class will be augmented by our non-payment policy as at present pursued.

The rainy weather has rendered our camp most uncomfortable. Our men are nevertheless in good spirits.

I am somewhat at a loss as regards the position of General Carter, who claims a kind of command of the Tennessee brigade. Although no inconvenience has so far arisen from this claim, it is certainly liable to produce clashing at any moment. Please advise me in the matter.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. SCHOEPF, Brigadier-General.

P. S.- I have just received reliable information that the enemy has withdrawn to a point beyond Cumberland Ford, two of his regiments having been disbanded and returned home in consequence of expiration of service.

LOUISVILLE, November 4, 1861.

HonorableSIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War, Washington:

DEAR SIR: You must know that we in Kentucky are anxious about the condition of the State. The Confederate have possession of the seven counties west of the Tennessee River, with the exception of the town of Paducah. They have also possession of Bowling Green and the south bank of Green River for 50 miles, and are threatening Louisville. They have twice invaded the State immediately south of the counties of Clinton and Cumberland, and have a threatening army immediately within the boundary. They have also Zollicoffer at Barboursville and passes in the mountain gaps and river upon us. At Prestonburg they have an assembled army of rebels from 3,000 to 6,000 strong, and a sprinkling of disunion men in most of the counties of the State.

We suppose that General McClellan has more than 200,000 men in Virginia and about Washington, and that Fremont has more than 70,000 men in Missouri, whilst General Sherman, in command of the central army in Kentucky, is not able to concentrate much more than 15,000 men, and all these are raw, undisciplined troops. We want more trained men, and we want disciplined men for this important army. We know that the Indiana and Ohio troops wish to serve in Kentucky, and we suppose General Reynolds' troops are the next best thing to regulars. We should hope, if they are not wanted in Virginia, that you will be able to send them to General Sherman forthwith. Kentucky, in thirty days, will have the field her full quota of the 500,000