CHAP. XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.
from Burkesville, though it is said they ravaged the country in their passage, giving off horses, cattle, and hogs. They also found a brother of Captain Frogg sick in bed, whom they murdered.
My boys are quite eager to meet the rebels in combat, and should any more troops move in that direction I could not, if I were disposed, prevent their joining in the march.
I have improved our position at this place by the erection of some rude breastworks along the face of the hill and parallel with the roads. I have also blockaded a number of roads to prevent a flank movement of the enemy. They, I learn, had determined to force a passage by this route with a view of forming a junction with Zollicoffer at Crab Orchard, not doubting but that he would reach that point. Their whole force at Travisville and Old Monroe from the best information will reach near 4,000, though all assert that they are but insufficiently and poorly armed. I have no learned that they certainly have any artillery.
Recruits are coming in rapidly the past few days, and I hope to have the minimum number by the 10th instant and a full regiment in a few weeks.
I hope soon to see matters sufficiently quieted in this section to allow me time to return and dispose of my old quartermaster's business. Most respectfully, your friend and obedient servant,
W. A. HOSKINS.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Louisville, Ky., November 5, 1861. (Received Nov. 7.)
Brigadier-General THOMAS, Crab Orchard:
SIR: Yours of November 3 is received. I had previously ordered money to be sent you for disbursement in all the departments, but you know the forms through which all such things must pass. I coincide with you that money should be disbursed liberally wherever our armies move, but my power is limited by law, and I am unable to overcome the obstacles. The commissary (Captain Sumonmds assures me that he pays promptly all certified accounts, and that he has sent to Captain Kniffin $4,000 for small bills, and inasmuch as rations are hauled to you he insists that but little money is needed. I take it hat, though your letter is indefinite on this point, the quartermaster is the one that needs money; Colonel Swords will send by Captain A. J. Mackay the sum of $20,000, and if in my power will continue to cause to be transmitted you more.
In the present aspect of affairs it is impossible to say how or where we shall winter. This will depend on our enemies. They will not allow us to choose. I have done all in my power to provide men and materials adequate to the importance of this crisis, but all things come disjointed-regiments without overcoats, or wagons, or horses, or those essentials to movements. McCook has a good body of men, but the force of the enemy far exceeds him, and the railroad on which the depends is in such a country that it requires large guards. All of these in case of attack would be terribly exposed. I can hardly sleep to think what would be your fate in case the Kentucky River Bridge is destroyed or the railroad to your rear, and I demanded again and again a force adequate to all these necessities-a very large force, beyond the ability of the State to furnish. Nelson and you ought simply to guard those avenues of approach to the interior; but from this point we should have made a bold forward movement, but I have never had a force anything approximating the magnitude of the occasion.
