OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE. [CHAP. XII.

doubt (Marine Hospital) to the bridge over Island Creek. The redoubt around the Marine Hospital, intended for a garrison of 1,000 men, in a great state of forwardness, with an 8-inch columbiad in position, is intended as the main defense should the principal part of this force be withdraw, in which case all the outworks must be abandoned. The number and position of the enemy is to some extent conjectured, but may be stated approximately as follows: At Columbus and its immediate vicinity, 10,000, General Pillow in command of the post; on the opposite shore, 2,000. The whole force in and around Columbus commanded by General Polk. At Feliciana (Camp Beauregard), south of Mayfield, towards the State line, is a battery of artillery, three companies of cavalry, and four regiments of infantry; in all probably 2,500 men, who are in a very sickly condition, the measles prevailing to a great extent and many deaths daily. At Trenton, on the State line, or a little south of it, a camp of instruction in being formed. At Memphis is a camp of instruction, under the State authorities, or, say, 3,000 men. Generals A. S. Johnston and Hardee are at Bowling Green. The force there is 40,000. This I was assured of yesterday by a Northern gentleman who recently left there. The enemy can concentrate probably 30,000 troops at Columbus in a very short time, they controlling the railways from Louisville and Columbus to Memphis.

I inclose a copy of the last order received by me within a few days from General Fremont. In the execution of these orders one-half this force will move to-day to make a demonstration on Columbus. In connection with this see also General Grant's letter and telegram of this date inclosed. I inclose herewith a field return of the troops at this post and its dependencies.* The sick list is large, as will be perceived, but the medical director considers the general health improving. The men have plenty of food and are well clad. They are tolerably well instructed and the discipline is reasonably good. We have some wants which I will specify more at my leisure. It would aid the administration of justice if I had the authority the appoint general courts-martial. This I can only do by this force being considered an army in the field, always, of course, subordinate to the commander of the department.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Louisville, Ky., November 6, 1861.

General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General:

SIR: General McClellan telegraphs me to report to him daily the situation of affairs here.

The country is so large that it is impossible to give clear and definite views. Our enemies have a terrible advantage in the fact that in our midst, in our camps, and along our avenues of travel they have active partisans, farmers and business men, who seemingly pursue their usual calling, but are can procure information by circuitous and unreliable means. I inclose you the copy of an intercepted letter, which is but the type of others.+ Many men from every part of the State are

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*No inclosures found. For Fremont's order of November 1, see p. 300, Vol. III, of this series.

+Not found.

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