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

I must therefore request that you push your efforts to raise and organize as many men as you can in the neighborhood of Columbia for the service and to abide events.

Truly, yours,

W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

CAMP NEVIN, KY., November 5, 1861.

General W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of Cumberland:

GENERAL: The subject of contraband negroes is one that is looked to by the citizens of Kentucky of vital importance. Ten have come into my camp within as many hours, and from what they say there will be a general stampede of slaves from the other side of Green River. They have already become a source of annoyance to me, and I have great reason to believe that this annoyance will increase the longer we stay. They state the reasons of their running away their masters are rank secessionists, in some cases are in the rebel army, and that slaves of Union men are pressed into service to drive teams, &c.

I would respectfully suggest that if they be allowed to remain here our cause in Kentucky may be injured. I have no faith in Kentucky's loyalty, therefore have no great desire to protect her pet institution, slavery. As a matter of policy, how would it do for me to send for their masters and deliver the negroes to them on the outside of our lines, or send them to the other side of Green River and deliver them up? What effect would it have on our cause south of the river? I am satisfied they bolster themselves up by making the uninformed believe that this is a war upon African slavery. I merely make these suggestions, for I am very far from wishing these recreant masters in possession of any of their property, for I think slaves no better than horses in that respect.

I have put the negroes to work. They will be handy with teams and generally useful. I consider the subject embarrassing, and must defer to your better judgment.

The ammunition we have for our guns is not serviceable. I have been trying it to-day. The powder is old; lost its strength by exposure and frequent transportation. The fuses in the spherical case are not made properly or else the graduation is very imperfect. You have been telegraphed to on the subject.

All quiet below. Miller came back from Green River to-day. He states that he has it from reliable sources that there never has been more than 8,000 armed infantry in all of Buckner's army. They have without doubt pressed the wagons into service. Where the are going time will determine. The negroes that came to me to-day state that their masters had notified them to be ready to go South with them on Monday morning, and they left Sunday night.

My command is improving each day, and you need have no fears for us. I will be timely apprised of their movements, and will move to please you. Bear in mind also that they cannot insult a force of 12,000 with impunity, particularly when my movements can be more rapid than theirs.

Please send the First Ohio to me at your earliest convenience, and very much oblige your obedient servant,

A. McD. McCOOK, Brigadier-General.

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