OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP. XII.

HEADQUARTERS, Crab Orchard, November 5, 1861.

Brigadier General W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Cumberland, Louisville, Ky.: GENERAL: I received this morning your two communications of the 31st ultimo and 1st instant.

General Shoepf writes me, under date of the 3rd instant, that he has just received reliable information that the enemy had withdrawn to a point beyond Cumberland Ford, two of his regiments having been disbanded and returned home, in consequence of expiration of service. Colonel Bramlette writes me from Somerset that the forces of the enemy southwest of Somerset had also retired, but he could not yet tell but that they might attempt a flank movement on his position near Somerset from Burkesville. He is prepared for him, however, and can meet them in a very strong position and drive them back. He further reports that there is no possible chance for them to attack him in front successfully.

I inclose copies of two communications I have just received from Mr. William B. Carter, the brother of Lieutenant Carter, U. S. Navy.* If we could possibly get the arms and the four regiments of disciplined and reliable men, we could seize the railroad yet. Cannot General McClellan be induced to send me the regiments? He can spare them easily, I should think.

* * * * *

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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

HEADQUARTERS FIRST KENTUCKY BRIGADE, Crab Orchard, November 5, 1861.

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

GENERAL: * * * I have ordered five companies to work the road from here to Rockcastle River, to enable our wagons to reach London with tolerable loads. The officer I sent to examine the Richmond and London road has returned, and reports the road good and practicable all winter. It is nearer from Lexington to London than from Nicholasville to London, besides being a much better road. Transportation for any amount can be hired at all times either in Lexington or along the road. A depot at Lexington could therefore easily supply London. The troops at Somerset, Columbia, and Burkesville could easily be supplied from a depot at Lebanon, and thus obviate the necessity of guarding the bridge over Kentucky River. I have ascertained certainly that it is nearer from Lebanon to Somerset than from Nicholasville to Somerset. The road is equally as good, if not better, and there are no bridges to guard. Ample transportation can also be hired between Lebanon and Somerset. Supplies may also be forwarded from Lexington to Somerset through Nicholasville, if necessary, after a depot is established at Lebanon, without any risk, as our enemies, seeing we have a sure means of transportation through Lebanon, would abandon the idea of burning the bridge over the Kentucky River, as the destruction would be more inconvenient to them than to us. Therefore with two depots we shall have three sources of supply. This place can then

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*Of October 22 and 27. See pp. 317, 320.

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